As Nigeria marks her independence Anniversary, Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has extolled past heroes and the present leaders for their foresight and sacrifices that won the country her Independence.
Okowa stated this during the celebration of Nigeria 62nd Independence Anniversary, held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the state capital.
Okowa, represented by his deputy, Deacon (Barr.) Kingsley Burutu Otuaro,
noted that despite the challenges confronting the nation, most Nigerians still maintained upbeat spirit and outlook, stressing that “the positive outlook and determination should be directed at making Nigeria a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.”
“It is due to this collective attitude that Nigeria doggedly continues to remain a united and indivisible nation in spite of daunting challenges,” he added.
Okowa disclosed that the present administration had faced and surmounted many challenges to create a conducive atmosphere for the much needed development of the state.
According to him “some of these challenges include the COVID-19 Pandemic and its attendant adverse effects, pocket of communal clashes, youth restiveness and occasional spillover of the insecurity ravaging the entire country.”
“In spite of these obvious handicaps, we remained and still determined to actualise the stronger Delta State of our dream,” he added.
He said his administration recorded massive developmental strides in the provision of basic infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, human capital development, peace and security.
He further pointed out that the achievements had impacted positively on the lives of many Deltans.
“Delta State has civil infrastructure projects spanning over 1,577.8 kilometres of roads and 908.8 kilometres of drainage channels.
“This is in addition to 21 bridges constructed in different parts of the State.
“This projects have boosted trade and commerce and enhanced the ease of doing business across the state and increased the capacity of the private public sector to operate and expand economic opportunities,” he said.
He averred that in the last seven years, his administration had transformed thousands of youths in the state, from job seekers to job creators, adding that “as at June 2022, a total of 128,813 direct and indirect jobs have been created through various job and wealth creation programmes of the state with over a million direct and indirect jobs created.”