The Mid-Westerners, a Political Pressure Group, has scored Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led administration high in governance and effective delivers of dividends of democracy to the people of Delta in the last eight years.
The group, representing the old Bendel (Edo and Delta States) gave the commendation at a news conference on Thursday in Asaba, while setting agenda for the Governor -Elelct, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, as he steps in come May 29.
The Mid-Westerners in an address signed by its Chairman, Mr Iwendi Nwaham; Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. David Ejenobo; Secretary, Fidelis Chimokwu and Mr Kenneth Okwuenu, was read by Prof. Ejenobo.
According to them, the Okowa’s achievement in the state was rather under reported by the media.
They commended Okowa’s achievement in infrastructure, education, health, human capital development, airport transport infrastructure, flood control measures, among others
They said that the achievements were massive and worth sustaining by the incoming administration.
“On assumption of office in 2015, Okowa met a state battling with multifarious economic challenges, least of which was the drastic drop in revenue accruing from crude oil export at the national level.
“To take the state out of of its dilemma, he came up with his SMART Agenda and for eight years, Okowa pursued and delivered a “Stronger Delta” agenda.
“In the field of education, he stands tall, he touched the whole gamut of the educational sphere from basic and primary education to tertiary institutions.
“He ensured welfare of teachers, established model technical colleges in all the senatorial districts and has topped it with the establishment of three new/state universities,” they said.
The group added that Okowa was nicknamed “the Road Master” by the people for connecting the rural communities to the urban by constructing over 2,000km of roads and 1,400km of drainage channels across the state.
“Okowa’s achievements in terms of infrastructural development are simply amazing.
”He built the state of the art N18 billion state secretariat, blocked financial leakages, flushed out ghost workers, and repositioned the civil service for effective service delivery,” the group said.
They noted that Okowa’s administration tackled the erosion and massive flooding which before now had wreak havoc in Asaba and environs by investing billion of naira on storm water drains and underground tunnels to empty into the River Niger.
“As we bid farewell to a worthy achiever, we take this opportunity to congratulate the Governor-Elect, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori on his success at the 2023 governorship elections on March 18.
“Gov. Okowa has set the standard, we encourage you to follow. Your M.O.R.E Agenda which has been properly documented and articulated during your campaigns should be your covenant with the people of Delta.
“We encourage our incoming governor to sustain the roads infrastructure, human capital development and to extend the retirement age to 65 years and 40 years in service to all civil servants in the state as effected for the teachers by the federal and Delta government.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has attributed the success of his administration to God’s intervention.
He spoke during the launch of a musical album produced by the Choir of the Government House Chapel, Asaba on Tuesday.
Okowa said that one of the greatest legacies he would bequeath to his successor, the Governor-elect, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, was the presence of God at the Government House.
The governor, however, urged him and the Deputy Governor-elect, Monday Onyeme, to put God first in their administration.
According to him, the ministration of choir in the last eight years had attracted God’s presence to all parts of the state.
He said: ”We thank God that our Governor-elect and his deputy are here.
“The greatest asset that I will leave for you both is the presence of God in the Government House.
“The greatest desire of my wife and I is to see the fire on this altar glow and burn continually.
“Pressures will come and all manner of confusing voices will come but resist them and make sure that you reverence God,” Okowa said.
He advised Oborevwori and Onyeme to remain divinely connected to God by doubling their efforts in the worship of God as they prepared to take over the mantle of leadership in the state.
He further said that through purposeful worshipping of God, challenges would be surmounted and victory enthroned in the lives of those who firmly hold on to Him.
He said that the album would help significantly in advancing the gospel of God, and urged worshipers to encourage the choristers by purchasing copies of the album.
“This choir needs to be encouraged because I know that through their voices, the praises and worship they render in this place, a lot has happened to this state.
“We may not appreciate it but my wife and I know that we believe in the presence of God in this chapel.
“We are very mindful that our God is present in this place and whenever we call on Him, He answers us.
“So, I must use this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to praise the name of the Lord and call His presence in this chapel,” he said.
Okowa advised the incoming governor to create time every morning to worship God.
According to him, it could be difficult sometimes but you should try to do it as much as you can.
“Do it because you must provide leadership by leading.
“I believe that as long as you go on that path with this wonderful choir, the Lord will guide you.
“What people do not know is that if you start your morning with God, the glory of God when it hovers continually in Government House, will extend to every part of Delta.
