We Will Change the Face of Delta, Okowa ….Hands Staff of Office to Irri Monarch
OLEH/Nigeria: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has disclosed that his administration is committed to changing the face of Delta State in all ramifications, adding that government commitment in this direction will not be complete without the inalienable contributions of traditional institutions in the State.
Governor Okowa, disclosed this today while presenting Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Joshua Festus Edawafe Aghagba as the Odion-Ologbo of Irri Kingdom, in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, said government remains consistent in ensuring the inclusion of traditional rulers into the machinery of governance in the state.
According to him, this has enabled them to play pivotal role as custodians of traditions, customs, heritage and the conscience of the society. He noted that the synergy between the traditional institutions and government has contributed immensely towards the sustenance of peace and harmonious coexistence amongst the diverse people.
Governor Okowa, noted that changing the face of Delta State, includes provision of physical and social infrastructure such as roads networks, qualitative and affordable education, efficient and effective health care services among others aimed at improving the living standards of Deltans.
“It is important to note that government cannot achieve its goals without the support and cooperation of the people. It is for this reason that we have made welfare of our royal father’s utmost priority, by giving them the desired respect and privileges”. Gov. Okowa stated.
While congratulating His royal majesty and the People of Irri kingdom on the peaceful process adopted, Governor Okowa, charged the Odion-Ologbo to consider his call to duty as an opportunity to create an atmosphere that will facilitate rapid development of Irri Kingdom and its environs.
While imploring the Odion-Ologbo to mobilize the community for self-help projects that would complement the efforts of government, he appealed for the support and cooperation of the people at all times to enable the royal father succeed in the discharge of his duties.
Governor Okowa, assured the people of Irri that their request will be channeled to the appropriate agencies of government for necessary attention.
Earlier, presenting a welcome address on behalf of Irri community, Chief Lewis Okogba, while thanking the state governor for officially recognising their monarch, said, the community places great premium on community development through self-help with the realization that government alone cannot do everything.
Chief Okogba who said, the people of Irri are aware of the state government SMART agenda and are desirous to key into it, appealed that youths in the kingdom be given opportunities in the various job creation and skill acquisition programmes of government.
He also appealed for more government presence and dividends of democracy by way of infrastructural facilities like roads, schools and health care centres.
High point of the occasion includes the official presentation of Staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Joshua Edawafe Aghagba as the Odion-Ologbo of Irri Kingdom the governor amid traditional dances and cultural display.
