Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has been sworn-in as the 5th elected Governor of Delta State with a pledge to do more in advancing the state to new heights in leadership and socio-economic development.
Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir John Onyeme were administered oath of office by the State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai at a ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
He thanked Deltans for the opportunity given to him and his deputy to serve and pledged to take the state to greater heights of economic development.
His words: “I accept with humility the responsibility which the good people of Delta State have bestowed upon me to serve as their governor for the next four years.
“I accept it with a resolve to do MORE to ADVANCE the State to new heights in leadership and socio-economic development.
“Today marks the beginning not only of a new administration, but of an era that will advance Delta State to greater heights in people-centred policies, human capital development, and infrastructure renewal.
“With what has been achieved by the immediate past administration, the new government is poised to ADVANCE the state through the MORE agenda, which stands for: Meaningful development; Opportunities for all; Realistic reforms; and Enhanced peace and security.”
He said his administration will foster sustainable economic growth and private sector job creation; boost human capital; build an enabling infrastructure; enhance governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery; and strengthen public financial management.
“In furtherance of these objectives, the existing entrepreneurship development programmes will be sustained and expanded to encourage the creation of more small-scale businesses, thus creating jobs and, consequently, reducing crime and anti-social activities among our vibrant youth population.
“We will also enhance the existing social investment programmes for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable groups, including widows and People Living with Disabilities, through microcredit, training, and business networking.
He said his administration will develop empowerment programmes for women associations, particularly in the rural areas.
“This administration will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects – roads, bridges, schools, and other physical infrastructure. As you all know, government cannot do it alone. Hence, we shall build a conducive environment for public-private partnership investments in virtually all sectors of the economy.
“In the agricultural sector, we shall develop the agricultural value chain, which is a major driver of sustainable economic growth.
“This administration will spare no effort to ensure that the development of agro-industrial parks is accelerated, given their potential to generate employment opportunities, create wealth, reduce unemployment, and improve food security,” he said.
Oborevwori while paying tribute to his predecessors commended them for laying the foundation which he would build on assuring that “We will improve the quality of life of our people, build bridges of social cohesion, and give our people the hope of a better tomorrow, and accelerated development.
“I pledge to run an open and responsive government that meets the needs and aspirations of our people. I am committed to making life richer, better, and more fulfilling for our people,” he stated.
Immediate past governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in his remarks, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve Deltans in the past eight years.
“It is with gratitude to God that I address you today, joy in terms of fulfillment that comes from achieving the goals that we set for ourselves in 2015, gratitude because we have the privilege of handing over to a worthy successor who will consolidate on our achievements.
“Today we leave with a lot of fond memories of our time as governor and deputy, memories of the months of brainstorming and strategizing, days of sleepless nights and countless hours on our desks and on the road about all I hope to deliver on our agenda.
“It has been 8years of trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies and of fighting and courage. However a day like this is not the day for me to recount our achievements, I leave that for posterity to judge,” Okowa stated.