“And, if you allow the forces of darkness to come in, they will also extend to every part of Delta; and that we must avoid,” the governor said.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Festus Agas, who reviewed the album, lauded the choir for their love for God through their ministration.
Agas said that the album, which had English and local tracks, was packaged to bring the glory of God in the Iives and destinies of people.
Earlier in a sermon, entitled, “The value of praise and worship,” the Chaplain of the Chapel, Ven. Charles Osemenam, said that the best way to attract God’s presence in one’s life is through praise and worship.
Osemenam, therefore, advised the people of Delta and Nigerians to go to God in praise, anytime the turbulence of life reared its ugly head up.
The launch was also attended by the Wife of the Governor, Edith, and Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, amongst other top government functionaries in the state.
Outgoing governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has appreciated members of the organised labour and workers in the state for their sustained cooperation and understanding his administration enjoyed in the past eight years.
Okowa urged the workers to sustain the tempo by extending the same hand of fellowship to the in-coming administration particularly during negotiations.
The governor spoke in Asaba on Monday during the 2023 May Day rally jointly put together by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions in the state.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah, Okowa said the existing cordial relationship between workers and the government have encouraged his administration to uphold its welfare and training programmes.
“No doubt, workers were also part of the massive victory our party garnered during the last Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state.
“Dear workers, I sincerely appeal to you to extend the same hands of fellowship to the in-coming governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and his administration.
“He is not only labour friendly, he truly understands the challenges workers face, and I assure you that he will carry workers along. Please, adopt the same calm disposition during negotiations,” he said.
The chairman of TUC in the State, Mr Martins Bolum thanked God for seeing them through the 2023 election.
While congratulating Governor-elect Oborevwori for his victory at the polls, Bolum assured that Delta workers would remained ‘Sheriffied’
He commended Governor Okowa for his administration commitment to workers’ welfare, describing him as a labour friendly governor.
Bolum said they had a robust relationship with the outgoing governor, and commended him for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, despite the economic crunch occasioned by COVID-19.
For years, residents lived with the menace of perennial flooding in Uvwie, Warri and the environs. During the rainy season, Enerhen junction, PTI road, Uti road, refinery road, Ugbuwangue community and many other places in the Warri metropolis were a nightmare.
It is on record that the perennial flood claimed lives, buildings were brought down and roads constructed by successive governments were badly damaged. The situation was precarious, especially as no serious effort was made by previous governments to address the challenge.
In the recent past, the situation was not different in Asaba, Delta State capital. When Okowa assumed office as Governor of the State in May 2015, the State capital was perennially plagued by flooding during the rainy season.
However, the story of Asaba has changed today.
A tour of projects executed by Governor Okowa took this reporter to Delta. In Asaba, the reporter had the opportunity to inspect and investigate how the State Government under Governor Okowa was able to curb the menace of flooding in the State capital.
Okowa’s approach to problem of flood in Asaba and implication for construction of roads
In response to the problem of flooding in Asaba, Governor Okowa initiated the Asaba stormwater drainage project. This reporter reliably gathered that when Okowa assumed office, a development research consultant proffered solutions to the perennial flood in Asaba.
Residents and those familiar with Asaba can testify about the state of the State capital during the rainy season. Hitherto, the flood problem created anxious moments for residents. The volume of water submerged houses and deaths were recorded in some cases. Indeed, the flood menace was an albatross to residents of the capital city.
For instance, during the rainy season, the busy Okpanam road is usually overwhelmed by flood, causing terrible snarl in traffic, with motorists forced to drive indiscriminately and lawlessly.
The road leading to Junior Staff Quarters from Summit Road was often cut off during the rains and the premises of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, also went under, submerged by the flood, with offices run over and equipment destroyed.
Besides Okpanam road, DBS road and Junior Staff Quarters road, other places usually badly affected by floods include Jesus Saves road, DLA road, Ambassador Leo Okogwu road, Infant Jesus, Temple Clinic area and the whole of Asaba inland town.
But today, that flood plague, with its attendant trauma to residents of Asaba, is no more.
Mr John Onwalu, the Consultant Engineer for the Asaba Storm Water project, had given insights into how the project started.
“When we came in, we carried out a preliminary study to find out the cause of the flooding so as to be able to proffer a solution. From our preliminary study, we found out that Asaba is sitting on the lower plain of a valley.
“Taking Asaba and Okpanam together, every drop of rain in Okpanam comes down to Asaba because Okpanam is situated at 187 metres above sea level, while the centre of Asaba, which is at Inter Bua Roundabout is situated at 44 metres above sea level.
