“I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame; I was father to the poor.” -Job 29: 15-16
-By Albert OGRAKA:
Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro have been successfully inaugurated for a second tenure as Governor and Deputy Governor of Delta state respectively with a vow to build a Stronger Delta with the three pillars of Prosperity, Peace and Progress.
Governor Okowa, who was administered oath of office by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Marshal Umukoro, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Stephen Stadium, Asaba, said: “the oath of service I just took is more than an official function or constitutional requirement, it is a covenant between us, a covenant to build a stronger Delta in which we can freely and confidently, pursue our dreams and happiness in a safe and secure environment.”
The inauguration was witnessed by an unprecedented crowd who had thronged Asaba to be part of the historic event.
In his address to Deltans, Governor Okowa said, “My deputy and I, pledge to do our best to be deserving of your trust; indeed, we are resolute in our quest to leave a legacy of a Delta State that is the frontrunner in the federation; all we need are your prayers and full cooperation; the future that we envision requires that we all open our hearts and minds to the values of love, courage, discipline, cooperation and commitment, which are imperative for growth, stability and sustainable development.”
Recall that Justice Marshal Umukoro also conducted the first tenure inauguration of the Governor and his deputy as his first major official assignment at the new Government House in 2015.
“Let’s also learn to be helpers to one another. We need to bear one another’s burden. As an administration, we shall continue to do our best but this should, as a matter of exigency, be complimented by our individual and collective efforts.”
Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa
Governor Okowa recalled that “When I took this oath four years ago, it was in a time of general unease. The national economy was in distress, unemployment was high, the infrastructure deficit was intimidating, the education sector was hard pressed, and there was palpable despair in the land. It was a test of our desire, our resolve and our preparedness to deliver the prosperity we promised the electorate.”
He revealed that the remarkable achievements of his administration in the four years that just elapsed was as a result of the Delta State Medium Term Development Plan with key strategic imperatives, which he initiated after due consultations, to drive the rapid infrastructural development, engender inclusive economic growth, reduce the worrisome high level of youth unemployment and pervasive poverty, and improve the general well-being of all Deltans.
Meanwhile, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh JP, speaking with Blank NEWS Online during the inauguration ceremony in Asaba said the inauguration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was a fulfilment of the passionate aspirations of Deltans.
He noted that Deltans, devoid of ethnic, religious or political cleavages have vowed to protect the governor as their votes and fulfilment of their electioneering endeavours.
According to him, “the people are still basking in the euphoria of massive development dotting the nooks and crannies of the state. It was that stride that motivated their choice and votes and now they are saying that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa represents that votes and that they must protect him as the votes to sustain the development for a stronger Delta state.”
He lauded the boldness of Deltans at home and in the Diaspora for standing up to defend their votes and support Governor Okowa in his fresh bid to sustain and strengthen the overall growth in the state.
