With less than seven weeks for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to hand over to a new administration, the governor has said that the continuous development of Asaba, the Delta state capital should be given a priority. Okowa, who is from Owa-Alero, a community in Ika North east local government area has made some significant development in the capital city. The driver of the incoming government is coming from Delta central, the Urhobo axis of the state.
While delivering his speech during the commissioning of the legislative complex of Oshimili south local government council built by the present council administration, Governor Okowa said ‘as I leave office I want to believe the development of Asaba will continue. I’m leaving Asaba much better than I met it. Great emphasis should be placed in Asaba going forward.”
Okowa told the people who gathered at the commissioning ground that Asaba is the fastest growing state capital among the comity of states in Nigeria, stressing that the influx of people from across the Niger to the state capital is due to the peaceful disposition of the people of Asaba.
The governor said “our efforts at peace-building have helped in the development of Asaba and our brothers from the South East are finding a lot of comfort here.
“We have continued to stay focused in bringing the needed development to Asaba. Just recently, beyond other developmental infrastructure, we have built the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park.
“I believe that the park is obviously bringing a lot of attraction to the city. The film village will soon take off as they are twin projects. For those who have not been there, they should find time to visit.
“We have also given a new look to the Dennis Osadebay University and when you find time to be there, you will appreciate better the works that are being done there.
“We thank His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Chike Edozien and all the chiefs in Asaba for the cooperation they have given to us so far. This has helped in the growing rate of Asaba.
“There are still some people who believe that we have not done enough. I do not want to praise myself, but I know that I am leaving Asaba as the capital territory much better than we met it.
“I believe that what we did was the right thing. Are there things yet undone? Yes. But that is why government is a continuum. I believe that great emphasis will also be paid to Asaba, going forward.
“We should not hurriedly forget about the storm drainage which was used to tackle the flooding which used to be an issue in Asaba. I thank God that we have been able to make Asaba much more livable.
“Government alone cannot do the development of the state capital. We need to invite our friends to invest here and add to the development of the capital territory.
“The warm environment and the friendly attitude of the indigenes of Asaba, has helped attract a lot of people to Asaba. So I commend them for that,” the governor said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, chairman of the council, Kelvin Ezenyili had said that the legislative chamber was conceived and built by the council to provide a conducive working environment for councilors in the local government.
Ezenyili added that the legislative chamber was named after Dr. Maryam Babangida in recognition of the pioneering role she played in the empowerment of rural women in the country.
According to him, apart from the leader of the legislative arm, none of the councilors had an office to perform their legislative assignment as they used to sit under the trees whenever they had sitting.
While appreciating the developmental strides of Okowa across the state, he expressed hope that the legislative chamber would enhance the operational efficiency of councilors and their support staff in the discharge of their duties.
