Delta State, created out of the defunct Bendel State in August 27, 1991, is 24 years today.
How time flies.
Described as a mini-Nigeria with multi-ethnic groups, it has Asaba as its capital-city. Its multi-ethnic nature has led to the multiplicity of infrastructures being put in place in districts.
Deltans have always yearned for a messiah to lead them to a Promised Land.
So, on May 29, 2015, when he was sworn-in, the much expected messiah emerged in the person of Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, a man tested, trusted and endorsed by all, having worked as a grassroots politician, Secretary to Ika North east local government, first executive chairman of the council on its creation, climbing further on the political ladder to become the Commissioner of Agriculture and, later, that of Health before coming Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
In all these positions held, he displayed the exceptional qualities. He was able to bring to bear on his assignment, his wealth of experience by initiating many transformational agenda, leaving enviable track records.
Little wonder his victory at the polls was seen as signaling a new dawn in Delta by the immediate past Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah in a statement, adding that for the political class, the victory of the Distinguished Senator demonstrated the fact that presenting the best candidate remains the key to connecting with the people and guaranteeing victory.
It is on record that he is one and only Governor that received the highest number of congratulatory messages as soon as he was elected as the fourth executive Governor of the state. That is to tell us the big solidarity Deltans have for him. Many of them, irrespective of their different ethnic, political and religious background, have continued to applaud his election as executive Governor of Delta State.
With his emergence as Governor, the end to a long suffering of a people, blessed and endowed with various money-spinning natural resources, is now assured. And true to test, the Anioma-born Governor since mounting the saddle of governance started on a very clean slate, not minding the huge debt inherited on assumption of office.
Like the smart, intelligent, far and fore-sighted man he is, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa came out with SMART Agenda aimed at building an enduring legacy of wealth and prosperity for all Deltans; “S” meaning Specific Wealth Creation Process Aimed at Creating Jobs for all Deltans.
The “M” which stands for Peace Building Platform Aimed at Political/Social Stability; “A” for meaningful Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated Industrialization; “R” meaning Relevant Health and Education Policy; while “T” stands for Reformed Environment Through Urban Renewal.
Having come out with such wonderful initiatives, there is hope that prosperity will surely get to all Deltans. Already 6,000 jobs have been made available for the jobless youths in the state to get them off the streets and make them more responsible citizens.
Aside that, the Okowa-led administration is also woing foreign investors to the state not only to create jobs for the jobless but also to enhance the industrial potentials of the state. This he has been relentlessly pursuing since he took over the leadership of the state some two months back.
This is not the best of time for the state as the financial crunch experienced nationwide is likely to take its toll on his people oriented programmes. His administration is now trying to focus on the development of the state, particularly Asaba the state capital many are now calling for its face-lift, for Delta state to have a befitting state capital. It is a task the government of Governor Okowa is poised to address. The setting up of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency Board is aimed at addressing the poor state of roads and dearth of certain infrastructure in the state capital, and implement the actual master plan designed for the city of Asaba.
Many Deltans interviewed on this administration just in its infancy expressed their unalloyed hope of Governor Okowa taking Delta State to very enviable height.
They noted that never a time had any Governor shown the willingness to work as shown by the new Governor, stating that with him on board, they had no fear of Delta State faring better than he met it.
They, however, called on the Governor to ensure that everything possible was done to get the cities, towns and villages developed so that it would not amount to ridicule anytime Delta State is being referred to as an oil-rich state.
The respondents expressed optimism that with Governor Okowa on board directing the affairs of the state, the very many short-comings that enveloped the past administrations would not have a place in his government, advising him, however, to be ware of sycophants.
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