BEVERLY HILLS, October 20, (THEWILL) – Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on Monday formally declared his intention to contest the 2015 governorship in Delta State, promising that if elected, his administration will pursue a legislation that will support and promote universal health insurance policy for all Deltans.
Okowa, who was ushered to the podium by former Information Minister, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, flanked by former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairman, Captain Pius Sinebe (rtd), among other party faithful, at the declaration, said as a medical professional, health for all Deltans is paramount and dear to him.
He said he will consolidate on the good work of incumbent Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, whom he described as “oga and leader” in the health sector.
According to Okowa, as a senator, he had been deeply involved in promoting necessary legislation to sustain and advance health and medical practice, and institution and personnel in the health sector. Addressing the mammoth crowd which thronged the Oshimili Arcade in Asaba, Okowa said that during his tenure if elected as governor, at least one city or urban settlement in each of the 10 federal constituencies will be designed for comprehensive renewal.
He however rolled out a five-point agenda which included strategic wealth creation projects and provision of jobs for all Deltans, meaningful peace building platform aimed at political/social stability, agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, relevant health and education policies as well as transformed environment through urban renewal, saying these would be his kernel of administration. Okowa, who currently represents Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said the existing Polytechnics in the state will be refocused toward specialisation .
“This is one sector for which I will want to be remembered as having made a distinct mark. There is a compelling need to accelerate technical and vocational education by converting and equipping some existing institutions or same purpose,” he added.
While saying that robust and focused agricultural extension services will be put in place to support farmers, the PDP aspirant said; “it is my earnest desire to encourage and create the enabling environment for commercial farming to thrive through the private sector and public/private partnership”.
He also spoke about peace building and security, saying; “I will take appropriate measure to sustain, increase and even introduce new measure to contain and tackle the sources which breed and encourage insecurity.”
Maintaining that wealth creation and employment generation will be the kernel of his administration, Okowa who spoke with high hope and passion said; “deliberate effort will be made to generate employment and productive livelihood for the teeming youth population, which will go a long way in reducing undue conflict in social relations and community lives.”
Speaking about his commitment to Deltans, Okowa said; “no one can doubt my deep knowledge and commitment to my people of Delta state to all the communities, the aspirations of the people, and the tremendous challenges facing us.”
Continuing, he said; “My faith in Delta state is limitless, unwavering and bountiful,” adding; “even when my constituency became delimited by law to Delta North, I never ceased to be of service to the entire people of Delta state.”
He also spoke about his relationship with Uduaghan which many say has suffered since the governorship race, saying he still maintains a cordial friendship with the governor. He however expressed optimism that come May 29, 2015, Uduaghan would hand over the mantle of leadership to him, saying Deltans have agreed to give him the mandate .
“Uduaghan is my governor, my friend and leader. No matter what you hear, our friendship can’t be washed away. I will develop and improve on the good work he has started. We have always worked together as friends, I was his first Director General of his campaign and the relationship has been there . So when it is time, he will hand over to me,” Okowa declared. Speaking earlier, the Director General of Okowa’s Campaign Organisation, Hon Festus Ovie Agas, appealed to PDP delegates to vote Okowa during the party forthcoming primaries and the general elections.
Former PDP state’s chairman, Chief Pius Sinebe, urged the people of Delta North not to throw away the chance they have to take a spot at the governorship position, saying Okowa is the best among equal that they should rally around and present to other senatorial district of the state. According to him, the governorship position in the state is “a turn by turn thing, I am praying that after Okowa’s full tenure, it will return to the Urhobos and then nobody from Delta North will contest with them, that’s the kind of thing I pray for in Delta.”
Present at the event were Hon Michael Diden (aka Ejele), Prof. Okaba, Hon Ocho Ocho, Chief Thomas Eriyetome, Hon George Ekpemupolo, Brother Emma Ogidi, Hon Askia Ogieh, and Hon Ross Uredi amongst others.
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