The newly sworn-in governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has outlined his plans to develop the state as well as to placed it on the path of economic prosperity.
He promised that his administration would be open and responsive in meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of the oil-rich state.
reeling out his plans, Oborevwori said Warri, Uvwie, Udu and their environs would be accorded special attention under his administration so as to give the areas the needed development it deserves.
The governor stated this in his inaugural speech on Monday in Asaba shortly after being sworn-in as governor along side his deputy, Monday Onyeme, by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai.
Oborevwori, cheered by his immediate predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, former Emmanuel Uduaghan, among other dignitaries, promised to consolidated on the achievements of former Governor Okowa.
He told the mammoth crowd at the Stephen Keshi Stadium that his administration represents consolidation and advancement, noting that he was continuing from where the previous administrations stopped.
“I am advancing Delta State to greater heights in inclusive economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, and peace and security. I am committed to making life richer, better, and more fulfilling for our people,” he said.
He said with the establishment of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) by the immediate past administration, and the on going storm water project, his administration would commence efforts to give Warri and environs a deserving face lift.
According to Oborevwori, his four-point agenda of Meaningful development; Opportunities for all; Realistic reforms; and Enhanced peace and security (MORE) would advance the state to greater heights in leadership and socio-economic development.
“The new administration will seek to foster sustainable economic growth and private sector job creation; boost human capital; build an enabling infrastructure;
enhance governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery; and strengthen public financial management,” Oborevwori said.
He added that the state entrepreneurship development programmes “will be sustained and expanded to encourage the creation of more small-scale businesses, thus creating jobs and, consequently, reducing crime and anti-social activities among our vibrant youth population.
“We will also enhance the existing social investment programmes for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable groups, including widows and People Living with Disabilities, through microcredit, training, and business networking. We shall further develop empowerment programmes for women associations, particularly in the rural areas.
“This administration will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects – roads, bridges, schools, and other physical infrastructure. As you all know, government cannot do it alone. Hence, we shall build a conducive environment for public-private partnership investments in virtually all sectors of the economy.
“In the agricultural sector, we shall develop the agricultural value chain, which is a major driver of sustainable economic growth. This administration will spare no effort to ensure that the development of agro-industrial parks is accelerated, given their potential to generate employment opportunities, create wealth, reduce unemployment, and improve food security.
“The recent approval of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), for Koko and Kwale is a welcome development because this project has the capacity to unleash the growth potentials of the State. With the Board already in place, we shall immediately take steps to make it fully operational and attract investors to the zone.
“Delta State has been relatively peaceful in the last eight years. However, recent security breaches in the Warri area are troubling. This administration with the aide of security agencies will take decisive steps to ensure that the situation does not degenerate.
“The civil service will be accorded top priority to boost its efficiency and enhance its service delivery. In addition, merit will be the yardstick for elevation into top management positions to encourage the entry into and retention of the best brains in the public service. Furthermore, this administration will render all the necessary support to the judiciary to enable it carry out its functions without let or hindrance.”
He thanked former governors and administrators of the state, and the people of the state for electing him, and pledged not to disappoint.
In his remark, out gone governor, Okowa also thanked the people for the opportunity to serve, saying that the past eight years have been a period of trials and triumphs; tests and testimonies; and crisis and crown.
