Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Engr. Dan Ossai, has stated that the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa came into office well prepared and actually did the best possible by siting meaningful projects across the three senatorial districts of the state, adding “history will be kind to Okowa.”
Engr. Ossai, who was speaking with reporters in Benin, while on a stopover said: “Okowa came into office of governor fully prepared having garnered valuable experience as a former local government chairman, Secretary to State Government, Commissioner for Health and Senator representing Delta North. He had a deep knowledge of what governance is all about and thus he changed the narrative whereby Asaba which was hitherto like a glorified village became a cynosure of all eyes as Okowa turned it to a modern city. As we speak now there is virtually no difference between Asaba and neighbouring Okpanam as Okowa has linked up the two cities with chains of laudable projects.
“He did the storm drainage which solved the problem of Asaba being almost submerged by water for weeks after any major rainfall. The money that was expended on this project was enough to work on more than 200kilometers of road. In Asaba, Okowa did the Koka flyover which used to be a slum.
“Having done that he delved into road construction. A good example is the Mariam Babangida Road that has been there for a very long time without adequate solution. There is also the state secretariat where all government departments, ministries and agencies are located. It is the best in the country.
“For instance, if you go to Warri North at a place called Oyeghe you will see a floating market just at the heart of the Atlantic. Also for the first time in the history of the state concrete landing jetties were built in the riverine communities. Okowa also initiated several entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes for the unemployed, youths and women from which many benefitted. In the education sector, Delta State has four universities fully accredited by the NUC and awarded contract for the construction of 11 technical colleges of which three are completed and now operating.
“Somebody who awarded contracts for more than 2000 kilometers of roads and drainage cannot be said to be a non performer. When Asaba Airport was privatized they criticized Okowa. Today, the privatisation is working. The airport is the busiest in the south south region. He did so many other projects too numerous to mention.
“A situation whereby a group of persons out of political bitterness decide to be attacking Dr. Okowa is unnecessary. These are distractions that may in future act to discourage others with noble intentions from seeking for political positions. History will be kind to Okowa.”
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