In less than three months to the end of his administration, the Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, in what seems to be a recapitulation of his administration’s performance, met with journalists in Delta State while he inaugurated and commissioned the newly built Press Centre at Government House, Asaba.
Speaking at the event today the 13th day of March 2023 at Government House Asaba, the PDP Vice Presidential candidate in the just concluded presidential election ceased the opportunity to thank all critical stakeholders comprising civil servants, the press, royal fathers, religious leaders, president generals of community development unions, youths and women for their various contributions towards the success of his administration. He however, admitted that the first two years of his administration was turbulent, challenged by spill-over liabilities from previous administrations but no sooner than later the tide was over as he recounted numerous outstanding projects embarked upon by his administration while taking positives from the success his administration has recorded so far.
Speaking further, Okowa expressed optimism that the people are happy with the level of road development in the State so far especially the riverine areas of Burutu and Okerenkoko communities as he affirmed that the road networked paved so far by his administration is quite unprecedented. “We’ve done a lot on road construction; there are many things we do, we do not shout about; we’ve constructed a lot of bridges and we’re still constructing more and I know the work is ongoing. Can I finish all of these before May 29? Not likely”; the Governor admitted as he assured the next administration will continue with his good works.
Allaying fears that the present administration could have hibernated barely 2 months to the expiration of his tenure, the Governor said that his administration is still working tirelessly on completion of projects like the bridges of Beneku and Orherhe Rivers amongst other which his administration is committed to bringing to completion. He confirmed that contractors for these projects have been mobilized adequately and expressed optimism that continuity is something that works for Delta State.
On erosion and drainage system, the Governor said he has done over 1000km drainage system across Delta State, especially the stormy erosion along Okpanam road which he conquered a few years ago but not too visible now for people to see because it had been buried underground. He further confirmed that similar erosion control project has been embarked upon in Warri which is at 70% progress, with over #20bn spend so far in flood control and drainage construction projects. “I could have put that #20bn on road construction but I don’t want to be that kind of politician to earn a name, rather want to build a foundation of road network that would last longer.
The press briefing by the State Governor recapitulated his administration’s gallant developmental stride while dispelling criticism bordering on sundry issues such as alleged bogus loans secured by Delta State Government lately which the Governor otherwise termed as “bridging finance”, concession of Delta Line Transportation and Asaba Airport to private sector, multiplicity of universities in Delta State with corresponding hike in tuition fee, focus on entrepreneurial education and vocational training by job creation office, the conundrum in contributory pensions scheme, local governments’ handicap in paying pensions and salaries, civil servants arrears, amongst other. The Governor in his concluding remarks assured that his administration will not relent but continue to do its best to finish strongly.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Chapter, Cmr. Michael Ikeogwu thanked the Governor for his gallant developmental stride across the state and craved his indulgence, amongst other demands, to make good some of his promises to NUJ before he leaves office by May 29th.
Top government functionaries and journalists from across the state were present at event which culminated in a Q&A session where the Governor fielded questions from journalists on critical issues ranging from the welfare of journalists/civil servants to the present state of politics and the polity in Delta State.