“So, you have a difference of about 143 metres in elevation. This explains why every drop of water in Okpanam flows to Asaba. The situation shows why even when there is no rainfall in Asaba, it still experiences flooding flowing in from Okpanam,” Onwalu had said.
The Consultant Engineer had also disclosed that a major problem which their study discovered was that when Delta was created with Asaba as capital, there was an initial lack of urban planning, which should have mapped out roads, residential areas, commercial areas, schools, etc.
“But, with no defined areas for property development, people began to develop property indiscriminately, blocking natural water paths, thereby hindering the flow of the precipitated flood through its natural path,” Onwalu said.
According to him, water must find its level and that is why you find water meandering through different places, even through homes.
He explained that the discoveries prompted a survey of the whole area to be carried out soon after the state government under Gov. Okowa directed that the storm drainage project should be embarked on.
“The survey was topographic and intended to collect information on every spot in Asaba. With that, we were able to generate the spot heights from which the contour mapping was produced, with the street names, and all the verifiable features that will help in our work, after which we went into the proper analysis to generate the flood drainage design,” Onwalu explained.
He added that the analysis was to provide an answer to the question of the volume of flood water that Okpanam contributes to Asaba and how to manage it.
Armed with adequate technical details on issues around the perennial and intense flooding in the capital and environs, including the determination of the hydrological channel section that could accommodate the volume of flood water from Okpanam, the government began, as onerous as it appeared, a comprehensive and apt strategy to arrest the scourge.
The Okowa government deployed the storm drainage approach, tasking the contractors to split the project into three phases for ease of handling and coordinated supervision.
Work in all the phases has been concluded, the drains have been activated and flooding in Asaba is now history. The storm drainage project by Okowa came to the rescue and has brought joy to the people.
The gargantuan tunnels, seen at the discharge point at Anwai, and the mighty pipes that run through them, mean that when it rains at Okpanam or even in Asaba, the drainage system is able to swallow all the water and discharge into the River Niger. Okowa thus saved the state capital and the inhabitants from the debilitating experience of flooding.
The project was superbly, conscientiously and pragmatically executed in tandem with its concept, from observation.
Meanwhile, after constructing the main storm sewers, the government started concentrating on creating street drains, and everywhere that a road was constructed or rehabilitated, a street drain is also provided.
It is the drain that makes the roads last because when there is no water sitting under the asphalt, the road will not collapse. Every drop of water flows into the drain which empties into the sewers, thus making the road networks to endure for a long period.
It is common knowledge that bitumen is never friends with water. So, roads without drainage will definitely collapse, which has been the case with roads constructed in Effurun, Warri and the environs by successive governments.
Once the flood problem of Asaba was solved, it became much easier to construct more roads in the State capital.
Gov Okowa replicating Asaba storm drainage success in Warri
One amazing thing Governor Okowa did in Asaba, which is worth replicating in all parts of Delta, is that virtually all the roads in the State capital are tarred and there is no single one with a pot-hole, except for a number of roads currently undergoing construction work.
Many criticize Okowa and say because he is not from Warri, he refused to construct or rehabilitate roads in the metropolis. But, not many know the foundation the Governor has laid for the integrated development of the metropolis.
A critical look at the solution provided for the problem of flood in Asaba shows that deep thoughts and deep thinking have gone into it, depicting the intellectual inputs to government projects and programmes by the Okowa administration.
Recall that a lot of roads were constructed by successive governments in Warri. They could be likened to “indomie roads”. When the roads soak in water from the perennial floods, they become too soft and wear away. That has been the cycle, happening in the course of the last 16 years.
Because there was no viable drainage system, most of the roads constructed in Warri collapsed. Existing drainage before now does not discharge anywhere. Hence, roads constructed in Warri always failed.
Okowa, by the stroke of deft wisdom, refused to follow the path of road construction taken in the past. It was not wise for the government to continue to put down money into the drain. What to do was to address the reason why roads in Warri do not stand the test of time, which is what the government is addressing at the moment.
Recall that the first two years following the 2015 general election and subsequently the inauguration of the government in that year were turbulent such that it was difficult for State governments to even pay workers’ salaries let alone embark on projects.
However, revenue begin to pick up and the government started executing projects. It was, therefore, only wise for the government to be prudent and careful with the number of projects it piled up at a time.
