As recession continues to take its tolls on Nigerians, the governor of Delta State,  Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has advised local government councils to take advantage of stakeholders in their areas to embark on developmental programmes.

The governor made the call Thursday while commissioning revenue court, 300kva/33kv transformer and poultry executed by the Oshimili South local government council in Asaba.

According to the governor, “at this time of economic recession, our councils can actually stir up the confidence of those in our communities to assist in our developmental programmes.”

“It is the cordial relationship that you have with the people of your area that will make them assist you willingly,” the governor said, adding, “at this period, we need to work together, think together, pray together to God to bring down His glory and see us through this period of recession.”

Governor Okowa who decried situation where Delta State moved from number one oil producing state in the country to fourth position, called on militants and youths to sustain the existing peace being enjoyed in the state.

He said, “I want to call on our youths and militants to please sheath their swords and embrace peace, the peace that we have enjoyed within the last two months should be sustained because, whatever we do impacts negatively on our people and the environment; I believe that the meeting of Niger Delta and the Presidency will bring positive results and peace to the region.”

While congratulating the leadership of Oshimili South local government council, Governor Okowa urged local government councils and political appointees to key into his empowerment programmes through skill acquisition to reduce the number of jobless people in the society.

Earlier, the Chairman of Oshimili South local government council, Barr. Chuks Obusom disclosed that the projects were executed despite the economic downturn being experienced in local government councils and the country through the assistance of individuals and organisations,