OKOWA SET TO COMMISSION PROJECTS TO MARK ONE YEAR IN OFFICE

 Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi  Okowa; Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah and the Secretary to Government, Barr, Ovie Agas during the Governor’s First Year Performance  Report to the Press in Asaba.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is set to commission series of projects executed by his administration within one year in office.

Governor Okowa flanked by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Tam Brisibe; Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Festus Ovie-Agas; Chairman of the Delta State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Norbert Chiazor and the South/South zonal chairman of the Union, Comrade Edward Ogude dropped the hint in a crowded press conference held at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba yesterday (23/05/16) to signal the commencement of the celebration of his one year in office.

He disclosed that within one year, his administration awarded contracts for the construction cum rehabilitation of fifty four roads through the State Tenders Board and the Ministerial Tenders Board, noting that some of the projects earmarked for commissioning cum inspection as part of the Democracy Day celebration includes, Ejinyere/Orodje Street in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area; Jeddo Ughoton Road and Access Road to Eagles Height University (Phase 1 Jeddo/Omadino Bridge), Okpe local Government Area; Oteri Township Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area; Okere-Urhobo Community Roads in Warri South Local Government Area (Olomu link Road, 1st and 2nd  Olomu Streets, Otor-Okere and Agba Roads); Kefas Road with a spur to Uzere junction, Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area; Uduophori road (Phase 1), Patani Local Government Area; Orikeze Street with a spur to Orikeze close, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area; Usonia Road, off Nnebisi Road, Asaba; Faculty of Law Complex, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Isoko South Local Government Area; Pedriatic Wards/Water Scheme in Patani General Hospital; and Azu-Owa Abavo Cottage Hospital, Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

“Meanwhile, work on Cable Point Road dualization, Asaba; Okpanam Road Dualization, Asaba; Warri-Sapele Road Dualization in Sapele from Amukpe Roundabout; the construction of Amekpa-Afiesere-Ufuoma Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area; Lagos-Asaba Road dualization in Agbor; constructions of Oza-nogogo-Alisimie Road in Ika South Local Government Area, and Okerenkoko Beach Road in Warri South West Local Government Area, are progressing steadily and should be ready for commissioning a few months from now,” the Governor said, emphasising, “it goes without saying that there is need for continual investment in infrastructure renewal and new constructions that will engender economic growth, lead to social improvements, and give all communities equal opportunity to benefit from the economy.”

While calling for collaboration between government and the private sector, Governor Okowa stated, “it is gratifying to note that local and international investors are taking a keen interest in our State and the figure given for the constructed and rehabilitated roads does not include projects executed by the Direct Labour Agency (DLA).”

The Governor also, stated that within the past one year, “it is my pleasure to announce that as at April 30, 2016, a total of 17,173 (seventeen thousand, one hundred and seventy three) private sector jobs were created by this administration; this figure consists of 6,800 (six thousand, eight hundred) direct jobs and 10,373 (ten thousand, three hundred and seventy three) indirect jobs of both skilled and unskilled workers.”

“As a Special Purpose Vehicle, the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer accounted for 7,522 (seven thousand, five hundred and twenty two) of these jobs while the remaining 9,651 (nine thousand, six hundred and fifty one) were created through projects, programmes and initiatives implemented through the various MDAs,” the Governor said, adding, “at the very core of our S.M.A.R.T agenda is job and wealth creation, because we realize that the only way to achieve sustainable economic growth is to create new jobs, diversify the economy through the development of non-oil sectors, and provide the enabling environment for enterprises and industries to thrive.”

Senator Okowa who took oath of office on May 29th, 2015 as the Governor of Delta State, reiterated, “in August 2015, we launched the Job and Wealth Creation Scheme with the following programmes viz; Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP), Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), and Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP) which were focused on equipping participants with life skills, developing their leadership qualities, increasing their personal effectiveness, harnessing their productive potentials, and enabling them to become entrepreneurs, managers and leaders.”

ONE YEAR IN OFFICE: OKOWA BRIEFS THE PRESS

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah and the Secretary to Government, Barr, Ovie Agas during the Governor’s First Year Performance Report to the Press in Asaba.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has attributed the successes recorded by his administration in the delivery of democratic dividends despite the economic down-turn in the country to prudent management of resources.