To replicate the solution provided for flooding and road construction in Asaba for Uvwie, Warri and the environs, the Okowa administration initiated a flood control project for Effurun, Ekpan, Warri and the environs to channel the bulk of flood water into the Warri River. Thereby, pave the way for the construction of roads in the metropolis.
An Engineer addressing a team of journalists at one of the projects sites visited at Uti road, Effurun, Uvwie LGA, Delta State
To set the ball rolling, armed with the Asaba template, Governor Okowa established the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), and before embarking on the project properly, a study of the topography of Warri and Effurun was conducted as well.
Before now, there was no survey and proper mapping of the metropolis but as a result of the flood control initiative by Okowa, Warri now has a master plan and just the same way that Asaba was prioritized, is the same way that Warri has been prioritized.
The State Government eventually awarded the contracts for the flood control project in Uvwie and Warri to the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) and Levant Construction Company, respectively.
Recall that the initial contract for the Uvwie and Warri flood control projects was awarded in January 2020, but the progress of work was stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the lockdown which ensued.
However, the increase of work sites on the storm drainage projects from initial 61 to 76 caused a corresponding increase of the contract value by N4.5 billion from the original sum of N9.5 billion. The projects will, therefore, cost each contractor N14 billion, making N28 billion in total.
“The cost of the drainage project can scare anyone but my government is focused and we do not want to build roads that will fail. I want to build a lasting foundation such that after the drainage, we can build roads that can last. In the area where we have already worked on, the people are very happy because there is no more flooding,” Governor Okowa had said during an inspection visit to the project.
One of the huge tunnels undergoing construction work
The project involves the clearing of canals, natural waterways and drains as well as the construction of huge underground tunnels, smaller drainages and culverts to channel flood water into the Warri River. The project also involves the relocation of electric poles, utilities and structures, underground pipes and network cables.
Workers at one of the projects sites
There have been incursions along the natural waterways over the year as many undermined the town planning structure of Warri and erected structures and buildings on the waterways. Those with formal approval who did not build directly on water courses were paid compensation but those who deliberately built on water courses hoping to get compensation were not compensated.
In executing the project, the contracting firms were urged not to employ outsiders for jobs that community youths can easily do. As the project progresses, more communities were engaged while those that had been used are disengaged.
The underground tunnels constructed for flood control in Uvwie and Warri and inspected by this reporter, a trailer can pass through them. This reporter gathered the multi-billion naira project has reached 70% completion stage already.
“The storm drainage project has reached 70% completion. What we are doing is laying the foundation for road construction in Warri as part of the integrated development of the State.
“With the flood control project, when fully completed, no volume of water can threaten Effurun, Ekpan, Warri and the environs anymore. Plus, we are sure our roads in the metropolis will last,” a government official told journalists on the tour of the project.
The project sites visited include Ugbolokposo, Alegbo, Uti, Apala, NPA expressway, Edjeba, Third Marine Gate, Esisi road and Igbudu Primary School in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government areas.
The drainage project as seen at Uti road in Effurun, Uvwie LGA of Delta State
Others include the project sites in Ugbuwangue community, Ekpan, Mabiaku street, Commissioner road and Aghoghovbia road, and the adjoining Arigbe street, which had been bedevilled by flood during the rainy season.
Most parts of the drainage system, same as in Asaba, are underground and so, not visible.
The stormwater project links from the DSC roundabout down to Uti Street linking to PTI road on one hand down to Jakpa junction, linking Effurun roundabout up to Enerhen junction and washing down into the Warri River. The project also links from Refinery road down to Ekpan and to Complex linking down to Airport road and joining Effurun roundabout up to Enerhen junction at Airport junction.
“Before we started this project, I had already informed you that there are going to be four different storm drainage projects for us to fully drain Warri of the flood water. This government undertook a study of the situation in Warri and Effurun areas of the state before commencing the project. Whatever was done in the past was not just good enough considering the terrain in the area.
“We have taken on the first two major projects, one in Warri South Local Government Area and the other in Uvwie Local Government Area. The other two are smaller drainage projects. Once we have solved the drainage challenge, it becomes much easier to construct more roads,” Governor Okowa told journalists during a recent visit to the project.
With the stormwater drainage system initiated in Warri by the Governor, all existing drainages are now being properly linked to channel water to the Warri River to curb flooding in the metropolis. Building on this, any road constructed in Warri will no doubt last.
As a result of the appreciable work done on the drainage system in Warri, last year, the Okowa government awarded the contract for a total reconstruction of Warri Township Stadium.
