By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE 5th Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, highlighted seven cogent things he wished to do for Deltans as the new governor.
In his inaugural speech during his swearing-in ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said that his era will advance Delta State to greater heights in human capital development, and infrastructure.
He emphasized that he wished to serve Deltans as their governor through his MORE agenda which stands for Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms and Enhanced peace and security.
The governor pledged to support and expand all current entrepreneurship development programs to promote the growth of more small companies and lower young criminality as part of the More agenda.
Additionally, he mentioned that his government would see to it that all current infrastructure projects were completed and that the creation of agro-industrial parks would be accelerated to advance agriculture in the state.
Furthermore, he promised to give special attention to Warri by accelerating the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Warri Township Stadium and also to ensure an end to insecurity in the state, amongst other things.
He said: “Today marks the beginning not only of a new administration, but of an era that will advance Delta State to greater heights in people-centred policies, human capital development, and infrastructure renewal. With what has been achieved by the immediate past administration, the new government is poised to ADVANCE the state through the MORE agenda, which stands for:
“Meaningful development; Opportunities for all; Realistic reforms; and Enhanced peace and security.
“Consequently, 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.
“In furtherance of these objectives, the existing entrepreneurship development programs 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 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 can 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 aid of security agencies will take decisive steps to ensure that the situation does not degenerate.
“Furthermore, Warri the commercial nerve centre of the State, will be given special attention under this administration. The process has already commenced with the establishment of the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA).
“Before the ongoing Storm Water Project will be completed, the government will commence efforts at giving Warri and its environs a total facelift. Similarly, the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Warri Township Stadium will be expedited.
“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 to carry out its functions without let or hindrance.
Present at the swearing-in ceremony were, the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his deputy, the former Governor of the State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta potentially his wife, and the Chief Judge of the State, Rosaline Bozimo.
Also present were Members of the National Assembly, Speakers of Bayelsa and Edo States Houses of Assembly amongst other dignitaries.