The Governor in a crowded press conference to kick-start activities to celebrate his one year of being in office yesterday in Asaba, said, “when I addressed the State immediately after my swearing-in as Governor on May 29, 2015, we were in the middle of a serious economic crisis, our monthly revenue both from the Federation Account and Internally Generated Revenue had dipped significantly; the non-oil sector of the economy remained largely untapped; the level of youth unemployment was troubling, posing a clear and present danger to the socio-political stability of the State; our credit was in bad shape, and the financial system was at best, shaky and at worst, perilous; indeed, our promise of prosperity for all Deltans seemed illusory, but, we moved swiftly and decisively to restructure our liabilities and instituted processes and procedures to plug leakages, eliminate wastes and ensure fiscal discipline.”

“The fiscal consolidation measures we put in place have enabled us to achieve a great deal of macro-economic stability while creating the right conditions for us to implement programmes under the S.M.A.R.T agenda,” Senator Okowa disclosed, asserting, “had we not taken the steps we took, our financial system would have been on the verge of collapse by now; the global price of oil has continued to tumble, the naira has substantially weakened against the dollar, and recent security challenges in the Niger Delta region have combined to compound our national economic woes.”

He stated that to diversify the economy of the state, his administration invested heavily in agriculture by “stimulating and increasing the yield of our small-holder farmers through the Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP), as the PPSP is aimed at up scaling the use of modern farm inputs and technologies of small-holder farmers to increase the yield of crop, livestock and fishery enterprises; towards this end, we distributed tractors to 64 Cooperative Societies and another set of 106 Cooperative Societies got Melon Shellers while 18 other Cooperative Societies received Outboard Engines and Fishing Gears support packages.”

“We also distributed improved variety of cassava cuttings, fertilizer, and cash to 475 cassava farmers; 100 fishery farmers were given fingerlings, feeds and cash; 100 poultry farmers were supported with 200-day-old chicks each, feeds and cash; 50 poultry layer farmers got 200 layers each, feeds and cash; 50 piggery farmers received 10 growers, feeds and cash; while 40 tomatoes farmers were supported with seedlings, agrochemicals and cash,” Governor Okowa said, adding that in the area of education, his administration was working to ensure a paradigm shift from certificate acquisition of vocational and technical skills by the teeming youth population.

He stated, “upon assumption of office, I sent the Delta State Vocational and Technical Education Board Bill to the State House of Assembly; the Bill, meant to provide the regulatory framework to administer and promote technical education in the State, was passed and signed into law in June 2015 and since then, we have reconstructed/rehabilitated and equipped three technical colleges in Ofagbe, Sapele and Agbor. “

While stating that the process to ensure curriculum review and enrichment to make the technical colleges more relevant to the dynamics of the 21st century marketplace, Governor Okowa confidently informed the Journalists that the inauguration of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission by his administration which made the state the first “in the country to have a mandatory health insurance scheme for the purpose of universal healthcare coverage would ensure that “people are able to access and get treatment at our hospitals/clinics without suffering financial hardship at the point of service, or denied service outright due to lack of funds because, when the insurance scheme is fully operational, it will lead to a more robust healthcare system, improved quality and more affordable healthcare delivery as well as significantly better health outcomes.”

DELTA STATE ONE YEAR SCORE CARD

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DR IFEANYI OKOWA, GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, TO MARK THE FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ADMINISTRATION ON MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016, AT THE PRESS CENTRE, OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA.


Gentlemen of the Press

When I addressed the State immediately after my swearing-in as Governor on May 29, 2015, we were in the middle of a serious economic crisis. Our monthly revenue both from the Federation Account and Internally Generated Revenue had dipped significantly. The non-oil sector of the

DELTA GOVERNMENT TO BUILD MONORAIL IN STATE CAPITAL

Hon. Commissioner for Information: Patrick Ukah

ASABA—Delta State Government has engaged a consultant to carry out a feasibility study on Monorail Transit System in Asaba, the state capital, as it restated its resolve to sell the Independent Power Plant, IPP, project in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state. It also approved the appointment of HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli as the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Nwaolise Okwuka I as the Obi of Issele-Mkpetime in Aniocha North Local Government Area and HRM Agbaovwe Afugbeya Oyise II, as the Odion R’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area. Briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Utuaro, yesterday, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said that the state government plans to undertake a study on the

OKOWA SUPPORTS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S OIL SECTOR REFORMS

 Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Refineries, Mr Anibor Kragha

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has thrown his weight behind the reforms being carried out by the Federal Government in the oil sector.