Meanwhile, Governor Okowa had disclosed his administration had 883 ongoing and completed road projects covering a total length of 1,932.14km of roads and drainage channels with a cumulative length of 1,035.95km in the last seven years.
Governor Okowa has shown commitment to restoring the lost glory of Warri and the storm drainage projects, designed to ensure that the flooding of the oil-rich city was permanently tackled, will pave the way for what is to come next.
Just as the residents of Asaba are now enjoying the rainy season as the massive flooding that used to overwhelm the city is now a thing of the past, so residents of Uvwie, Warri and the environs will start enjoying the rainy season.
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) is targeting USD22 billion investment from Delta as a special economic zone.
The Managing Director of the agency, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, made this known at the presentation of licence to the Delta Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) on Wednesday in Abuja.
While commending the state government’s efforts in reactivating the free trade zones scheme, the managing director restated NEPZA’s commitment towards supporting full implementation and the success of the project.
According to him the Free Trade Zones scheme has been able to turn the tide of economic development in different nations.
“We need to be very competitive and that is why NEPZA is very happy to be working with you” he said.
“Everybody is talking about Lagos. There about 22 billion dollars investments in free zones in Lagos and we believe that we can replicate what is happening in other states.
“Delta stands to gain, it is well positioned and all it needs is that leadership and vision which you have shown and we pray that your successor will key into this and ensure we actualise it.
”NEPZA is willing, ready and capable to give you all the necessary support,’’ Adesugba said.
While emphasising the need for the Nigerian market to be more competitive, Adesugba said that the free trade zones scheme turned the tides of economic development of different nations.
Also speaking, Dr Kayode Adetokunbo, the consultant for the project noted the importance of the project which includes creating job creation for the teaming Nigerian youth among others.
Adetokunbo said the state government invested heavily on peace and security, capital investment, health, education and has created the enabling environment for business to thrive.
“The opportunities are eminent, Delta is relatively safe and set for business,” he said.
Also, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa commended the NEPZA boss for his commitment and support towards realising the licence for the project, while calling for more collaboration.
According to him, the state has a great advantage as it produces a lot of gas and oil.
“We are also very much involved in agriculture and putting all these things together, I believe that we are set for this nation and for the world,” he added.
Okowa said in spite of the challenging times and troubles in many states of the nation, the state was relatively peaceful and has provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“We are ready for the partnership, not only with NEPZA but with the rest of Nigerians, particularly the organised private sector and the global community,” he said.
“And we are there as a state to ensure that we are able to provide a competitive, peaceful and welcoming environment,” he added.
”We will work with the rest of Nigerians to ensure that we are able to develop the human capital which will also be needed for the growth of industries
“I believe that we are ready to ensure that this special economic zone works for all,” Okowa said.
Newly established Model Technical Colleges in Delta State are currently attracting students from private secondary schools in the State, it has been confirmed.
During a tour of the Model Technical Colleges in Asaba, the State capital and in Efurrun, Uvwie local government of the State, it was abundantly clear why this is so.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports when Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa assumed office as Governor of Delta State in 2015, he expressed a commitment to provide better opportunities for children in the State to access quality education.
True to his words, Governor Okowa built nine model technical colleges, of which three have already taken off fully in Obiaruku and the ones in Asaba and Effurun, visited during the tour.
Model Technical College, Effurun, built by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State. pic.twitter.com/PIaaYeXm27
The other Model Technical Colleges championed by the Okowa administration have reached various stages of completion in Orerokpe, Omadino, Oghareki, Irri, Akugbene and Kiagbodo.
Before now, technical education was neglected in Delta until Governor Okowa resuscitated existing technical colleges in the State and built more. The establishment of the nine Model Technical Colleges followed the government’s initial plan to rehabilitate six existing technical colleges it met on the ground.
The Okowa administration recorded impressive performance by staying true and revamping the six existing technical colleges, which are sited in Sapele, Agbor, Kwale, Issele-Uku, Ofagbe and Ogor.
What is so special about these Model Technical Colleges?
The Model Technical Colleges in Asaba and Effurun visited during the tour are laced with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. All subjects taught in secondary schools are taught along with technical subjects in the Model Technical Colleges. The school buildings are magnificent and the landscaping of the schools is beautiful to behold.
Inside Model Technical College, Asaba, showing structures housing classrooms and other many ancillary support structures…Photo Credit: Twitter || @oyiboediri
Speaking to a team of visiting journalists from across the country, a tutor at the Model Technical College, Effurun, Mr Prince Anthony Nkwa disclosed why parents are attracted to bring their children and wards to the school. According to Mr Nkwa, who teaches electrical skills at the technical college, many parents were attracted by the finishing of the buildings.
