Last Saturday Deltans across the length and breadth of the state celebrated the epochal event of its creation. There were clinking of glasses in various bars and some went to church to give thanks to God for the numerous blessings bestowed on the state. The government of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa marked that day by solemn prayers and praise and worship at the Government House chapel, Asaba. Though the main celebrant was not physically present, he was ably represented by the deputy governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro. Prominent politicians, statesmen, legislators and captains of industry graced the prayer session.
In his message, Okowa thanked God and the people for standing for the government. Okowa who is also the vice presidential candidate of the PDP argued that there were variety of reasons for Deltans to be grateful for the creation of the state, among which was bringing the government closer to the people and by implications spreading the dividends of democracy to every nooks and crannies of the state.
Listen to the message of Okowa :We went to Godin prayer and also took certain actions like the setting up of Peace Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facility Vandalism. Not too long, God showed up and we started doing many things and I can dare say that we have satisfied our God given conscience by executing people oriented projects across the state. We have continued to deepen our reforms in job and wealth creation, educational development, rural and urban development and in other sectors. Delta is working as on indissoluble state under God and irrespective of the divide we belong to politically, we must preserve the unity and cooperation that God has given to us.
Very few people would doubt the sentiments of the governor as expressed in that occasion. Okowa maintained that his administration was not averse to criticism but should be constructive as a way of adding value to the existence of the state in terms of development.
The cleric that officiated at the 31 anniversary church service charged Deltans to sink their differences and strive for excellence as the state marched on towards sustainable development. Apostle Sylvanus Okorote who is also the state chairman of CAN thanked God for the many blessings urging Deltans to arise and shine no matter where you have gotten to, there is always a place to aspire to.
The Delta State Speaker, Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori spoke on the enduring unity and peace in the state. The legislator expressed delight with the current administration of Senator Okowa. Said Oborevwori:Governor Okowa led administration has done exceedingly well, given resources available to move the state forward in all indices. As we mark 31st anniversary, I want to urge the political class that we should wrap ourselves in the garment of unity, peace and love. The speaker therefore charged Deltans despite their political differences to key into the policies and programmes of the government.
The Delta Political Vanguard, a pressure political group led by Michael Diden was happy with the steady rise of the state from the valley of poverty. According to Rex Anighoro, the spokesman of Delta Political Vanguard said that the state rose from the 12th poorest state to 2nd poorest state. Hear the sentiments of Anighoro:I think Deltans deserve more and should not get less, our determination as a group is to make citizens participate more in the crafting of good governance. We need to engage and show to them how security and human rights will be improved, how Sustainable Development Goals will be better localized and beneficial to them.
Speaking on Delta State at 31, Dr. Godspower Ogege said that it was worth celebrating and that the state was more united than when it was created thirty-one years ago. Said Ogege :I believe that Deltans are united unlike other states that have internal crisis among their tribes and insecurities but that is not the case of Delta State. We can better the lots of Deltans if the government can focus on production that is establishing industries which will lead to creating job opportunities for the citizens. This can be achieved easily by constructing coastal route along the River Niger to link the Independent Power Plant at Okpai in Ndokwa East Local Government Areas. This will attract the setting up of industries to create millions of jobs opportunities and the state will be regarded as a producing state and a lot of revenue will be generated from such industries.
And in Asaba, the chairman of the PDP in Oshimili South Local Government Areas Ogbueshi Dada Okonji advised Deltans to hold on to things that bind them together since the creation of the state. He stated that all the administrations of the state since its creation demonstrated patriotism and love by carrying all the ethnic groups along. The party chairman described Okowa as a focused and detribalized leader who made sure that the various ethnic groups live in peace and harmony adding that Okowa administration had impacted on all Deltans` lives.
The sentiments expressed above resonate with Deltans who want the best for their state. It must however be stated here stunning clarity is that the political class should put their differences aside and work together as a team so as to peak the living standards of the people. The dividends of democracy should knock at the doorstep of every Deltan.
