By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Monday pledged to give special attention to Warri, commercial hub of the state to advance the economy of the state.
Oborevwori stated this in his inaugural speech immediately after he was sworn in as executive governor of the oil rich state at a well-attended Swearing in ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba.
Delivering his speech, Oborevwori said “that today marks the beginning not only of a new administration, but of an era that will advance Delta State to greater heights in people-centred policies, human capital development, and infrastructure renewal”.
He said that with what has been achieved by the immediate past administration, the new government is poised to advance the state through the MORE agenda.
Specifically, he said Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the State, would be given special attention under this administration , adding that the process has already commenced with the establishment of Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA).
According to him, “Before the ongoing Storm Water Project will be completed, government will commence efforts at giving Warri and its environs a total facelift. Similarly, the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Warri Township Stadium will be expedited.
He maintained that the existing entrepreneurship development programmes would be sustained and expanded to encourage the creation of more small-scale businesses, thus creating jobs and, consequently, reducing crime and anti-social activities among the vibrant youth population.
Governor Oborevwori who was the longest-serving Speaker of the House of Assembly before his election, said that he has accepted with humility the responsibility which the good people of Delta State have bestowed upon him to serve as their governor for the next four years.
He said that his administration will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects – roads, bridges, schools, and other physical infrastructure.
The governor said in the agricultural sector, “we shall develop the agricultural value chain, which is a major driver of sustainable economic growth. This administration will spare no effort to ensure that the development of agro-industrial parks is accelerated, given their potential to generate employment opportunities, create wealth, reduce unemployment, and improve food security.
“The recent approval of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), for Koko and Kwale is a welcome development because this project has the capacity to unleash the growth potentials of the State. With the Board already in place, we shall immediately take steps to make it fully operational and attract investors to the zone.
He paid glowing tribute to former governors Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan and his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for laying the foundation for the development of the state.
