Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday commended Deltans for their cooperation with his administration, especially with the prevailing insecurity and economic challenges confronting families across the country.

Okowa gave the commendation in Asaba while swearing-in Professor Sylvester Monye as Senior Policy Adviser.

He said that Monye, who had served as his adviser since 2015, had made remarkable contributions to the success of his administration’s programmes and policies and urged him to see his re-appointment as a challenge for greater service.

The governor said that with the cooperation of the people, his administration would continue to improve on its programmes, particularly the entrepreneurial development schemes.

"I congratulate you on your reappointment and I am glad that you truly understand the programmes of this administration. Returning to your former office shows that you already know what to do.

"You have done quite a lot for this administration and it is my hope that you continue to strengthen our work both in the office and externally so that together we will be able to finish strong in the promises that we have made to our people," he said.

Okowa remarked that there were lots of challenges facing the country, which needed superior thinking to navigate through.

According to him, there is quite a lot to be done but the finances are dwindling and there are lots of challenges of insecurity out there which threaten a whole lot of projects and even programmes that we have.

“In spite of these challenges, with superior thinking we should be able to navigate through and to come out strong.

“So, definitely we will be relying strongly on your experiences and your inputs to do well out there to meet the needs of our people,” he said.

The governor urged Deltans to be patient and to continue to pray for his administration to enable it provide solution to the challenges facing them.

“The times are obviously challenging and our people are in very difficult times because of the insecurity in the land and the COVID-19 pandemic and many other issues that have created a lot of challenges to our people.

“I want to reassure Deltans that we identify with their challenges and we will continue to work hard to proffer solutions to the challenges.

“With their cooperation we will do well and continue to improve on the programmes of this administration.

“We will continue to stay focused on the goals that we have set for ourselves and we believe that in working together, we will be able to finish stronger,” he said.

He also commended the media for the fair and adequate reportage of his administration’s programmes and policies.

Responding, Prof. Monye thanked the governor for finding him worthy to be reappointed and assured him of his total commitment, loyalty and utmost dedication in the discharge of his duties.

He recalled that the Asaba Airport concessioning was successful because of the role the governor played in ensuring that integrity and transparency characterized the process.

He disclosed that the Federal Government was adopting the Asaba Airport model in the concessioning of four airports in the country because of the transparency and integrity of the Asaba example.

•PHOTO: Delta Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa (left) congratulating Prof. Sylvester Monye, (right), shortly after he was sworn-in as Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor in Government House, Asaba, on Friday. PHOTO: JIBUNOR SAMUEL

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