Delta State Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has sworn-in three special advisers with a charge to use their expertise and professional experience to work for good governance and transparency in the state.

The newly sworn Special Advisers are Professor Sylvester Monye (Programme Monitoring and Senior Political Adviser); Hon. Joseph Otirhue (Local Government Affairs) and Hon. Kelly Penawou (Niger Delta Affairs/BRACED Commission).

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony in Asaba on Friday, Governor Okowa said his administration was very meticulous and resolute in its commitment to ensure that only the best and brightest were given appointment, stressing: “The Special Advisers were appointed based on their proven merit, professionalism, loyalty, dedication to duty and selfless service.”

He charged them to ensure that they build and manage key relationships be it with the ministry, department or agency across government or with stakeholders.

“You should acquaint yourselves with the policy direction of the state and work in close liaison with commissioners for the achievement of the required objectives, and as special advisers, being experts and knowledgeable in your fields, we expect sound advice that meet international standard and capable of putting our state in a better stead.”

While reiterating his firm belief in micro, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) as the engine room of growth in any economy, the governor affirmed that his administration was committed to provide enabling environment for SMEs to thrive for the benefit of Deltans.

He disclosed that over 60,000 applications were received for the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurial Programme (YAGEP), and the Skill Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) of the state government and assured that merit will be the watchword in choosing the 6,000 persons that would participate in the first phase of the programmes.

Governor Okowa called for patience from the applicants affirming that the youth empowerment programme would be done every 6 months.

Professor Monye who responded on behalf of the newly sworn in special advisers thanked Governor Okowa for the appointment and promised that they will give honest advice that will bring development and prosperity to the state.

•Photo shows Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (2nd right); Mr. Kelly Penawou, one of the newly appointed Special Advisers and his colleague, Prof Sylvester Monye (right) shortly after the swearing ceremony in Asaba.

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