—–Gets Commendation from PDP National Working Committee
By Our Correspondent
The Delta State Governor, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa says he will remain focused on his promise to improve the standard of living of the average deltan.
Governor Okowa was speaking on Wednesday when he received the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus and other members of the party’s National Working Committee in his office at the Government House in Asaba.
The governor told the party leaders that, he was determined to do the party (PDP) proud by sticking to his promise of prosperity for all deltans. “Though the times are harsh economically, but the situation has propelled us to seek ways of restructuring our debt profile, we have been able to stabilize our government and we are on course with our SMART AGENDA.” He said.
Governor Okowa informed his guest that his administration’s target of creating six thousand direct employment every six months through the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme, YAGEP and the Skill Training and Entrepreneurship Programme, STEP has commenced with the first two batches already enrolled into the scheme at Songhai Delta, Amukpe.
“When we advertised for people to enroll for the programme, over seventy thousand youths applied and through a credible process, the first batch of over one thousand four hundred trainees were selected and have completed their first one week of intensive training preparatory to their being attached to relevant centres for them to acquire practical know how on chosen field. Thereafter we will provide them with ‘starter pack’. Senator Okowa said, addding “We will monitor their progress and also allow them to keep constant touch with the job creation office in case they need clarification in their field of business”.
He further informed his guests that as part of measures to sustain the Skills Acquisition Programme, his administration has commenced the rehabilitation of Technical Schools in the state, noting “I have appointed the Executive Secretary of the Vocational Skills Education Board and we are going ahead with the inauguration of other boards soon”.
Governor Okowa listed the amendment of the DESOPADEC Act, the creation of Capital Territory Development Authority as well as the Bill to introduce Contributory Health Insurance Scheme as part of measures taken by his administration to put the state back on the path of speedy development.
While commending the leadership of the party (PDP) for the introduction of the electronic registration of party members, Governor Okowa challenged the NWC on the need to unite all the members of the party.
“It is time to come together and unite the party. The e-registration exercise will help the party understand the demographic segmentation of members”, he remarked.
Earlier the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Chief Uche Secondus informed governor Okowa that the delegation was on its way to Benin, the Edo State Capital for the commencement of the pilot scheme of the e-registration of party members.
Chief Secondus hinted that the National Leadership of the party was very proud of the developmental programmes rolled out by the Okowa administration stating that “members of the NWC believe you are one of our shinning stars, your choice of appointees and programme direction are legendary. We are proud of your empowerment programmes.”
“Your stay in the Nigerian senate was remarkable, we are convinced that you will bring the same level of commitment to bear on your governance in Delta State. Your performance will help us rebuild our party, because we can see the efforts you are making to empower the grassroots. And the reason for the e-registration is to open the party to all, especially the grassroots” he noted.
The Acting National Chairman also commended governor Okowa for the peace that exist in the state.
