Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Saturday lauded the people of the State for the privilege and support given him as Governor in the past seven years.
Okowa, represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, stated this at the event to mark Nigeria’s 62 Independence Anniversary in Asaba.
He said though the year’s independence celebration was the last for him as Governor, the past seven years had been eventful and impact full in terms of jobs creation, infrastructural development and youths and women empowerment.
He said the government could do more and remained committed to in spite of the challenges that had bedeviled the nation, while assuring that his administration would finish and bequeath a “Stronger Delta” to the incoming administration.
He urged the people to sustain their support to the next administration, adding that peace and unity was necessary to build an enduring economy.
Okowa said: “October 1, 1960 remains ever green in the memory of Nigerians, on this day Nigeria gained her independence from Britain and we give thanks to God that we have spent 62 years as an independent country in spite of daunting challenges.
“It is significant to note that this is my last independence address to the people of Delta as Governor.
“It was a privilege for me to preside over the affairs as governor, and I thank the people for the privilege.”
While extolling past and present leaders who had sustained this feat, Okowa charged Nigerians to present a positive approach and commitment to addressing the challenges before the nation.
“Since the coming of this administration we have faxed and surmounted many challenges to create the much needed atmosphere to create development in our state.
“Some of these challenges include the COVID-19 pandemic, pockets of communal classes, youths restiveness and the spillage of the insecurity ravaging the entire country.
”In spite of these challenges, we remain resolute to realise the Stronger Delta of our dreams; our state is described as the most peaceful state in the country.”
According to the governor, the state has constructed over 1, 577.8 kilometers of roads, 8.8 kilometers of drainage channels in addition to 21 bridges across the state.
“In the last seven years, many youths have been transformed from job seekers to job creators; as at June this year, 128, 813 direct and indirect new jobs have been created in the state.”
The event which was marked with match past by the military, police and paramilitary and women groups came to close with the cutting of the independence cake.