By Norbert Chiazor
By the timeline of power, governor Ifeanyi Okowa will leave office on May 29, 2023. Less than two years away from this Christmas. This foreshadows the finite transience of human position.
Gradually unstoppable, Okowa’s tenure is coming to an end. But somewhere at the heart of Asaba,there is a glory waiting to outlive the Owa Alero – born politician. Glory fully dressed in ornate significance. The Delta state secretariat built by the Okowa administration.
The building is named after the Asagba of Asaba HRM, Obi Professor Chike Edozien,whose reign saw the twin impact of peace and development in the state capital,crowned by the emergence of first Delta governor of Anioma origin.
Standing in breath-taking awesomeness,the complex is a beauty to behold.
The secretariat is a sprawling spectacle of Olympian architecture rolling up to seven stairs at the peak,kissing the skyline of Asaba in amazing elegance. The dimension from ground is wondrous, sitting on 65,000 square metres space.
Viewed from its vintage location on Maryam Babangida way, it sits in delicate beauty like a colourful Peacock splashing its feathers in a pampered sanctuary.
It is the biggest and finest state secretariat in Nigeria, across the 36 states of the federation. Vice President Yemi Osibanjo is expected to commission the magnificent structure.
The multi billion Naira secretariat complex is a majestic mass of rocky concrete and solid metal moulded in lavish splendour. It is designed in five clusters to house 27 ministries, departments and agencies of government as well as bank, clinic and crèche.
With the massive secretariat, commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and other civil servants would work under one giant roof to deliver government business in seamless liaison. An initiative unprecedented in history.
The new secretariat would offer the occupants the appetite to serve and contribute to good governance for the betterment of Delta.
There is also the happy optimism that the gigantic secretariat with its one- stop accommodation stands to boost the economic profile of the state by cutting off wastage of huge funds often spent on rent by many government establishments in the state capital.
The grandeur and spectacular height of the building reenact the iconic civil service secretariat on Sapele Road, Benin city built by the late Samuel Ogbemudia in the old Bendel state .
The motivation of governor Okowa is understandable. Asaba, as a state capital deserves a befitting status.
Governor Okowa has been greeted by criticisms. A leader will always attract knocks fair and unfair. Not a few however hold it that the governor merits a tender pat.
For Delta secretariat particularly, the Olympian edifice raises timeless honour for Okowa. A gift even the blind will see, an applause the deaf will hear!
