Work for united Delta, Okowa charges newly sworn-in commissioners
(Nigeria) Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday swore in 11 new
commissioners, with a charge to them to promote unity in their utterances and
actions, and eschew mutual suspicion.
The governor also advised the commissioners to avoid issues
that would breed distrust, exclusion and resentment among the people, saying
that they emerged through a rigorous selection process that was necessary,
especially as the administration entered a critical phase in its tenure.
He congratulated them and said that Delta was breaking the
frontiers of female representation in government with the appointment of seven
female commissioners and 17 Vice Chairmen of local government councils as well
as other statutory positions of responsibility in governance.
"With today’s swearing-in, we have concluded the
process of reconstituting the State Executive Council that was dissolved a
little over two months ago.
"With two more female commissioners, the State
Executive Council now has a total of seven women, further extending the
frontiers of female representation in this government.
"Clearly, Delta State is breaking new grounds in this
regard. To all the commissioners, it is my hope that you will justify the
confidence that has been reposed in you with this appointment," Okowa
said.
He stated that his administration had made significant
breakthroughs in its quest to build a Stronger Delta standing on the tripod of
Prosperity, Peace and Progress.
He averred that his administration had successfully anchored
the entrepreneurship development programmes with over 100,000 youths being
empowered to become self-employed and employers of labour.
The governor urged the commissioners to brace up and work
towards achieving the administration’s set targets within the remaining period
of his term in office.
"With less than two years to the terminal date of this
administration, every remaining minute counts as we strive to deliver on our
goals and promises to the good people of Delta State.
"From our novel entrepreneurship development programmes
to the massive infrastructure investment in the State, especially in the
riverside communities, we have sustained our efforts to leave a legacy of a
strong, united and prosperous state.
“And, these efforts are being acknowledged by those who
understand what development is all about," he said.
He told the people that his administration still had more
grounds to cover in tackling the problems of youth unemployment, widespread
poverty and social cohesion, saying "it is going to take all of us talking
together, planning together and working together to change the current
narrative in many of our communities.
"As you commence your stewardship today, I want to
leave you with some leadership principles that are vital to your success.
"You must make it a priority to align yourself and your
ideas to the key policy thrusts of this administration.
"An idea may be good in and of itself, but may not be
very relevant to the focus of this administration. Hence, it is imperative that
as commissioners, you are constantly in tune with the direction we are headed
in order to make a quick success of your work."
Okowa urged the commissioners to promote unity in the
diversity in the state and to work towards peaceful coexistence in the state.
According to him, as commissioners, you must promote
diversity in your utterances and actions; it is important that you develop a
work environment devoid of mutual suspicion, distrust, exclusion and
resentment.
"This administration is passionate in the belief that
the stability, peaceful coexistence and prosperity of the State depends on our
ability to run an all-inclusive government.
"Hence, you must be good ambassadors of this
administration by ensuring that your work environment is such that empowers people
to be free to express themselves, contribute meaningfully and maximise their
potential.
``In short, one that gives them a sense of belonging and a
healthy self-esteem.
"In order for you to succeed, you must insist on the
highest standards in service delivery. For that to happen, you must be a person
of excellence. Excellence is not an accident; it is a choice.
"You are a person of excellence if you do not settle
for average or rationalize mediocrity but will strive to deliver the highest
quality service even if at great personal expense.
"Excellence also means to be purpose-driven,
process-driven and people-driven. When your staff/associates see excellence in
you, they will aspire to attain that standard.
"Always bear in mind that as a leader, people don’t do
what you tell them but what they see you do. I trust that you will commit to
leading by example as you begin your tenures today," the governor
stressed.
Responding on behalf of the new commissioners, Prof.
Muoboghare thanked God for the appointment and appreciated the governor for
finding them worthy to serve.
He pledged the commissioners’ resolve to render effective
and efficient service to citizens of the state.
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