Delta state no longer a theater of war ----Okowa
*Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State
(Nigeria) Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Monday appreciated
God for the sustained peace in the state.
The governor, who made this known during at his administration’s second anniversary
thanksgiving and praise day, said that hostility and pipeline vandalism had
ceased in the state.
He thanked the people of the state for the sustained
prayers, peace, support and expressed hope that the future was bright, adding
that the state would soon bounce back to its former position in oil production.
He promised to open up opportunities soon for employment of
youths and women in the state and thanked the people for bearing their minds at
the ongoing town hall meeting.
He said that the issues discussed at the town hall meeting
would help his government to make good policies.
According to him, the administration last year celebrated
its first anniversary in the state as a theatre of war.
“Though two years down the line have been very difficult but
we have reasons to thank God because we are celebrating this year crisis free. Delta
is number four in oil production but I am confident that with the sustained
peace, the state will bounce back to its former glory.”
Okowa also appreciated the former governors, Chief James
Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and their deputies, Chief Benjamin Elue and Prof.
Amos Utuama for honouring the occasion and for their advice.
He, however, charged his cabinet members to remain strong in
the face of difficulties, adding that their desire for success must be greater
than their fears.
In his exhortation, Rt. Rev. Cyril Odutemu, Bishop of
Ughelli Diocese, Anglican Communion, taking his text from Psalms 124 verse 6,
said that only God could change situations for better.
He said that it was the grace of God through sustained
dialogue and prayers that ended the challenges of pipeline vandalism in the
state.
He, however, charged the governor to take the issues of
employment of youths and women, the payment of pensioners and workers salaries
as well as entitlements seriously.
“We can see that roads are being constructed in the state
and we thank God that you sustain the vision of prayers for the state. The current economic recession is affecting
everybody, the youths are not employed; it is biting hard on the market women
and even the churches because they all depended on the civil servants.
“The people are suffering, you are not the cause but you are
there to deliver the people, particularly the local government workers are
hungry, please help them and keep them alive for you,” Odutemu said.
The celebration featured gospel singers like Sammie Okposo,
Joe Praise, Elijah Oyelade, Chioma Jesus, David G, and Frank Edward among
others.
The occasion was graced by ministers of God from various
denominations, royal fathers, politicians and Christians from across the state.
Prayers were also said for the state and Nigeria for peace
and prosperity reign.
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