The governor who received the management of Warri Refinery and Petro-Chemical Company (WRPC) led by the company’s Chief Operating Officer (Refineries), Mr. Anibor Kragha, in Asaba, observed that though, the reforms would cause immediate pains for Nigerians, the long-term benefits cannot be quantified.

According to him, “if the

GOV OKOWA MEETS WITH WORLD BANK GROUP

Delta State Governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa today received World Bank Group Led By Amos Abu the Senior Environmental Specialist at Delta State Government House, Asaba.

  Secretary to the State Government Hon Festus Agas ,  The Commissioner For Environment Hon John Nani, Commissioner for Finance  Hon David, Head of Service Sir Patrick  Ohigho  was also present  at the meeting.

GOVT. WILL CONTINUE TO PARTNER WITH FRSC - UKAH

Presenting a gift to the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Rindom Kumven

Mr. Patrick Ukah has assured the Federal Road Safety Commission of the support of the State government towards the actualization of road safety ethics on our roads.

He gave this assurance while hosting a delegation led by the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Rindom Kumven, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Mr. Ukah reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the safety of lives on our roads, which informed the establishment of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), specifically to compliment the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), especially within the town, so as to

ESISO WINS PDP CHAIRMANSHIP POSITION

Barr Kingsley Esiso has been declared winner of the Delta State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the end of congress which was conducted by an 11-man team from the PDP Secretariat in Abuja, led by Dame (Mrs.) Uzo Nwandu and supervised by a team of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while Barr. Val Arenyinka was elected as the Deputy Chairman.

Others who emerged victorious in the congress which was devoid of any form of rancour were

DTSG WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT MASS LITERACY

Mrs. Magdalene Maidoh, Mr. Jude Agomuo, and myself

National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has been commended for revitalizing Adult and Youth Literacy in all nooks and crannies of the country.

Mr. Patrick Ukah gave this commendation while hosting a delegation led by the Secretary-General National Commission UNESCO, Mrs. Magalene Maidoh who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Mr. Ukah reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the education of her citizens, adding that the Education Summit organised by the state was designed to articulate policies and educational programmes as encapsulated in the S. M. A. R. T. Agenda of the present administration led by

DSTG TO COLLABORATE WITH LIONS CLUB

Delta State Government has promised to partner and collaborate with the Lions Club International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria in her programmes aimed at adding value to mankind.

            Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State stated this through his deputy, Barr. (DCN) Kingsley Burutu Otuaro while playing host to the Multiple District Chairman, MCC Stella Agbogun and her entourage in Asaba Delta State.

            Senator Okowa stated that his administration and Lions Club are partners in progress and in service delivery to humanity and explained that the

Oshimili North PDP Congress Produces Ogwuda As Chairman

The member representing Oshimili North, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Princess (Barr.) Pat Ajudua (middle); Delta State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Patrick Ukah (4th right); Former Party Chairman, Oshimili North LGA, Chief Chiejine Okafor (3rd left); Party Chairman Elect, Oshimili North LGA, Chief Nduka Ogwuda (4th left); Electoral Officer, INEC, Barr. Odo Paul (2nd right); Returning Officer, PDP, Barr. Hope Emioma (right), and other newly elected Party Executives.  

The Delta State Commissioner of Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has described the peaceful nature of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Local Government congress as a clear indication that the people of Oshimili North fully support the present administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Mr. Ukah made the statement yesterday during the congress held in Akwukwu Igbo, headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area.

He expressed confidence in the calibre of persons in the new exco and enjoined them to be transparent and shun sectionalism.

Also speaking on the success of the congress, the member representing Oshimili North in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Pat. Ajudua, said the election was one of its kind and advised the new exco to carry the people along when discharging their duties.

Others who spoke, including the Electoral Officer for Oshimili North, Barr. Odo Paul, and the Returning Officer, Barr. Hope Emioma, commended the past executive of the party in the area for their peaceful disposition.

Speaking on behalf of the other members, the new PDP Chairman of Oshimili North, Ogbueshi Nduka Ogwuda, promised to carry out his duties diligently especially in ensuring that people turn out en masse during any election to cast their votes as against their nonchalant attitude towards the polls in the past.

A reception was later held at his residence to celebrate the success of the election.

