Grow Delta’s Economy with me, Okowa tells new Commissioners, Special Advisers

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeany Okowa has strongly told political appointees and cabinet members in his administration to understand that their coming on board with him is to help grow the economy of the state.

The governor spoke on Tuesday in Asaba shortly after administering oath of office on 13 new commissioners and three special advisers at a colourful ceremony held at the Event Centre, on Okpanam Road, Asaba.

He told the new commissioners: “As Governor, my priority is to grow the economy of this state and ensure that every person has a chance to pursue his or her dreams of success and achieve their full measure of happiness. By accepting to serve as a Commissioner or Special Adviser in this government, you have accepted this responsibility.

“The situation we find ourselves calls for drive, innovation, prudence and above all, ingenuity and resourcefulness in managing our assets and in our internal revenue generation process, because, we are confronted with serious economic challenges, and it is incumbent on us all, especially, the political appointees, to rise up to the challenge with courage, determination and selfless service,” he said.

He appealed to them, and indeed, all Deltans, to muster the can-do-spirit and problem-solving mentality that Deltans are known for; and as Commissioners and Special Advisers, they are to treat the business of government as a business, directing that every Ministry, Department and Agency of government under his administration is expected to be cost conscious in its operations and be alive to its revenue generating potential because in the face of dwindling receipts from the Federation Account, “we cannot afford to do any less.”

Okowa charged the appointees to shun sectionalism, nepotism and be diligent, honest, accountable and pay careful attention to the needs and aspirations of the people in their actions, asserting that “as a government, we are committed to creating the enabling environment for micro, small, and medium scale enterprises to thrive and flourish because, they are the heartbeat of any economy”. He expressed confidence that with deep thinking, creativity, fiscal discipline and the co-operation of all and sundry, “we can put the current challenges behind us and lay a solid foundation of prosperity for this generation of Deltans and those coming after us.”

The new Commissioners who were assigned portfolios at the well attended event included, Barr. Peter Mrakpor (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice); Dr Nicholas Azinge (Commissioner for Health); Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy (Commissioner for Culture and Tourism); Hon. Henry Sakpra (Commissioner for Special Duties, Governor’s Office); Mr Mofe Pirah (Commissioner for Oil and Gas]; Hon. Bright Edejeghro (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs ); Hon. Asupa Forteta (Commissioner for Youth Development); Chief Dan Okenyi (Commissioner for Lands and Survey); Hon. Chika Ossai (Commissioner for Special Duties); Mr Oghenekaro Ilolo (Commissioner for Urban Renewal); Olorogun David Edevbie (Commissioner for Finance); Engr. Jude Sinebe (Commissioner for Higher Education); and Mr Patrick Ukah (Commissioner for Information); while the Special Advisers that were sworn-in are, Hon, John Ozegbe [Investment], Rt. Hon. Sam Obi [Inter Government Affairs and Special Duties] and Hon Bosin Ebikeme [Petroleum Matters].

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Barr Peter Mrakpor thanked the Governor for his magnanimity in finding them worthy of the appointments, and assured Deltans that they will diligently work hard to achieve the agenda of the Okowa administration.