Newly inaugurated governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has promised to turn Warri, the oil-rich city around to befits its name as commercial hub of the State.
The newly sworn-in governor made the promise during his speech on Monday May 29th 2023, shortly after he was commissioned as governor of the state.
While noting that today marked the beginning of a new administration, he said the new regime would advance the State to greater heights with people-centred policies, human capital development and infrastructure renewal.
“Today marks the beginning not only of a new administration, but of an era that will advance Delta State to greater heights in people-centred policies, human capital development, and infrastructure renewal. With what has been achieved by the immediate past administration, the new government is poised to ADVANCE the state through the MORE agenda”, comprising Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms and
Enhanced peace and security.
He emphasized that his government would give Warri, priority, noting that the creation of Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), has set the pace for such development.
“Furthermore, Warri the commercial nerve centre of the State, will be given special attention under this administration. The process has already commenced with the establishment of Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA).
“Before the ongoing Storm Water Project will be completed, government will commence efforts at giving Warri and its environs a total facelift.
“Before the ongoing Storm Water Project will be completed, government will commence efforts at giving Warri and its environs a total facelift.
He assured that the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Warri Township Stadium would speed up, “Similarly, the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Warri Township Stadium will be expedited”.
“The recent approval of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), for Koko and Kwale is a welcome development because this project has the capacity to unleash the growth potentials of the State. With the Board already in place, we shall immediately take steps to make it fully operational and attract investors to the zone.
According to him, “Consequently, the new administration will seek to:
Foster sustainable economic growth and private sector job creation, boost human capital;
Build an enabling infrastructure;
Enhance governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery; and
Strengthen public financial management.
“In furtherance of these objectives, the existing entrepreneurship development programmes will be sustained and expanded to encourage the creation of more small-scale businesses, thus creating jobs and, consequently, reducing crime and anti-social activities among our vibrant youth population.
“We will also enhance the existing social investment programmes for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable groups, including widows and People Living with Disabilities, through microcredit, training, and business networking. We shall further develop empowerment programmes for women associations, particularly in the rural areas.
“This administration will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects – roads, bridges, schools, and other physical infrastructure. As you all know, government cannot do it alone. Hence, we shall build a conducive environment for public-private partnership investments in virtually all sectors of the economy.
“In the agricultural sector, we shall develop the agricultural value chain, which is a major driver of sustainable economic growth. This administration will spare no effort to ensure that the development of agro-industrial parks is accelerated, given their potential to generate employment opportunities, create wealth, reduce unemployment, and improve food security.
“The recent approval of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), for Koko and Kwale is a welcome development because this project has the capacity to unleash the growth potentials of the State. With the Board already in place, we shall immediately take steps to make it fully operational and attract investors to the zone.
“Delta State has been relatively peaceful in the last eight years. However, recent security breaches in the Warri area are troubling. This administration with the aide of security agencies will take decisive steps to ensure that the situation does not degenerate.
“The Civil Service will be accorded top priority to boost its efficiency and enhance its service delivery. In addition, merit will be the yardstick for elevation into top management positions to encourage the entry into and retention of the best brains in the public service. Furthermore, this administration will render all the necessary support to the judiciary to enable it carry out its functions without let or hindrance”.