Inauguration Ceremony Of Delta State Justice Sector Reform Team

With the State Commissioner of Police, Alkali Usman during the inauguration of the State Justice Sector Reform Team/3 Day retreat in Asaba.

 Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (4^th left); State Chief Judge, Justice Marshall Umukoro (4^th right) and the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Stella Ogene (2^nd left) in a group photograph with the Chairman and members of the newly inaugurated State Justice Sector Reform Team during the inauguration ceremony/3 Day retreat in Asaba.

WORKERS DAY: Okowa Urges Workers To Adjust To Economic Realities

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), receiving a copy of the address from the State NUT Chairman, Comrade Jonathan Jemirugbe, representing the State NLC, Comrade David Ofoeyeno during the 2016 May Day celebration in Asaba.

Leading the Nigerian Union of Journalists during the May Day celebrations in Asaba, Delta State.

 Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State addressed the workers in Asaba, who under the aegis of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), turned out en masse to mark this year's Workers Day Celebration.  He said that with the dwindling revenue from the Federation Accounts, there was the need for workers to readjust to the present economic realities.

 While stating that the financial realities has called for prudent management of funds, Governor Okowa asserted, "we should appreciate the fact that our obvious falling finances notwithstanding, this administration has done much in the areas of provision of qualitative education, effective healthcare service, urban renewal and roads construction among others; it is my hope and expectation that government will continue to enjoy the goodwill of workers in the steady march towards the achievement of our sustainable development objectives."

 Chairman of the NLC in the state, Comrade David Ofoeyeno who was represented by First Vice Chairman of the Union, Comrade Jonathan Jemiereyigbe assured Governor Okowa of the continued support of workers in the state and on behalf of the organised labour in the state, expressed his profound appreciation to the governor for the giant strides his administration has made so far in touching the lives of Deltans through the S.M.A.R.T. agenda."

Ukah Says Senator Nwaoboshi Is An Asset

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Left), Hon. Tam Brisibe, Chief of Staff Government House (Right), Hon. Patrick Ukah, Honourable Commissioner for Information, Barr. (Mrs.) Perpetua Ukah, wife of  the Commissioner for Information.

DELTA State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Patrick Ukah has described the Senator representing Delta North District at the upper legislative chambers as an asset to the state and the nation.

Hon. Ukah made the statement yesterday, Sunday, April 30, 2016, in Ibusa, during the burial ceremony of Obi Francis Nwaoboshi, father of Senator Nwaoboshi.

According to Hon. Ukah, the large turnout of people from different parts of the country was a clear indicator that Senator Nwaoboshi who is the immediate past chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State did well as a representative of the people.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, members of National Assembly, among other dignitaries attended the ceremony.

"Delta State is blessed and Senator Nwaoboshi obviously is an asset to the state and to the country," he said, adding, "we are not mourning the passage of Obi Nwaoboshi, we are celebrating his life and time because, we have an asset in Senator Peter Nwaoboshi."

The Commissioner commended those who came out to bid farewell to the late Nwaoboshi and called for support for Governor Okowa's administration by engaging in peaceful activities.

Delta State Government Appeals To Niger Delta Ministry For Speedy Completion Of Project In The State

Hon. Patrick Ukah, Commissioner for Information (2nd Right), Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, Secretary to State Government (Left), Patrick Origho,  Head of Civil Service (2nd Left), during a courtesy visit of the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Omoleye Daramola.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Barrister Burutu Kingsley Otuaro, has appealed to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to speed up the completion of all ongoing and abandoned projects in the region so as to add value to the developmental life of the people.

The Deputy Governor made the appeal on Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Asaba, when he received the Honourable Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Omoleye Daramola who paid him a courtesy visit during his projects inspection tour.

Barrister Otuaro lamented the slowed down to the target completion date of most projects designed to develop the region and urged the Ministry to improve efforts in completing the projects that will uplift the people.

The Deputy Governor flanked by Secretary to State Government, right-hon Festus Agas, Hon Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah ,Head of Civil Service, Patrick Origho,Comrade Mike Okeme,and other members of State Exco; disclosed that the State Government's SMART Agenda has a monitoring team that give feedback to the State Government in every areas which help them to know the areas they are not doing well which all centered to adding value to the peoples life.

He thereafter, thanked the Minister for the visit and pledged Government's continued support to the Ministry towards achieving their objectives in Delta State.