Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has said that his predecessor performed very well by reaching all parts of the state with his development programmes , stating that his administration would not only consolidate on the legacies of Okowa administration but would earnestly strive to do more.
Oborevwori reassured Deltans that his government would be equitable in the distribution of infrastructural projects and political appointments across the state.
The governor made the remarks at a public presentation, in Asaba, of a book on Dr Ifeanyi Okowa’s stewardship as Delta State governor from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023, titled, “Hope and Fulfilment” in Asaba.
“All parts of the state would be adequately carried along in his M.O.R.E Agenda for Deltans, he said, noting that promotion of peace and unity through the policicy of inclusiveness was the hallmark of the success story that Okowa’s governorship was,” he said.
While saying that more appointments would be made in due course, the governor enjoined those who have not been given appointment not to despair, adding that they should continue to work with the state government in order to expand the frontiers of sustainable development in the state.
According to him, some of the commissioners designate are people with vast wealth of experience in public life as well as the younger ones, adding that those with immense wealth of experience were expected to mentor the younger ones in the discharge of their duties.
He applauded the authors for their painstaking research and efforts in putting together such a comprehensive book, which chronicled the massive developmental strides of the Okowa administration in the state, even as he commended Okowa for his humility, wisdom and outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state for eight years.
Oborevwori said: “We shall be fair and just in the distribution of infrastructural development projects and political appointments across the state.
“This administration will not only consolidate on the legacies of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration, we shall improve on them (legacies) and do more for Deltans.
“I want to appeal to Deltans that appointments are still coming; if you don’t get appointment today, tomorrow may be your turn.”
At least 10 of the 26 nominees for appointment as commissioners and members of the State Executive Council are persons below 40 years old while a good number are experienced hands.
In his remarks, Dr Okowa, while expressing appreciation to the authors of the book for their thoughtfulness, thanked Deltans for the cooperation given to his administration, without which he said could not have succeeded.
Okowa, who recalled that his government came on board at a very difficult economic and financial period in the country, pointed out that the success story of his administration was made possible by the collective efforts of the people that worked with him and the general cooperation of Deltans.
Okowa said: “I am actually very honoured to speak at this event. I am very happy that we have started mentoring our youths and l thank our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for being part of the mentorship. When you look at the list of Commissioners designate, you will realise that there are about 10 people who are less than 40 years of age on the list.
“We give all glory to God and we thank all Deltans for their sustained cooperation over the years. We have been able to create real hope in the heart of our youths through the various youth-friendly policies and programmes of the state government.”
Reviewing the book at the ceremony chaired by Vice-Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka, Prof Andy Egwunyenga, the book reviewer, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, who is the Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, said that ‘Hope and Fulfilment’ was a compendium that remarkably chronicled the landmark achievements of the Okowa administration in Delta State.
Ufuophu-Biri commended the authors of the book for painstakingly documenting various aspects of the visionary and committed leadership of the medical doctor-turned-politician, which was amply displayed in the eight years he was in the saddle as State Governor.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Editor of the book, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, said that the book chronicled the massive infrastructural and human capital development achievements of the Okowa administration in Delta State, adding that it was put together to imortalise the phenomenal accomplishments of Senator Okowa in the eight-year of his administration.
The book was co-authored by experienced journalists including Messrs Olisa Ifeajika, Frank Igwebueze, Sunny Ogefere, Chukwudi Abiandu, Pius Mordi, Felix Ofou, Nelson Egware and Mr. Kingsley Kwubosu.
