Sherriff Oborevwori, the newly sworn-in governor of Delta State, on Monday, pledged to run an open and responsive government that meets the needs and aspirations of the people of the state.
Delivering his inaugural address at the inauguration ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I represent consolidation and advancement.”
“Consolidation because I am continuing from where the previous government stopped, and advancement because 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 fulfilled for Deltans, said Oborevwori who is the immediate past speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
“Today marks the beginning not only of a new administration, but of an era that will advance Delta State to greater heights in people-centered 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.
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“In furtherance of these objectives, the existing 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’s 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 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 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 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,” he said.
Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of the state, in his speech, thanked Deltans for their support towards the success of his eight-year administration (2015-2023) and urged them to do the same to Oborevwori’s administration.
