DELTA State Governor,  Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has inaugurated  the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) Board  with a charge to members to faithfully implement the master plan of the state capital.

Former Commissioner for Works in the state, Chief Tom Amioku is the Chairman of DSCTDA while other members of the agency include Chief Austine Igbine, Hon. Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju and Hon. Sunny Emeyese.

Chief Clement Ofuani has earlier been sworn in as Director General of the Agency.

During the inauguration ceremony which took place at the Government House, Asaba, Thursday, Governor Okowa disclosed that though the country was facing financial challenges, the chairman and members should think outside the box, get investors and ensure that Asaba wears befitting look as the capital of oil-rich Delta State.

“We believe that an Agency has to be established to give Asaba a befitting look as capital city; we have tested gentlemen and a woman to pilot the affairs of the agency,” the governor said, “it is going to be a great challenge based on the current financial situation in the country and our state but, it is time for us to implement the master plan of Asaba, address the problems of infrastructure and tackle the issues of waste disposal by liaising with Oshimili South local government council and the Waste Management Board.”

He added, “at a time when there is not a enough fund, this is time to be very proactive in partnering with the private sector to achieve developmental goals of the capital territory, we must all realise that where we find ourselves as a state and as a nation, it is time to prepare a future for our children.”

“The foundation requires that we must engage the private sector to develop the capital city which is well located as it is within the reach of many places; I strongly believe we can develop Asaba as a state capital,” Governor Okowa reiterated.

He congratulated the Chairman and members of the  DSCTDA, urging them to also, look at the industrial park located within the capital city with a view to ensure that it was put to proper use, especially, by industrialists.

Responding on behalf of members of the DSCTDA, the Chairman, Chief Amioku thanked Governor Okowa for finding them worthy to serve the government and people of Delta State in that capacity, assuring that they will do their best to carry out their functions effectively.

“As members of the newly inaugurated Board, we share Your Excellency’s vision for a full and ramified development of Asaba Capital Territory infrastructurally, environmentally, ecologically and aesthetically; a full and all round development of the state capital territory will no doubt promote tourism in the state, provide more comfort to all Deltans and non-Deltans alike that come to the state capital for one reason or the other, and ultimately boost business and commercial activities in the state capital, thereby, enhancing the economic viability of the state,” Chief Amioku asserted.

Photo: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), congratulating the Chairman, Board of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Sir Tom Amioku shortly after the inauguration of the Board in Asaba.