Attribute Your Success To God, Not Man, Says Okowa

... As PDP Chairman, Esiso Gives Thanks To God

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said, success can only come from God and man should not take credit for what God has done.

Speaking on the (19/06/16) at a thanksgiving service by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Esiso at the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Sapele, Governor Okowa observed that nobody can take credit for the success of another man other than God.
"In everything we do, it is important that we recognize the fact that it is only God that can make it happen," he said, noting that the book of Psalms made it clear that help comes from God.

"No man can help you unless God has ordained it, so, always give credit to God for everything," the Governor emphasized.
While congratulating Barr. Esiso for emerging as the Chairman of the PDP in the state, Governor Okowa urged him to brace up for future challenges, stating that he should be prayerful for God to enable him surmount challenges that goes with such positions.

"You can only get strength from God; if not for The Lord who is on your side, you will not be where you are today, it is not about Governor Okowa," he stated, adding, "give thanks to God, trust in Him and His grace will come abundantly on you because, If you trust Him, He will be able to do a lot of things for you."

He used the occasion to thank Deltans for their support, and urged them to extend same to all political office holders.
 

The Governor said, "we are in a very critical time as a nation and we should pray for our leaders rather than curse them; from the Presidency, the Governor to the lowest leader, learn to pray for them because, I believe that as the church prays, The Lord will heal the land."
 

Barr. Esiso at the occasion said he deserved to thank God for His blessings and traced his relationship with Governor Okowa to eleven years ago and since then, he has every reason to thank God.
"I am here to say God, thank you, I am here to appreciate God Almighty for His goodness in my life and the life of my family; when God speaks to you, listen because, my God told me that when there is no way, God will open a way for you," he said, disclosing, "about 11 years ago, I was in my house in Sapele when Dr, Okowa called me to meet him in Commissioners quarters in Asaba, then, he was the Commissioner for Health; he said, Kingsley, please, come and work with me, you will not be working for me but, you will be working for yourself, I keyed very seriously, commitedly and efficiently to my Governor, he is a promise keeper."
 

He added, "I want to appreciate every member of our party, the PDP for your support, if God can do it for me today, He can do it for you and I am also thanking God for the numerous things He is doing in my life."
 

Earlier, Pastor Israel Olajide, District Pastor, Sapele has urged Christians to rely on "God's favour, you will not labour in vain, you need Jesus to have rest, with Jesus, peace will come to you."
Eminent personalities from the state and beyond attended the ceremony.

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"BE COMMITTED TO THE UPBRINGING OF YOUR CHILDREN" GOV. OKOWA

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has charged Deltans to be committed to God and bring up their children in the ways of the Lord.

Speaking at the weekend,during the funeral service held at St. Paul's Anglican Church Emede,Isoko South Local Government Area for Late Mr. Shedrach Amagada, Father of Dame Orezi Esievo, member representing Isoko South1 constitutency in the State House of Assembly, Senator Okowa advised Parents to spend time with their children and direct them aright in the ways of the Lord especially in their studies and behaviour.

According to him " Know that whatever you do on earth, it is important to stay committed to God and Humanity, parents should make out time to be with their children always and be interested in their education and welfare, the youths should also have time for their studies and abide by the ways of God to become responsible citizens."

"Please, the more we devote our lives to the word of God and abide by it the better our lives and families will be," he said adding that "the Late Pa Amagada from his biography was committed to God and struggled to acquire education, we are all here to witness the kind of life he lived, we can see this in the children he left behind."

The governor was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife Dame Edith, his Deputy, Barrisgter Kingsley Otuaro, PDP state Chairman, Barrister Kingsley Esiso, members of the state executive council among others.

In a sermon, titled "Rest in a Restless world" by the Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Rt. Revd. John Aruakpor, the clergy explained that the world of today was restless because peace has eluded the world and there was war and crisis everywhere but that those in the Lord still find peace.

He noted that Christians can only find peace in the lord when they have faith and confess to the lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives saying " You can be a Christian, yet have no rest, it is only when we hear the word of God and live by it that we can have rest in a restless world."

