DELTA State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has pledged more commitment to people-empowerment through development. The Governor made the pledge when he opened an ultra-modern market at Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, charging chairmen of local government councils to allocate stores in markets constructed by his administration to genuine traders.

The Governor made the call Tuesday during the commissioning of a multi-million Naira ultra-modern modern market at Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

“We know it is statutory for local government councils to construct markets, but, we had to intervene to improve the socio-economic life of the people, this market has been ceded to the Council, they are not to refund the money spent to government,” the Governor said, reiterating, “if this market is not put into good use, it will be a waste, the Council Chairman must allocate stores to genuine traders, not people who will collect stores without making use of them, the Chairman should liaise with the traditional ruler to ensure that the right persons get the stores.”

He continued, “this is the first of modern markets we are constructing, because of the importance of markets to our people and due to demands, in 2018, we are constructing three modern markets in Ozoro, Burutu and Oghara.”

Governor Okowa who was accompanied by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and political aides, while in Okpe Local Government Area amidst jubilations by the people, also, commissioned phase 1 of Arhagba/Okobia/Okuetolor/ Okuabude road and Kpokpogri/Okuvo/Opuraja/Iriama road projects.  It is worthy to state that the projects were executed by his administration.

Earlier, the Orodje of Okpe, HRM Orhue I had said, “Governor Okowa is not only a Chief but, a Prince of Okpe Kingdom, since his emergence as Governor, we are witnessing the commissioning of different projects.”

While thanking the Governor, the Orodje urged him to do more for the people as his good works will always speak for him.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Mary Iyasere disclosed that the market has 196 open shops, 28 lock up shops, 4 offices, 16 toilets, 1 coldroom, 1 storage room, 1 open hall, water borehole, reinforced concrete underground water tank, Steel elevated portable water tank, PHCN Electricity Supply, External Flood Lights, Platform for Yam Tubers, among other facilities.

Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Prince Godwin Ejinyere thanked Governor Okowa for his commitment towards delivering on his electoral promises.

Photo: Gov Okowa with Orodje of Okpe and Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro