As Delta State marks its 29th anniversary, the State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has highlighted some achievements of his administration.
The Governor in an anniversary message on Thursday said the State had made steady progress and remained united despite diversity since it was created on Tuesday, August 27th, 1991.
He said his administration has been able to successfully implement its policies and programmes because Deltans have embraced peace.
The anniversary message reads: “My Good People of Delta State: On Tuesday, August 27th, 1991, under the military regime of our erstwhile Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, our great state, Delta, was created from the defunct Bendel State.
“Since then, we have made steady progress and remained united despite our diversity. Our people have continually excelled in the fields of business and entrepreneurship, sports, academia, healthcare, and ICT.
“In politics and governance, it has been a remarkable story of purposeful leadership with each succeeding administration in the State building on the legacy of the previous one.
“Since May 29, 2015, when this administration came on board, we have invested massively in infrastructural/urban renewal, resourced our youths with the skills and technical know-how to become entrepreneurs and leaders.
“We have instituted reforms in the education sector to build a new generation of job and wealth creators, and upgraded the health sector with the introduction of Universal Health Coverage — the first state in the country to do so.
“According to the latest NBS statistics on the poverty-to-population ratio, Delta is ranked number two among States that have moved more people out of poverty and joblessness.
“With a score of 6% on the index, this means that only six percent of the entire population in Delta survive on the breadline of less than $1 per day.
“This is a testament to the effectiveness of our Job and Wealth Creation Scheme and similar policy initiatives in our Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
“Through the Delta State Capital Territory Development Authority, Asaba is being given the desired facelift befitting of a state capital.
“Likewise, the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency was also recently established to tackle the infrastructural deficit as well as the perennial flooding/environmental challenges that have bedevilled the area.
“Additionally, my administration’s rural-urban integration efforts continue to expand the construction of more linkage roads in our rural communities.
“The new, ultra-modern Central Secretariat Complex is proceeding on schedule. When completed, it will save our state billions in yearly rent and enhance the coordination and service delivery among ministries, departments, and agencies of government.
“Above all, our State has remained largely peaceful. My administration has been able to successfully implement its policies and programmes because our people have embraced peace. It has also meant that oil companies can do their work unhindered.
“I wish to thank all our leaders – traditional rulers, community leaders, church leaders, youth leaders, political leaders – for truly giving peace a chance.
“I urge us to continue in the same spirit of oneness and peaceful coexistence as we join hands to build a #StrongerDelta that future generations will be proud of.
“Undoubtedly, the #COVID19 pandemic has disrupted our living conditions and altered our social relationships. It has been a very trying time for governments all over the world.
“Our administration responded in a very proactive manner that has seen the curve currently flattening out in our State.
“I thank our dedicated health workers and various government officials who put their lives at risk to combat the pandemic. We regret the unfortunate loss of lives; my sincere and deepest condolences go to all the families who lost loved ones to the coronavirus.
“Finally, I believe we have every reason to be proud of how far we have come as a State. With the foundation of sound governance and prudent fiscal regime that have been laid by this administration, we can afford to face the future with optimism, faith, and courage.
“This is why, today, as we commemorate the significance of #DeltaAt29, I urge us all to recommit ourselves – our energies, our talents, and our resources – to building a #StrongerDelta on the tripod of prosperity, peace, and progress.
“Let us move forward together with the firm belief that Almighty God will crown our efforts with success. I wish you all a happy #DeltaAt29 anniversary. God bless Delta State”.