Late Pa Shadrach Amagada was survived by three wives, ten children and 16 grand children, he died at the age of 80 years.

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Delta To Introduce Boarding System In Schools, Says Okowa

... Commissions More Projects

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said boarding system will be introduced in some of the schools in the state from next academic session.

The Governor dropped the hint yesterday (14/06/16) at Ofagbe, Isoko North local government area of the state while commissioning the rebuilt Ofagbe Technical College, Ofagbe as part of activities lined up to celebrate his one year in office.

The Governor also, commissioned Eni Primary School, Ellu and inspected the on-going construction work of Owheologbo/Abbi road project, also in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
According to Governor Okowa, his administration was not going to compromise technical education off the youths of the state which will enable them to be future entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
It is on record that to encourage skill acquisition, shortly after assumption of duty in 2015, Governor Okowa awarded the contract to reconstruct three technical schools into the state, viz: the technical school at Ofagbe, Sapele and Agbor.

"We need to re-equip our schools after providing the physical structures, we need to establish the boarding facilities from the next academic session," the Governor said, stating, "technical education is one of our cardinal programmes because, they afford our youths the opportunity to acquire skills and be employers of labour in future."

He added, "we require this school and many other schools in the state to develop skills of our youths who will in turn, provide employment for our children in the future."

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Mr Chiedu Ebie at the occasion, said, "now that Ofagbe Technical College has been repositioned as a world class institution through massive infrastructural upgrades and refurbishment by the state government, there comes the time for the entire Ofagbe Community to reciprocate this kind gesture through community participation to secure and protect the school from vandalism and theft."

In a related development, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has commissioned the rehabilitated cum constructed Kefas/Old Emede/Uzere road, Oleh in Isoko South local government area of Delta State amidst pomp and pageantry.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okowa assured Deltans, particularly, the Isoko people of more people-oriented programmes, observing that the contractor handling section C of Ughelli/Asaba road dualization project has been mobilized to site.
He used the occasion to appeal to warring communities in Isoko to embrace peace, saying, "I want to advise the youths of Emede and Igbide to embrace peace, I don't think if a man kills a fellow brother, he will be applauded for it, the killing of another brother will not make the land to be your own, it is time for us to talk to ourselves."

The Governor urged elders to always give information to security agents to nip security challenges in the bud, reiterating, "let us be wise, let us be cautious, let us live in peace with our neighbours."

He charged the elders of the communities to cooperate with the Committee set up by the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo and help ensure peace in the area stressing "It is wrong for the elders in this area to hide the identity of those youths perpetuating this evil, they should contribute to ensuring the maintenance of peace and cooperate with the committee set up by the council chairman Hon. Itiako lkpokpo to look into the crisis and l hope that a lasting solution will be found so that my administration can continue with its vision for the development of Isoko land."

President-General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe at the occasion, said, "Your Excellency, we express our appreciation for your magnanimity towards the Isoko nation, we will remember you for making the best out of a difficult situation by completing the DELSU, Oleh Campus Access Road, completion and commissioning of the DELSU, Oleh Campus Law Faculty Complex, and on-going efforts by your administration at ensuring the accreditation of courses for Law and Engineering Faculties at the Oleh Campus of the DELSU, upgrading and improvement of physical structures of the Ofagbe Technical College and the Owhe-Ologbo/Abbi road construction work which is on-going."

The President-General thanked Governor Okowa for, "the rehabilitation of the old Oleh/Emede road, widening of the shoulders of the road from the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro to Notre Dame College, Ozoro, renovation of many primary schools in Isoko land, construction of the road leading to to the Anglican Grammar School, Iyede and the resurfacing of Otovo and other streets in Iyede; the recent approval for the construction of the Isoko Unity House which when completed, shall be pride and rallying point for every Isoko man and the oneness of purpose of the Isoko ethnic nationality.

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HERDSMEN MENACE: Okowa Convokes Stakeholders Meeting

DETERMINED to reduce clash between herdsmen and communities in the state, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa toady (30/05/16) had a forum with stakeholders where carrying of offensive weapons by herdsmen was frowned at.

Present at the forum which had as its theme, “Fostering Peaceful Co-existence Between Farmers, Host Communities and Herdsmen in Delta State,” were representatives of traditional rulers’ council, communities, Farmers, Local Government Council Chairmen, Miyetti Allah, Miyetti Allah Kautu Hore, Cattle Dealers Association, Cattle Breeders Association, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Moslem Leaders, Civil Society Organisation, the Military, Police, Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well as Nigeria Imigration Service.

Governor Okowa while declaring the event which took place at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, open, urged participants to speak freely about the way out of the quagmire to ensure a peaceful state where the people co-exists and carry out their business activities without fear.

According to him, “issues of misunderstanding between the herdsmen and our communities have become worrisome in recent times and we don’t want it to continue, Deltans are hospitable people but, the would-be visitors to the state should know that they should live in peace with the people.”

“The communities are beginning to lose patience and I hope we will be able to speak frankly and in a peaceful manner for us to proffer ways forward,” he added.

At the meeting, it was resolved that security agents should be proactive and arrest anybody caught with AK 47 rifle and prosecute such persons; and that security agencies should be more vigilant at the Ohoro-Bomadi road to ensure that farmers and villagers move about freely without being attacked by the herdsmen.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Alkali Usman in his speech, called for tolerance, cooperation, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence among the people and groups and the local communities noting that “four groups of persons can be categorised as herdsmen: cattle traders, cattle rearers, cattle breeders and the itinerant cattle rustlers; the groups can be nomadic and or sedentary in nature.”

There was free flow of information from the stakeholders as they bared their minds on likely suspects, causes of the attacks, their pains and likely solutions.

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INSPECTION OF OLD LAGOS-ASABA ROAD BY GOV OKOWA-31ST MAY,2016.

While noting that the Old Lagos/Asaba road project commenced in 1999, Governor Okowa heaved a sigh of relief that the project would be delivered in 2017.

"This road is very important to the socio-economic life of the people, its early completion would impact positively on the lives of the people,"

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We Will Deliver Quality Projects," - Okowa

TO ensure delivery of projects that will stand the test of time, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has directed officials of the Ministry of Works to always be at construction sites to monitor projects.

The Governor gave the directive today(31/04/16) while inspecting the Old Lagos/Agbor road project. The inspection of the project was part of the programmes earmarked for the celebration of the Governor's one year in office.

Shortly before inspecting the project, Governor Okowa amidst jubilation from the people had inspected Ozanogogo/Alisimie road and commissioned Upper Imudia road cum Dr White Street all in Ika South local government area of the state.

According to Governor Okowa, his administration would not compromise on the delivery of projects to specifications and at the stipulated time.

While noting that the Old Lagos/Asaba road project commenced in 1999, Governor Okowa heaved a sigh of relief that the project would be delivered in 2017.

"This road is very important to the socio-economic life of the people, its early completion would impact positively on the lives of the people," the Governor who was accompanied by political office holders and excited community leaders said.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr Donatus Umukoro who explained the level of work done on behalf of the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye said the delivery date for the project had to be shifted to 2017 because of the bureaucratic process required to construct a bridge across the railway line.

He assured Governor Okowa that the project would be completed in 2017 and to specifications, stating, "we are always at site to monitor the project and whenever we notice lapses, we will officially write the contractor to effect necessary corrections."

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JOY OF DEMOCRACY: Okowa, Uduaghan Commission Projects

IT was practical joy of democracy yesterday (31/05/16) when the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa with his predecessor in office, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan jointly, commissioned projects at Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

At the commissioning of upgraded facilities at Ogbemudein Model Secondary School, Agbor which was performed by Dr Uduaghan, Governor Okowa recalled that the structure was started by former Governor Uduaghan's administration.

According to him, "we must commend the immediate past Governor for starting the construction of these schools, though, only four of them have been completed at the moment, we hope to complete all and construct new ones."

While assuring that he will consolidate on the projects initiated by his predecessors, Governor Okowa specifically, thanked former Governor Uduaghan for leaving the United Kingdom to attend the commissioning exercise, asserting, "it is my prayer and hope that one day, all the schools in Delta State will look like this edifice."

