Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has announced former Director General of the Direct Labour Agency (DLA), Hon. Festus Agas, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The Governor made the disclosure Sunday at a reception organised in his honour after a thanksgiving service held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Asaba, Delta State capital.

According to him, the appointment of Hon. Agas takes immediate effect signalling the commencement of political appointees for his administration.

Hon. Agas, apart from being a former Chairman of the DLA, was also, a Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Senator Okowa, at the reception, thanked Deltans for believing and trusting him and his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, assuring that “in all that we do, we will look at the common good of all.”

While stating that Delta State would make a difference amongst the states of the country, the governor said, “we need your prayers, we need your support, continue to support us as we go forward because without your support, we will be able to do nothing.”

“We are committed to serve the people with respect and bring prosperity to all Deltans,” he said.

Prominent Deltans attended the reception ceremony, which was spiced by comedians and musicians from the state.

Speaking earlier at the thanksgiving service, Governor Okowa had assured Deltans of an accountable and transparent government.

He said: “I promise Deltans that I will be accountable, just and equitable to all sections of the state. I am here to serve the people of Delta State because the oath I swore to was that I will serve all Deltans.

“I know that the beginning will be rough but, I know that God is with us, it is important that you pray for us because with your prayers we will succeed.

The governor added,“I have every reason to thank God because The Lord has been good to me, my family and Delta State for we are a chosen generation.”

At the service, Governor Okowa charged Deltans not to stand up for him while in the church.

“Henceforth, when we are in the church, no man should up for me throughout my tenure, if you want to talk to me, don’t kneel down to talk to me, I don’t want the grace upon my life to be taken away,” the governor said.

The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh had in a sermon, urged Governor Okowa to pray for the spirit to discern between good and evil.

He advised the governor to unite all Deltans, adding: “Let the love of God rule our hearts so that Deltans will live together in love and the state will move forward, unity is important for the success and development of a multi ethnic state like Delta.”

Most Revd. Okoh stated that Governor Okowa deserves to give thanks to God for all that He has done in his life.

•Photo shows Okowa