*Vows To Complete Ongoing Projects
CHIEF Sheriff Oborevwori was, yesterday in Asaba, sworn in as the fifth civilian Governor of Delta State, commending his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his fiscal discipline and achievement and vowing to complete all ongoing projects across the state.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, administered the oath of office on the governor at the ceremony held at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the state capital, and witnessed by thousands of Deltans, who defied an early morning heavy rains and trooped to venue.
The 60-year-old governor, who was sworn in along side his Deputy, Mr. Monday Onyeme at about 11:54am, was the longest-serving Speaker of the state House of Assembly.
The ceremony took place amid tight security, as several group of entertainers milled around the stadium, which was filled to the brim, to add colour to the event.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Oborevwori said: “I accept, with humility, the responsibility bestowed on me by you, Deltans, to run the affairs of the state. I’m well positioned to serve my people, and I resolved to do more, hopefully to move the state to a greater heights through the MORE Agenda.”
While acknowledging the giant strides of Okowa for his achievements and peace-building, the governor promised to boost the state’s human capital development by creating jobs for the youth and attracting investors to the state.
He also promised to the reduce the crime rate and criminality, expressing concern over recent security beaches in Warri, promising the give the oil city special attention and total upliftment, including the Warri Township Stadium.
The governor noted that he represents consolidation and advancement, just as he commended former governors, Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for laying a strong foundation for the state.
He thanked Deltans for their confidence in him by election him to the office, craving the the wisdom of God and continued prayers and support of the people as he strives to move the state forward.The governor said his administration would 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 (PLD), through micro-credit, training and business networking,” he stated.
Oborevwori assured that his administration would develop empowerment programmes for women associations, particularly in the rural areas, adding: “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.”
Speaking earlier, Okowa expressed joy that he was able to pass the mantle of leadership to Oborevwori after eight years of service to the state, urging Deltans to support the present government in its efforts to better condition and the development of the state.
He said it was a day for him to appreciate all those who joined hands with his administration to build a stronger Delta, adding: “Our gratitude goes to the legislature, the judiciary, all those who served with us in the state executive council, the civil service establishment for their accommodation and contributions to the successes of the last eight years.
“We thank former governors of the state for the foundations that laid for us to build on, our appreciation extends to the members of the National Assembly, the political class, organised labour, security agencies, our royal fathers, our fathers of faith and the press for standing fervently behind us.
“Once again, thank you all for being fair to us, our prayer is that the new government will not only consolidate on our achievements, but also support us in all aspect of governance.
“To Oborevwori and Onyeme, the word I leave with you is that the Lord God is on the throne and His mercies and grace is all sufficient and because the Lord God is on the throne, it is well and it shall be well with you as you are sworn in today.
“Remember ye always, the works of the Lord and all which He did for you. Never forget what the Lord did for you both, therefore, serve and reverence Him, look up to Him and He will be able to see you through your tenure in office.
“Remember also that promotion comes from the Lord and that the ways of the righteous shall be exalted. As you hold on to God and serve Him, you will be exalted and Deltans will be with you, Deltans will support you and by the special grace of God, you will surpass all that we have done and we shall all collectively give glory to Almighty God.”
