At 33, Oborevwori Says Delta is Strong, Vibrant

•Obaseki launches Benin City, Edo regional development masterplans

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, said all economic development parameters were indicative of the fact that Delta had witnessed steady growth since its creation, which bestowed upon it the status of an emerging power-house among the federating states in Nigeria.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service to mark the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state, at Government House Chapel, Asaba, Oborevwori stated that the journey had been eventful and fulfilling, with the road filled with trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies.

The governor stated, “I am proud to say that in 33 years of existence, Delta State has evolved into a strong, vibrant, strategic component of the Nigerian federation.

“Judging by all the indices of development, the state occupies a pride of place in the Nigerian federation. Both locally and internationally, our people are renowned for their entrepreneurial drive, passion and ingenuity.

“Let us continue to unite in prayer, seeking God’s blessings and protection for our state and may His divine presence be felt in all we do and may we all remember that our trust is in Him alone. Only God can protect, guide and lead us to succeed as a state.”

Oborevwori added, “As we use this opportunity of this anniversary to take stock, I want to assure all Deltans and residents in the state that it can only get better from here.”

Meanwhile, the state government said there was no truth in the trending claims in some online newspapers that the governor took a loan of N40 billion shortly after assuming office last year.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that the Delta State Government did not borrow N40 billion,” Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeayi Osuoza stressed.

Osuoza added that available records showed that “the Sheriff Oborevwori administration has not borrowed any dime till now”.

He said it was misleading and unfair for anybody to misconstrue the decision by Oborevwori administration “to graciously guarantee a N40 billion loan facility for ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria), to enable it offset the unpaid pension liabilities of retired local government personnel”.

“Repayable over a five-year period, the loan is to be repaid through direct debits to the local government councils,” Osuoza said.

Relatedly, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, launched the 30-year Benin City and Edo Regional Development Masterplans.

The event was part of activities lined up to celebrate the state’s 33rd anniversary, with the theme, “The Glory of the new Edo Nation.”

Obaseki was joined by two former governors of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and Professor Osarienmen Osunbor, among others.

The governor said at the launch of the development plans, “These are two critical documents that would help us tidy up our administration and summarise what we have been trying to do in the last eight years. It will also guide and establish a trajectory for where our state is heading in the next 30 years.

“These plans have been carefully put together and we have consulted widely across the state to ensure participation of our citizens. Our people have been involved in this process and will continue to be involved because it’s a living document, and not static.

“They are subject to review every five years and there will be six reviews in the life span of these documents.

“Today, we are glad that we have been able to make a significant departure from what we met.”