Okowa Calls For Innovative Ideas From Political Appointees

By Kenneth Orusi, Asaba

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged political office holders to be vibrant, innovative and resources-oriented in the discharge of their duties.

Governor Okowa said this Friday in Asaba when he inaugurated chairmen and members of the following Boards- Scholarship Board Mr. Sam Igumbor- Chairman; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Agency Mr. Suru Salami-Chairman; Technical and Vocational Education Board Mrs. Clara Obanor-Chairman; Delta Tourism Board Chief Barr. Adaora Giwa-Amu-Chairman; Delta Arts Council Mr. Godbless Omoniyi-Chairman; Delta Broadcasting Service Warri Barr Mrs. Felicia Ajagu-Chairman; and Rural Development Agency Mr. Solomon Areyenka-Chairman.

According to the Governor, with the economic reality in fall in the revenue, “appointments are not positions for politicians to enrich themselves but, for appointees to utilize the knowledge and resources within themselves to impact positively on the Boards and Agencies.”

While congratulating the political appointees, the Governor emphasised, “you (Board Chairmen and members) should be professional in the discharge of your duties and ensure that all loopholes and leakages are blocked.”

He specifically charged the chairman and members of the Delta State Scholarship Board to ensure that only verifiable students of Delta State origin in institutions of higher learning benefits from the bursary and scholarship scheme of the state government to avoid fraud, reiterating that the micro-credit scheme of his administration was not for political patronage but, to enhance the economic well-being of all Deltans who are prepared to seek genuinely for micro credit and be ready to pay back.”

“The micro credit is at the interest of 9 per cent per annum and it is compulsory that beneficiaries pay back as scheduled so that other Deltans can benefit from it, and they should be aware that anybody who takes our funds and does not pay back, we will get law enforcement agencies after you because, there is no politics in it, you don’t need to destroy the lives of others for your own selfish interest,” he said.

Governor Okowa used the occasion to challenge the Delta State Tourism Board and the Delta State Arts Council to work in synergy with the Delta State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to harness the tourism potentials of the state to generate revenue.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Chairman, Board of Rural Development Agency, Mr Solomon Areyenka thanked Governor Okowa for the appointment, assuring that they will carry out their functions diligently to the glory of God and to the satisfaction of Deltans.