By Our Correspondent
GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has challenged political appointees to be resourceful towards creating wealth for the people.
Governor Okowa made the call on Tuesday in Asaba during the swearing in ceremony of thirteen commissioners and three special advisers.
The new Commissioners who were assigned portfolios amidst thunderous ovation at the crowded event which took place at the event centre, Asaba are, Barr. Peter Mrakpor (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice); Dr Nicholas Azinge (Commissioner for Health); Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy (Commissioner for Culture and Tourism); Hon. Henry Sakpra (Commissioner for Special Duties, Governor’s Office); Mr Mofe Pirah (Commissioner for Oil and Gas]; Hon. Bright Edejeghro (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs ); Hon. Asupa Forteta (Commissioner for Youth Development); Chief Dan Okenyi (Commissioner for Lands and Survey); Hon. Chika Ossai (Commissioner for Special Duties); Mr Oghenekaro Ilolo (Commissioner for Urban Renewal); Olorogun David Edevbie (Commissioner for Finance); Engr. Jude Sinebe (Commissioner for Higher Education); and Mr Patrick Ukah (Commissioner for Information); while the Special Advisers that were sworn-in are, Hon, John Ozegbe [Investment], Rt. Hon. Sam Obi [Inter Government Affairs and Special Duties] and Hon Bosin Ebikeme [Petroleum Matters].
The Governor said, “as Governor, my priority is to grow the economy of this state and ensure that every person has a chance to pursue his or her dreams of success and achieve their full measure of happiness,” reiterating, “by accepting to serve as a Commissioner or Special Adviser in this government, you have accepted this responsibility.”
“The situation we find ourselves calls for drive, innovation, prudence and above all, ingenuity and resourcefulness in managing our assets and in our internal revenue generation process, because, we are confronted with serious economic challenges and it is incumbent on us all, especially, the political appointees, to rise up to the challenge with courage, determination and selfless service,” he said.
He added, “I implore you and indeed, all Deltans, to muster the can-do-spirit and problem-solving mentality that our people are known for; as Commissioners and Special Advisers, I enjoin you to treat the business of government as a business; every Ministry, Department and Agency of government under this administration is expected to be cost conscious in its operations and be alive to its revenue generating potential because in the face of dwindling receipts from the Federation Account, we cannot afford to do any less.”
While charging the appointees to shun sectionalism, nepotism and be diligent, honest, accountable and pay careful attention to the needs and aspirations of the people in their actions, Governor Okowa asserted, “as a government, we are committed to creating the enabling environment for micro, small, and medium scale enterprises to thrive and flourish because, they are the heartbeat of any economy and I am confident that with deep thinking, creativity, fiscal discipline and the cooperation of all and sundry, we can put the current challenges behind us and lay a solid foundation of prosperity for this generation of Deltans and those coming after us.”
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Barr. Mrakpor thanked the Governor and assured Deltans that they will diligently work hard to achieve the agenda of Governor Okowa’s administration.
