Senator  Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has publicly declared his intention to become the next governor of Delta State under  the umbrella party, Peoples Democratic Party  (PDP) come 2015.

He made this known during his declaration ceremony which took place at the Oshimili Arcade along the popular Nnebisi Road, Asaba where all his followers and supporters from the 25 local government areas in Delta State were present.

The Senator said his vision is to take Delta State to the status of the pacesetter in the Nigerian federation by building an enduring legacy of wealth and prosperity.

“Based on this logic, my vision as Governor of Delta State is to consolidate and advance the peace, progress and prosperity of our beloved state as my primary focus is strategic wealth creation projects and provision of jobs for all Deltans; meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political/social stability; agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialization; relevant health and education policies and transformed environment through urban renewal”.

Speaking on how he would create wealth and employment, Dr. Okowa noted that employment will be the central theme of all his government policies. He said the strategy would be to combine time-tested and trusted quick-win schemes and long-term plans for job and wealth creation in the state. However, pin-pointing unemployment issue as a global challenge, he said he would deploy and harness every resource available especially through agro-businesses, to confront the scourge.

“Deliberate effort will be made to generate employment and productive livelihood for the teeming youth population, which will go a long way in reducing undue conflict in social relations and community lives”.

In the area of peace-building and security, the  senator said a lot has been done in this aspect especially the inter-community conflicts and violence in Warri Local Government Areas in 1999 yet, the issue of kidnapping and armed robbery has to be taken care of during his tenure in office.

He affirmed that appropriate measures to contain and tackle insecurity  are to effectively support all security agencies, give assistance to community services, recognize the role of traditional institutions and establishment of a Delta State stakeholders forum.

“I will take appropriate measures to sustain, increase and even introduce new measures to contain and tackle the sources which breed and encourage insecurity”.

Senator Okowa noted that Delta State has tremendous potentials in agriculture and due to that fact; he would use multiple strategies that will boost agricultural produce and encourage a free market for raw materials and foodstuffs. Also, his administration would engage the youths in farming through a structured process that will encourage cluster farming alongside supporting and promoting out-growers associations ,adding that there would be an enabling environment created for commercial farming to thrive through the private sector and public/private partnership.

The gubernatorial aspirant stated that Delta State is the home for commercial activities, therefore, the agro-ecological diversity of the state in upland, lowland and riverine sectors will be taken into consideration in developing agriculture and agro-business. Appreciating the work of the incumbent administration in the areas of the Warri industrial Business Park, ICT Park, Free Economic Zones and 10 small scale industries under public /private partnership scheme, he said come 2015, his administration would accelerate the opportunities that these mega industrial activities would offer and that if not fully completed, he would see to their completion and work with relevant agencies of the Federal Government and Industry.

While speaking on health for Deltans, Okowa noted that as a medical professional, health is paramount and very dear to his heart. He said his administration would consolidate the good work of the out-going governor and advance the policies, programmes and facilities of the health sector. He promised to support and promote Universal Health Insurance Policy for all Deltans.

On education, Okowa said some work has been done to improve on the physical structures of the schools in Delta State, stressing  that more work needs to be done to create more schools, improve its quality and curriculum to meet the standards of skill and knowledge required for modern day ICT- driven national and global economies.

“There is a compelling need to accelerate technical and vocational education by converting and equipping some existing institutions for same purpose”.

On the issue of environmental challenges associated with the state such as oil and gas exploration, solid waste disposal/management, erosion and flood control, land degradation, deforestation and the increasing risks from climate change, he noted that his administration would emphasize on programmes and projects that will recycle and convert those wastes to wealth.

“During my tenure as governor, at least one city or urban settlement in each of the 10 federal constituencies will be designated for comprehensive renewal”.

Okowa also noted that the challenges of the public service including judiciary will be a core area to tackle when he becomes the next Governor. Having a good understanding of the progress and challenges in the management of services delivery in Delta State for over 14 years now, the Senator assured all that during his tenure as governor, he would add vibrancy to the sector for improved welfare of the people and communities.