The Governor challenged teachers to carry out their duties diligently and urged students not to toy with their studies to enable them become good parents and citizens in the future.
Former Governor Uduaghan at the occasion, eulogized Governor Okowa for his giant achievements within one year of being in office and commended the Governor for inviting him to commission projects as part of activities to mark his one year in office.

"I want to thank you (Governor Okowa) for inviting me to commission this project, I am happy that you did not abandon the project," Dr Uduaghan renarked.

The Obi of Agbor, HRM Keagbokuzi I who spoke through Dr Emmanuel Tibi said they were excited that Governor Okowa had such numerous number of projects to commission in his Kingdom within his one year in office.

According to the Dein, "Agbor people are very proud of you (Governor Okowa), they are very happy that within one year, you have been able to manage the resources of the state to put in place this wonderful projects."

Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said, "it is worthy of note to mention that though twelve of such legacy projects were embarked upon by the previous administration, only two could be completed before their exit; significantly, this administration took giant steps at ensuring the continuation of some of these projects and I make bold to state today that two similar projects have been duly completed and are now in use."

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OKOWA CONDEMNS KILLING OF SOLDIERS, CIVILIANS, WARN OF GRAVE CONSEQUENCES

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has condemned the recent killing of Nigerian soldiers, and other civilians, who were on their legitimate assignments, in a houseboat attack, in Omadino, Warri South, Delta State, by suspected Militants.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Governor Okowa noted that this killing was criminality carried too far as nothing justifies the taking of lives of uniformed security men who are out to protect the common property of Nigerians.

“ Your activities could turn Delta state into a theatre of war and this portends great danger to the whole population aside from casting the image of the state as insecure and unfit for investment. We cannot, as a state, afford this rascality if we hope to make progress”, he said.

Governor Okowa, who recalled his earlier appeals on any aggrieved member of the society- including Niger Delta Militants, to embrace dialogue, observed that this informed the decision by his government to constitute an advocacy committee which went round the creeks and oil producing communities, in the last few weeks, to canvass support for a violence-free Delta- as a precondition for development.

Governor Okowa, who noted that no Society develops in an atmosphere of chaos and criminality and that no government would fold its hands in the face of this high level of aggravation and utter disregard for the sanctity of human lives, called on Deltans to rally round government to bring the perpetrators to book.

“For the umpteenth time, I wish to call on well meaning people of Delta State to speak up and not only condemn the activities of these militants but also offer their best counsel and commitment towards resolving this crisis”. Governor Okowa said.

He extended the condolences of his family and the people of Delta State to the families of the victims and prayed God to grant them eternal rest while urging the security agencies to ensure that the culprits do not go scot free.

Governor Okowa also advised members of the Niger Delta Avengers to embrace dialogue as a means of resolving the crisis, adding that a peaceful and Secured Delta is what is needed for development to thrive.

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Stephen Keshi Was A Great Patriot, Achiever ― Okowa

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has described the sudden demise of former Super Eagles Player and Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi as tragic and a monumental loss to football in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world.

The Governor in a tribute and condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, extolled the leadership qualities and sterling contributions of the former Super Eagles Captain and Coach to the growth and development of football in Nigeria and Africa.

According to Governor Okowa, the sterling contributions of Stephen Keshi to the development of football in Nigeria and Africa is legendary, commendable and worthy of emulation as a great patriot and achiever having led Nigeria to win the African Nations Cup twice as a player and Coach.

Okowa said: "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, and the entire football loving fans in Nigeria over the demise of the late Super Eagles former Captain and Coach.

"The remarkable achievements recorded by the Nigeria Super Eagles in 1994 and 2013 were unarguably due to his indefatigable role as the Captain and Coach of the Super Eagles in those glorious years culminating in the winning of the African Nations Cup.

"Delta State and indeed Nigerians has lost a great man whose contributions to the football world can best be described as legendary".

"He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in several ways. I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of Stephen Keshi to take solace in the fact that his was a life of great accomplishments and service to humanity in which we give thanks to the Almighty God for the indelible footprints of his achievements in the sands of time."

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