A BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IS NOW IN PLACE [Part I]

A BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IS NOW IN PLACE [Part I]

Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 5, August-B 2022

1.0 INTRODUCTION

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Okowanomics Scorecard Series is a semi-monthly [twice-a-month] bulletin of evidence-based “Fact Sheets” showing Governor Okowa’s spectacular achievements in the social, infrastructural and economic development of Delta State. The Scorecard Series is a “book of chronicles” of Governor Okowa’s legacies and footprints in the geopolitical entity of Delta State. It is a tracker dashboard that mirrors real-time the unique developmental strides in Delta State under the leadership of Governor Okowa.

The Series is developed and published by Delta State Job & Wealth Creation Bureau, using verified information and data from the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Okowanomics Fact Sheet No. 5 focuses on Governor Okowa’s legacy of a better business and investment environment evidenced by the harvest of completed and ongoing public-private partnership [PPP] investments.

2.0 THE CONCEPT OF OKOWANOMICS

Okowanonics is the brand identity representing the gamut of Governor Okowa’s political sagacity, developmental philosophy and governance ideology defined by his people-centred policies, mission-oriented approach, economic prudence and social intelligence.

Underlying Okowanomics is Governor Okowa’s exceptional assortment of personality and character virtues notably critical thinking, clear foresight, sound planning, clever coordination, effective execution, humility, self-discipline, people skills and executive intelligence. These sterling qualities and attributes are manifest in the excellent leadership and exemplary governance of Delta State from 29th of May 2015 to date.

3.0 FACTORS UNDERLYING THE BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, on assumption of office on the 29th of May 2015, prioritized the attainment of a better business environment as a key strategy for job and wealth creation and prosperity for all Deltans.

Peace Building, Conflict Prevention and Security The proactive policy action in establishing the Advisory and Peace Building Council in August 2015 and Advocacy Committee Against Vandalism of Oil and Gas facilities in May 2016 has provided mechanisms and channels for continual constructive engagement with conflict-prone communities in the state. Also, the proper handling of the ethnic diversity of the state through inclusive, fair and equitable political and economic management has created an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and sense of belonging to diverse ethnic groups of the state.

Promoting Public-Private Partnership Investments

Delta State Investment Development Agency [DIDA] was established in August 2017, with responsibility for facilitating public private partnerships for economic growth. The business environment
for private sector project execution has also been boosted by the Delta State Public and Private Property Protection Law, enacted in August 2018.

Massive Development of Roads State-Wide

Pursuant to ensuring ease of doing business, His Excellency, the Governor, has from 2015 to date, achieved road construction and rehabilitation totaling 1,932.14 km and drains totaling 1,035.95 km.

4.0 EVIDENCE OF THE BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT – HARVEST OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENTS

Remarkable evidence of better business environment is the harvest of public private partnership investments and projects, identified as follows.

[i] Concession of Asaba International Airport

[ii] Leisure Park and Film Village

[iii] Agro-Industrial Park, Aboh Ogwashi-Uku [iv] Norsworthy Farms and Agro-Allied Industries, Akwukwu-Igbo [v] Delta State Rest Park, Umunede

[vi] Automobile Dealers and Mechanics Park, Asaba

[vii] Warri Trailer Park

[viii] Ogbe-Ogonogo Market, Asaba

[ix] UTM Offshore Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Project, Warri

[x] Stallion Tricycle Assembly Plant, Along Benin-Asaba Highway, Asaba

[xi] Private-Public Ownership of Songhai Delta Agricultural Complex, Amukpe

[xii] Virtual Gas CNG gas plant, Ebede, Ukwuani LGA

[xiii] DELCOM CO-OP Oil Palm Development Initiative

[xiv] Concession of Uvwie Fish Feed Mill to O-Secul Nigeria Ltd. and

[xv] Kwale Industrial Park.

5.0 CONCLUSION

Governor Okowa, has by his excellent leadership, illustrated how improving the business environment can bring about growth of the private sector and the overall economy. The lesson of Delta State success story is that achieving a better business and investment environment entails a multidimensional policy approach covering social, infrastructural, regulatory and public service improvements. This shining example of good governance should be emulated by other states and replicated at the national level.

Acknowledgement

The provision of data and information by Delta State Investment Development Agency [DIDA] for this edition of Okowanomics Fact Sheet is duly acknowledged and appreciated.

The Series is developed and published by Delta State Job & Wealth Creation Bureau, using verified information and data from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).