BY FESTUS AHON
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged workers in the state to engage in subsistence farming to mitigate the rising hunger and ensure food security in the country.
He made this call during the flag-off of Phase 3 of the state’s palliatives distribution exercise targeted at farmers and vulnerable households, which was held at the Delta Agricultural Procurement Agency (DAPA) Warehouse in Ibusa, last Thursday.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of food security, especially in light of the global food crisis, and encouraged the subsidy palliative distribution committee to ensure that all farmers benefit from the programme.
He said: “After fuel subsidy removal, we took a decision that the Civil Servants from levels 1-14 should run shifts on Monday to Wednesday, others Thursday and Friday. We have not even cancelled it and we feel it’s an opportunity for them to go into farming.
“There is no farming that is too small. We did that so that the money they would have used to buy fuel and come to work, they can save it and invest it in their farms. If everybody, the over fifty thousand workers we have in this state, 60 percent of them are engaged in farming, there will be food sufficiency.
“I want to thank that lecturer who is a farmer. She has encouraged people to go into farming. Food is very important. We have fertile lands in Delta State.
“As an administration that prioritises the welfare of citizens, we shall continue to explore ways and means to expand our coverage and mitigate the current hardship, thereby bringing succour to our people.”
…Says State Enjoying Peace, Progress Despite Hard Times
Earlier on Sunday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the state was enjoying peace and progress even in the hard times, despite not having borrowed in the first year of his administration.
Oborevwori stated this at the first Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarter, Unity Model Parish, Asaba.
He said that the state was making impressive progress in infrastructural and human capital development, despite the economic hard times bedeviling the country, adding that the state had not borrowed a dime to fund projects in the first year of his administration.
...Inaugurates Phase 1 Of Emevor- Orogun Road, Okays Construction Of Phase 2
The people of Emevor and the entire Isoko nation were agog as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, inaugurated the 4.04km Emevor-Orogun Phase 1 with 5.555km accompanying side drains.
The Governor paid tribute to his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, under whose administration contract for the first phase of the project was awarded, and appreciated the people of Emevor and Isoko nation generally for standing by his administration, assuring them that they would not be disappointed.
Governor Oborevwori, who announced approval of work for the second phase of the project to the admiration of the people, also lauded the contractor for a job well done.
The member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, and the member representing Isoko North constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bernard Odior, appreciated the Governor for all he was doing in Isoko nation, particularly on the establishment of the College of Health Technology at Ovrode.
The lawmakers said the Emevor-Orogun road had been a great challenge to all Isoko people, assuring that the Isoko Nation would remain loyal and committed to his administration.
The Commissioner for Works, (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended the contractor, for the timely and quality delivery of the project.
He said completing the entire stretch of the road to Orogun would complete the joy of the people.
…Releases Over N1bn For DSUST College Of Health Project
Also at the same ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announced that his administration had released over N1 billion to the contractor handling the College of Health Sciences project at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, DSUST, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the State.
Oborevwori said: “We have released over N1 billion to the contractor handling the College of Health Sciences project at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro. It is a big project and I can assure you that it will be completed by October this year.”
…Felicitates Deltans, Other Nigerians On 2024 Democracy Day
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, congratulated Deltans and other Nigerians on this year’s Democracy Day, June 12.
Oborevwori’s felicitation was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, wherein he joined Deltans and other Nigerians in thanking God for another wonderful year of democracy in the country.
He stated that Nigerians deserved to celebrate despite the numerous challenges bedeviling the country.
Governor Oborevwori expressed optimism about the growth and eventual flourish of Nigeria’s democracy, citing enhancements in electoral laws, and encouraged the citizens to leverage on the reforms to elect leaders inclined to promote good governance and the well-being of the nation.
… Pledges Sustained Partnership With Security Agencies
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, pledged sustained partnership with the military and other security agencies for effective security and socio-economic development of the state.
Governor Oborevwori, who was speaking while playing host to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, in Asaba, reiterated the state government’s support for security agencies in the state.
While approving the construction of internal roads at the 6 Brigade Headquarters, Asaba, he noted that the Army had been playing a significant role in the security architecture of the country.
Also commending the Army for their high level of restraints and professionalism over the Okuama 17, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the military high command for withdrawing soldiers from the community.
Governor Oborevwori who presented Certificate of Occupancy, C of O of 56.35 hectares of land gifted to the Amphibian Batallion of the Nigerian Army by registered trustee of Iweroko and Ameren in Koko.
He pointed out that they needed the C of O which was having a cost implication of about N598 million for assessmemt and N14 million for ground rent as at that time which, according to him, was huge for Nigerian Army to pay, saying that the state government had given them a waiver.
“I mandated the Commissioner for Lands to make sure that the C of O was ready. So, you are going home with it today,” Oborevwori said. He assured the Army that the road in the Brigade Command would by the grace of God, awarded by next month.
