By LOVETH JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
PDP faithfuls across Delta North have expressed satisfaction over David Edevbie’s plans for the development of the district when elected as Governor of Delta State.
Widely accepted as the most competent to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Olorogun David Edevbie unfolded his agenda for the development of Delta North during his consultation visits to the nine local government areas.
Analysing the bouquet of projects and programmes many of the party members said their successful execution will facilitate industrialisation, jobs and wealth creation for the greater prosperity of their people.
Towards the industrialisation of the area, Edevbie revealed that he will immediately breath life into the Asaba and Kwale Industrial Parks, create a new industrial hub in Ebedei, taking advantage of the 100 hectares of land donated by the people and use his local and international relationships in the private sector to attract industries into Ika area.
“My aim is to spark of a beehive of industrial activities in the four points of Delta North, that is Ndokwa, Ukwani, Ika and Aniocha/Oshimili. I am very conversant with the terrain and what is required to improve economic life in the area. Luckily, Delta North is peaceful and with the airport in Asaba, the plan is a quick win,” he said.
“I intend to take advantage of the huge natural gas deposits to establish a 500MW power plant to provide 24 hours electricity supply to support the industries, investors and local enterprises. This will lead to greater generation of employment opportunities and wealth creation for the people.”
The several times Commissioner of Finance, former Principal Secretary to President Umaru Yar’adua and lately Chief of Staff to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa indicated his intention to provide an inner rail system in Asaba to connect Okpanam and the adjoining communities in Aniocha North and South for integrated transportation and development while also harping on the need for urban renewal in most of the towns.
His plans also include constructing a coastal road network from Oko to Patani to connect the riverine communities so as to create greater economic and commercial activities for the people along the River Niger, Ase Creek, Bomadi and Forcados rivers.
Recognising the scourge of erosion due to the terrain in parts of Delta North, Edevbie assured that he would deploy the Ecological Funds for erosion control in Ika and Aniocha areas, especially in Agbor, Nsukwa, Ugboba, Obomkpa and other erosion prone communities.
On education, Edevbie who commended Governor Okowa for establishing the University of Delta, Agbor, promised to grow it by working with local and international institutions to make the university highly functional for all Deltans and Nigeria.
He also promised to establish an institution of higher learning in Ndokwa/Ukwani axis and create a synergy between the educational institutions and related industries to ensure the prompt employment of the graduates.
Still as part of the plan, he said he will revive and upgrade the Skills Acquisition Centre at Obiaruku to provide robust technical education as well as complete the Obiaruku Township Stadium within one year in office.
Showing a deep understanding of development issues across Delta North, Edevbie said he would swing to action to complete all ongoing and abandoned road projects as well as construct new ones to open up and connect many other communities.
He particularly assured on the completion of the Phase 2 Umuebu road, Eziokpor-Umuachi road and bridge, Umusume Bridge and the Ogbe-Asaba road in Ukwani.
In the Ika axis, Edevbie listed the activation and upgrade of the Umunede/Emuhu Rest Park initiated by Governor Okowa as well the construction of pedestrian bridge on the Old Lagos-Asaba Road for easier traffic management and safety of residents and road users.
Others include the completion of Obi Road from the Dein’s Palace to Uromi Junction, the reconstruction of College Road and roads linking Issele-Uku and environ to Issele-Azagba.
To ensure security of lives property and investments Edevbie promised to fine-tune the state security architecture to create an enabling environment for businesses. He said he will speedily provide needed infrastructure for the 181 Battalion of the Nigerian Army at Agbor to beef up security in the area and beyond.
Edevbie assured that he is committed to building on achievements and consolidating on the programmes of Okowa’s administration while at same time refocusing development trajectory on the modernisation of the state and its institutions. The development agenda, he said, will be informed and driven by the needs of the generality of the people, youth, women, senior citizens, taxpayers, consumers, workers and investors.