“However, when the parents come here, they see the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and they are even more attracted. All our workshops are fully equipped. We teach all secondary school subjects along with technical subjects.
“When our students enter senior classes, they branch off to their chosen area of specialization. We have electrical, carpentry, plumbing, welding and fabrication, fashion and design and many others,” Nkwa said.
If you visit the Model Technical Colleges, you will see that they are great establishments, looking more like universities. Beautiful edifices house the classrooms and the laboratories and there are so many ancillary support structures that are at the back of the institutions.
Students who attend these schools will no doubt excel more than their equals. The environment of the schools is conducive to teaching and learning. In that comfort, they can truly learn and prepare themselves for the future.
A student inside the fashion and design workshop of one of the Model Technical Colleges in Delta
Meanwhile, a special-purpose university has been carved out to cater for students who will graduate from the various technical colleges spread across the State. The Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro is fit for the purpose.
TNG reports the Delta State Government through the Ministry of Technical Education has employed 513 teaching and non-teaching staff for the state technical colleges.
Delta State has achieved a Special Economic Zone status, meaning the State is now subject to economic regulations different from what is obtained in other regions of the country and therefore better positioned to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa received the Special Economic Zone license from Federal Government through Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking while receiving the license, Governor Okowa affirmed the State is ever ready to partner with investors in its vast oil and gas deposits as the country grappled with the economic turnaround.
Okowa said his administration had provided enabling environment, including peace and security, for businesses to thrive, and assured the sustenance of development in the State.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the special license, and also assured that the state government was prepared to synergise with NEPZA, corporate organizations and groups to achieve the essence of the license.
He commended the management of NEPZA for the support and encouragement toward the realization of the state’s desire to have its resources properly harnessed.
He disclosed that availability of four seaports and two airports, in addition to necessary infrastructure, including good roads network, was a great impetus for businesses to flourish in the state.
In his remarks, Minister of Investment, Commerce and industry, Chief Niyi Adebayo, pledged Federal Government’s support to development the special economic zone in Delta.
Adebayo, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr S.A. Jaja, said that operation of the economic zone would have multiplier-effect on Delta’s and national economy.
Earlier, the Chairman, Steering Committee for Establishment of Delta Special Economic Zone, Mr Festus Agas, had traced the track led to the presentation of the operating license to the state, and commended Governor Okowa for the effort.
Agas, who is Chief of Staff to Okowa, lauded the Federal Government for discerning the potential in Delta and approving the license.
He also commended NEPZA for the collaboration in seeing the “project” through, and sued for sustenance of the synergy.
Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Students Affairs, Okoh Ezekiel Oghenetega has bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Finance, with specialty in International Finance, from the prestigious Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
Oghenetega was awarded the Doctorate degree after a successful defence of his academic thesis in the School of Postgraduate Studies of the Delta State University, Abraka.
The Senate of the academic institution after reviewing his academic thesis, sound academic background and work experience approved the award of the higher degree.
The scholar whose thesis was centred on “Effects of Economic Stabilization Policies on Economic Depression in Nigeria” attained the academic pinnacle in the Department of Finance, having earlier bagged a Master’s Degree (M.Sc) in Finance from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Dr Oghenetega in his thesis defence highlighted how certain factors, including exchange rates, lending rates, government expenditures, inflation rate, import rate and export rate, affect key policies that can stabilize the economy of a country.
The finance expert laid focus on fiscal policies, monetary policies and trade policies.
The degree award will see Dr Oghenetega adding the prestigious PhD to his high-profile educational qualifications.
The Okowa’s aide also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance, and National Certificate of Education in Business Education.
The industrious son of Ughelli South local government council is a member of various professional bodies and holds the portfolio of Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Students Affairs; a position he has gloriously flourished in and used to impart the lives of youths and students of Delta State positively.
In a remark after his thesis defence, Dr Oghenetega, thanked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for supporting him throughout his scholarly journey.
He disclosed Governor Okowa has invested in his welfare and progress in life, while appreciating the Governor for making him a part of his government as an aide on Students Affairs which made him got closer to Students and Youths of Delta State, helping him sustain a positive atmosphere to harness the opportunity for attaining his Doctorate Degree.
Similarly, Oghenetega appreciated the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly who is the Governor-elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for providing him with moral support throughout the program.
