2015: Okowa declares interest for governorship

It was indeed an emphatic show of solidarity and enthusiastic support for the aspiration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa,  as Deltans from all works of life gathered at the Oshimili Arcade Ground, along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, on Monday, October 20th, 2014, to  identify with the Senator as he formally declared his intention to contest the Governorship position in the State.

Senator Okowa who used the opportunity to unfold his vision for Delta State,  said if given the mandate by Deltans, he would focus on wealth creation, employment generation,  peace building and security, agriculture and industrialisation,  commerce and industry, health, education,  environment and urban renewal,  to boost the well - being of Deltans.

According get to him, "employment generation will be the central theme of our policies. Reflecting our strong conviction that deliberate government focus and action is needed to stem the tide of rising unemployment,  our intervention strategy will combine time - tested and trusted quick - win schemes, and long - term plans for job/wealth creation  in the State.

Senator Okowa whose campaign theme is "PROSPERITY FOR ALL DELTANS" is aimed at revamping the economy,  consolidating on the gains of "DELTA BEYOND OIL", generate employment through enhanced agricultural scheme,  wealth creation, massive industrialisation,  peace building and security.

He told the gathering,  made up of party chieftains,  captains of industry, and members of the public that his administration will accelerate the positive challenges that mega industrial activities will offer. He disclosed that his administration will take steps to positively  engage the private sector to drive commerce and industry in the State.

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa whose National Health Bill has been passed by the National Assembly,  and is awaiting the assent of President Goodluck Jonathan,  said health, education,  environment and urban renewal will be given priority attention during his administration.

On health, Senator Okowa said his administration will pursue a legislation that will support and promote Universal Health Insurance Policy for all Deltans. This, according to him, is to promote, advance and sustain medical practice, health institutions and personnel in the health sector.

On technical education,  the frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  told the static crowd that there was the compelling need to accelerate technical and vocational education by converting and equipping some existing institution for same purpose. He said his administration will engage stakeholders and administrative staff in the various institutions of learning to address deficiencies in that sector.

Part of addressing the decay, according to him, is to refocus Polytechnic education towards specialisation to provide the needed manpower for the informal sector of the economy. Also, Nigerians of Delta State origin outside the state and in the Diaspora will be engaged on a sustainable basis to drive the development and upgrading of quality of education in the State.

His speech which was intermittently interrupted with thunderous applause from the mammoth crowd, also dwelled on the need to create a virile civil service whose full potentials will be developed through proper recruitment and focused capacity building.

Senator Okowa,  who called on Deltans to ensure overwhelming victory for President Goodluck in the 2015 elections, said his administration will key into the President's Transformation Agenda, and praised the President for the, "giant strides he has made since assuming office.".

He equally commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the success recorded by his administration. While describing the governor as his leader, he expressed confidence that he would get the mandate of Deltans to take over from Governor Uduaghan next year, and promised to consolidate on his (Uduaghan ) achievements.

×