Delta state: Two years after

By  Prince Abugo

MAY 29,2017, Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa would be two years in office.Two years of four years tenure is monumental in politics because any government would have had its road map marshalled, promises fulfilled and marshaling policies  and programmes in tandem with the  hopes of the electorate. In assessing Okowa, Iamprivileged from two sides of the coin, what he has done differently and how he is steering the ship olf state  from mistrust and bitterness that once divided us from a united people with purpose.

The main issue in Delta is Okowa. He  has met expectations, considering promises made. He has unified political and socio-cultural interest groups that were at daggers drawn. He has spread development across the state and removed the wedge of mistrust that exist between the three senatorial zones.Two years after, in terms of unemployment, ethnic bigotry and tribalism, social vices, corruption, food, shelter, and housing among others, the SMART agenda is transforming lives in tandem with the prosperity agenda.

Assessing Okowa’s accomplishments must come from a non-partisan angle with analytical mind to give a fair verdict that support value for democracy. Okowa came at a most difficult time of recession, huge debt profile,bloated wage bills, uncompleted projects,  and pipeline vandalism and fall of oil prices that deemed economic potentials. With a clear vision, to create wealth, reduce unemployment through technical, vocational and formal education, make food abundant, have functional health institutions, enhance peace building for economic growth, the SMART agenda became the template.

SMART means- (S) trategic wealth creation projects  and provision of jobs for all Deltans,(M)eaningful peace building platforms aimed at political and social stability,(A) gricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, (R)elevant health and education policies, and (T)ransformed Environment through Urban Renewal. It is economic, political and social awakening to deepen Delta beyond oil and lay sustainable economic and infrastructural development. Okowa blocked all leakages, made corruption unattractive and ensured prudent  management and accountability to attract investors.

This won him confidence of the masses. He is incorruptible, principled and accessible by the downtrodden. He has demystified political power and office, that  is why all including the Opposition see him as central point for fertilisation of ideas. Today, Delta is witnessing uncommon transformation in wealth creation, health institutions, agriculture, industrialisation, rural and infrastructural development, peace building and inter-ethnic relations among others. The projects embarked by Okowa had multiplier effect on the economy. Delta invested in Agriculture, acquiring 3,850 hectares of farmland and encouraged the establishment of rice processing mills to support  rice cultivation. Fish farmers through technical partnership have increased production from 24,413 metric tons of fish production in 2016 to 59,347 in 2017. The gains are jobs creation, food production and agribusiness, palm production through palm plantations, rubber plantations and other cash crops. The synergy between government and farmers had discouraged rural-urban migrations and made agriculture attractive.

Okowa’s places high premium on education. Education replaces ignorance. Thus, making it possible for people to understand the workings of government.  Okowa through holistic education that combines technical training with vocational training has transformed the state. Technical colleges have been upgraded, public schools have their pride restored and teachers are now well remunerated,  while students study under condusive  environment .

His greatest achievement is dousing ethnic tensions and building bridges of understanding across  all sections of the state.  Okowa rescue mission has impacted on people and institutions, and political bats to be useful citizens. Okowa’s strength is unity for justice, development, emancipation and service.

The health sector is transformed with a universal health insurance scheme that afford every Deltan access to health. The state’s   Teaching hospitals have been   transformed in medical personnel, training and facilities. Primary health care is also a priority and various communities have functional health centres that take health closer  to people. The state is witnessing uncommon transformation of roads linking hamlets to villages, villages to towns and towns to cities, increasing transportation of goods and services, promoting economic activities.

The Civil service has been stabilised as the biometric exercise weeded ghost workers, discipline restored and punctuality at work upheld. Workers now imbibe ethics of service, salaries paid as at when due, dedication rewarded with promotions and trainings. This has encouraged productivity, synergy between trade unions,labour leaders and government.

*Mr. Abugo,  SA Social Advocacy to Governor  Okowa.

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