He recounted how the Governor-elect always spoke with him to check on his progress and encouraged him to remain focused.
Furthermore, he praised the noble contribution of distinguished Deltans who have contributed to his journey in one way or another, while especially appreciating Bashorun Askia Ogieh, Hon. Rueben Izeze, Hon. Dr. Jude Sinebe, Barr. George Orogun, Prof. Hilary Owamah, Comr Michael Akpobire, amongst others.
Dr. Oghenetega also acknowledged the support and guidance of his family, most especially his lovely wife, Mrs. Okoh Franca; his best friend turn brother, Mr. Okeoghene Anthony; his thesis supervisors, tutors, mentors and others for their invaluable support during the study.
The story behind Delta State’s three new universities is traced to 2016. An education summit was held early in the year to address the myriad of challenges besetting education in the State.
When Governor Ifeanyi Okowa assumed office in 2015, he made a commitment to leave an enduring legacy in the education sector. True to it, Okowa brought his intellectual capacity to bear in the sector, and more so, in every project he executed in the State.
The folklore became a reality. The Government of Delta State under Governor Okowa established three new universities namely: University of Delta, Agbor; Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba and Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the University of Delta, Agbor was a college of education while the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro was a polytechnic and the Dennis Osadebey University, a former campus of the Delta State University, Abraka.
A tour of the three new universities shows that the Okowa administration has done so much in upgrading facilities in the three new institutions since they were established by the State Government over a year ago.
The Delta State Governor had emphasized the upgrade of facilities in the institutions was in line with his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the State.
The need for 3 universities
In recent years, the premier State university, DELSU, Abraka had been over-burdened with the problem of admission. Qualified students from the State were denied admission into the university and into federal and other public universities across the country. Therefore, the need for the three universities came up as a result of the deficit.
For instance, in 2018, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released a report, which indicated that a total of 80,131 Deltans, representing 4.85 per cent of admission seekers nationwide sat for the board’s examination while only 26 per cent were offered admission due to inadequate entry space.
Also, out of 25,000 candidates from the State who applied for admission in the 2020/2021 academic session at the State university, Abraka, over 20,000 candidates qualified for admission, but only 4,000 were admitted.
In the academic session before, 25,896 candidates from the State chose DELSU as their first choice. Out of this number, 22,358 qualified but only 4,854 candidates could be admitted.
Peeved by the development, the education summit of 2016 was held with far-reaching recommendations, one of which is the steps taken by the Okowa administration to birth the three universities.
Also worthy of note is the fact that there are about 500 public secondary schools in Delta State. Private secondary schools in the State are higher in number. All of them turn out students every year; thus increasing the population of admission-seekers.
Similarly, there was consideration for those graduating from the over 10 technical colleges in the State. A University of Science and Technology provides a better option for them. It is in furtherance of this that the State is establishing a technical college in each of the 25 council areas of the State. The Okowa administration has established 4 of these.
It is on record that admission seekers in Delta State are no longer interested in National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes, judging from the admission charts of the colleges of education in the State.
To put this into perspective, admission into the then College of Education, Agbor in 2021 was as low as 25 students. This is despite the fact that there are over 400 qualified lecturers in the institution with most of them Ph.D holders and a monthly wage bill of N206 million.
Meanwhile, the federal government had reached decisions to abolish Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes from polytechnics nationwide. So, the question was: what happens to the graduates of the three polytechnics in the State after their National Diploma programmes?
Given the foregoing, the need for the three new universities cannot be overemphasized.
The journey of three universities
Governor Okowa’s decision to establish the three universities came with the signing into law of three executive bills establishing the three institutions and thus setting a record of four public universities in a State.
The executive bills originally sent to the State House of Assembly were for the University of Education, Agbor; University of Science and Agriculture, Asaba and Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro. During a public hearing organised by the legislature to take stakeholders’ contributions into the creation of the universities, the idea was fine-tuned, despite opposition from different quarters that the universities were politically motivated.
However, the fine-tuning resulted in changing the names of the institutions from what was enshrined in the bills.
After inputs from stakeholders during the public hearing, the lawmakers saw reasons to change the names of the institutions to Delta State University, Agbor, to run a full-fledged university system, instead of education courses alone which it inherited from the education college it evolved from.
The legislators were also of the view that the State should immortalise the late Premier of the Midwest region, Sir Dennis Osadebe, an indigene of Asaba by renaming the university in Asaba after him, while the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro remains to hopefully absorb students graduating from the remaining two other polytechnics at Ogwashi Uku and Oghara after their national diploma programmes and also students from the technical colleges spread across the State.
