The Senator representing Delta North at the
National Assembly, Ifeanyi Okowa, has reiterated his resolve and determination
to ensuring that the Anioma people were adequately represented in the scheme of
things at the national level.
Senator Okowa, who gave the assurance while
briefing the people of his constituency in Oshimili North and Oshimili South
local government areas, on his activities at the Senate, said he would
continued to give voice to the needs and aspirations of the people of Delta
North at the nation's seat of power.
At Ibusa in Oshimili North and Asaba in
Oshimili South, where he was received by enthusiastic crowd of men, women and
youths, the federal lawmaker said that since he was given the mandate by the
people to represent them at Abuja, he has consistently ensured Anioma voice was
heard.
"I have continued to ensure that I
make my inputs to national discourse. We all know that the primary function of
a senator is to make laws and contribute to national discourse, still I''ve
been able to process 11 Bills, with 5 of the Bills having scaled through all
the stages. I''ve equally been able to attract some projects to my senatorial
district," he explained.
One of the bills, the National Health Bill,
he pointed out, would help in giving control in health services delivery in the
country. The bill, according to the Senator seeks to provide 2 percent of
consolidated health fund to be used for the poor, elderly, pregnant women and
children to access quality healthcare. He disclosed that the bill received the
greatest support in the Senate and among Nigerians during public hearing.
"The other include, the National
Health Insurance Bill, which when passed into law would help accommodate more
Nigerians, outside federal civil servants, in health insurance coverage, HIV
Discrimination/Stigmatization Bill, which will help control HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
and remove stigmatization from sufferers of the disease, Sickle Cell Control
Bill, which will help reduce the high incidence of sickle cell in the country,
as Nigeria stands currently as having the highest burden of the disease in the
world, Amendment of Privatization and Commercialization Bill, which is aimed at
ensuring that a certain percentage of those on whose area any company being
sold is located, are accorded ownership status, and six others, which are at
different stages in the Senate," Senator Okowa explained.
Senator Okowa, who is Chairman, Senate
Committee on Health, while acknowledging the stiff competition in the Upper
Chamber, however, said he would continue to give his best in the discharge of
his legislative duties, adding that he had also made significant contributions
to bills sponsored by his colleagues.
According to him, when the records of
performance were put in perspective at the end of two years of the current
Senate, only four senator were identified as having sponsored the highest
number of bills, and he (Okowa) was among them.
Senator Okowa disclosed that, within two
years in the National Assembly, he was able to attract some critical projects
such as roads, water schemes, health infrastructure and solar-powered street
lights to several communities in Delta North.
1-The 2.2 million naira Ebu/Otor bridge,
which links Delta and Edo States, which was abandoned for several years,
2-The gigantic ultra-modern othopaedic and
general surgical ward complex at the Federal Medical Center, Asaba,
3-The 6.5 kilometer internal road network
at Umuada Layout in Asaba,
4-The Ibrede Water Scheme in Ndokwa East,
5—The Okotoro internal roads and drainage
work also in Ibrede;
6- The Ugiliamai, Ogume, Abavo, Agbor-Nta,
Ute-Ogbeje, Obomkpa solar-powered street light.
"There are also water projects in such
places as
7-Water projects at Etua-Etiti,
Ejeme-Aniogor, Etua-Oliogo, and Abavo,
8- We were still able to influence the
construction of Idumeze-aja-Odua Road in Ute-Okpu,
9- The construction of drains in the premises
of the General Hospital in Owa-Alero,
10- The erosion control and tarring of part
of Obiazikwor and Ohue streets,
11-Construction of Alihagu/Oki road and
many other projects, which are still ongoing"
the federal lawmaker explained.
While stating that it was not possible to
meet with all the challenges and needs of the people at once, Senator Okowa,
promised to continue doing his best to attract more projects that could improve
the well being of the people,
He said he would continue to work towards ensuring
that funds are provided by the government for projects attracted by him,
adding, "we hope that in the 2014 Budget, we will be able to begin to work
on some other road projects in Akwukwu-Igbo, Agbor and other areas in the
senatorial district. We are equally looking at tackling erosion and improving
on the road network at the Federal Medical Center, Asaba; and also building a
new consultancy clinic block, and purchasing new equipment in the same
hospital."
He revealed that four healthcare centers have
been approved for upgrading in Delta North, adding that agitation for the
establishment of a federal university in Delta North was not feasible as there
was already a policy that, for now, no state can have more than one federal
university.
Senator Okowa who attributed his
performance in the Senate, in the first two years, to the varied experiences
garnered over the years while functioning in different capacities and levels of
governance, assured his constituents that, "we will continue to improve on
what we have done so far. We will not disappoint our people on whose mandate we
are at the Senate. This is the journey so far. However, alot still needs to be
done. We know there are challenges, but we will not relent in our
efforts."
While soliciting the continued support of
the people, Senate Health Committee Chairman urged the people of Delta North to
remain steadfast, and continue to support both the federal and state
governments.
Some of those who spoke to newsmen at both
events, including Senator Francis Nwajei, Hon.(Princess) Pat Ajudua, Dr. Austin
Obidi and Chief Douglas Okolotu, lauded Senator Okowa, who they said has really
distinguished himself both as a lawmaker and a voice for the people of Anioma
at Abuja.
They opined that the commendable performance
of Senator Okowa in the Senate, within two years, was a reflection of his high
cerebral quality and spirit of a goal-getter, which they said he exemplified
both as local government council chairman and commissioner as well as SSG in
Delta State.
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