Dr Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State is man of who believes in the euphemism of ‘action speaks better than words’. He is quietly laying the foundation for a better and more prosperous Delta State. He has verifiably done much in many areas but his administration’s committement to infrastrutural development is at the very top. From agriculture to aviation, roads to health, education to industry, Governor Okowa has revived infrastructure through a well thought-out holistic programme.
The pragamatic Governor has been faithful to his well-publicized article of faith named Medium-Term Development Plan (DSMTDP) 2016 – 2019 which embodies his social contract with his people.
Just in three years, the administration executed over 320 roads projects aross the state which has led to over 778 kms of road been constructed and reconstructed as well as the construction of many storm drains. He had this to say during the commissioning of one of the roads “I am happy that the people appreciate what we are doing. As a government, we will continue to develop our roads and other infrastructures because, that is the
promise we made to the people; we will continue to work hard because the excitement of the people when developmental projects are being achieved brings so much joy to us in government,” he said.
The Governor has also put Delta State among the emerging economies with the development and construction of a modern airpot in Asaba. The airport with 3.4 kilometres runway, fire service station, VIP Lounge, Terminal Building, among others has been developed to international standards. The flow of commerce through the airport has increased.
The construction of a multi-billion naira secretariat complex by the state Government had also eased accommodation problems of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The administration has also scored high in the ‘universal quality healthcare to all Deltans, thereby substantially reducing mortality and morbidity in the State. Much has been achieved through the SMART Agenda of the Governor and the implementation of relevant Health Policies.
Secondary Health Care infrastructure was boosted in all areas of the State with the
provision of quality medical services through equipping Central Hospitals and General hospitals, upgrading of the Cottage Hospitals, the renovation of the Children’s Wards and the Rehabilitation of Water Supply Schemes
The Government also initiated PPP with multinational corporations and Federal Government agencies such as the Niger- Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chevron Ltd, Shell etc. These have all led to various degrees of infrastructural repairs and in some cases new facilities being built by these organizations.
Education was also given adequate consideration. Collaboration with the UBEC Scheme has led to over 3,700 classrooms across the state beein renovated. The Government also opened more primary and secondary schools in areas of need.
Market developments has also been carried out in parts of the state to improve the socio-economic lives of the people. The administrations’s infrastructural projects have created over 6,000 direct jobs.