Recall that it was in January 2021 that Governor Okowa first announced plans to convert the College of Education, Agbor and the two other new schools into full-fledged universities. The bills establishing the institutions had their first reading during plenary at the Delta State House of Assembly on the 28th of January 2021. In February 2021, the bills were passed into law after going through the House Committee on Education.
While assenting to the bills, Governor Okowa said “What we have done today is in the best interest of the State because it is a futuristic thing and people will come to appreciate it in the future”.
Subsequently, Governor Okowa set up a Project Management Committee for the universities headed by Professor Patrick Muoboghare to bring the three universities to a functional state.
TNG reports the University of Delta, Agbor offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering five faculties: Agriculture, Arts, Education, Information Technology and Law.
While the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering seven faculties: Agriculture, Science, Earth Science, Engineering, Environmental science, Information technology and Management technology; Dennis Osadebay University offers undergraduate courses and currently comprises six faculties: Agriculture, Science, Management and Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Arts and Computing.
It is instructive to note that the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro was first established as a College of Agriculture which was turned into a Polytechnic on January 1, 2002, by law during the administration of James Ibori.
Facilities and the question of funding for 3 new universities in Delta
Findings during the tour show all three new universities in Delta State are up and running. Facilities in the institutions are state of the art.
However, the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; and the University of Delta, Agbor have more facilities on the ground. Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, which was in a more critical state due to the dearth of infrastructure on the campus, has a lot of projects ongoing.
A 500-seater and a twin 250-seater auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture buildings, lecture theatres and Halls of Residence have reached completion stages at the university. By the time the projects in Dennis Osadebay University are completed, the institution will wear a new look overall.
Even more so, Okowa had expressed confidence in inaugurating some projects in the university before leaving office in May.
If you visited Dennis Osadebay University before the metamorphosis, you will agree that what has happened there is almost magical.
Overall, the Okowa administration has done so much in upgrading facilities in the three new universities since they were established by the State government over a year ago.
In their first year, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba admitted no fewer than 650 students, while the University of Delta, Agbor admitted 2,000 students and Ozoro, 1,800 students.
Meanwhile, the big question was how the State Government can fund three universities, considering the number of other higher institutions in the State which include two polytechnics in Ogwashi-Uku and Otefe-Oghara, two colleges of education in Warri and Mosogar, a school of marine technology, three schools of nursing, two schools of midwifery and a school of health technology.
However, in defending its stand on the financial implications of running the three new universities, the State government made it clear that there will be no financial burden on the State as such, stressing the new institutions were upgraded from existing and functional institutions with enough manpower.
Indeed, the three new universities in Delta State are testimonials that Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa is a visionary leader.
The Okpe Union branch in the United Kingdom (UK) has rained praises on Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his overwhelming support for their kinsman, Governor-elect Sheriff Oborevwori.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Okpe Union UK hailed Governor Okowa for his support for Oborevwori before and during the 2023 general elections.
In an appreciation letter to Okowa, the Union wrote: “Your Excellency, the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, as Governor-Elect, was a great honour done to Okpe Kingdom.
“We are indeed very grateful and appreciative. God made it possible through you”.
The appreciation letter was endorsed by Okakuro Godwin Ogholo – President, Mrs. Shirley Okechukwu – Vice President, Mr. John Ewhubare Siakpere (JP) – Publicity Secretary, Mr. Eghele Sylvester Atughwe – Secretary General, Mrs. Florence Avwunu- Treasurer, Dr. Richard Stephens- Assistant Secretary General and Okakuro Peter Enye – The Togbaturi of Okpe Kingdom.
According to them; “For us in Okpe Kingdom of Delta State, the emergence of our Son and Brother, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori as Delta State Governor in the March 18th , 2023, all we can see and talk about is God’s Glory, and we give God and your esteemed self all the glory. It is heartwarming to note the faith, confidence and hope you reposed in our kinsman as your worthy successor”.
“Okpe Union, United Kingdom, wishes to state in the strongest possible terms that our kinsman will not let you and Deltans down. He will reciprocate this gesture by making huge sacrifices and work harder to consolidate on the gains already recorded under the SMART AGENDA of your administration by his faithful implementation of his MORE AGENDA”, they added.
They also said that; “Your Excellency, the support you gave to Okpe quest for governorship of our dear state means so much to us. Governor Okowa, we say thank you, thank you and thank you”.
