- Assures Safe, Secure Delta
- Oseji Takes Over As Head Of Service
BY SUNDAY EGEDE
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday assented to seven bills, including the strategic Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2024, which he described as a game changer in the state’s rapid industrialisation drive.
Other bills he assented to are; Delta State Physical and Regional Planning Bill, 2024; Delta State Film and Video Censor’s Board Bill, 2024; Registration and Regulation of Private Veterinary Clinics (Amendment) Law, 2024; Child Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Delta State Pet Control and Responsible Ownership Bill, 2024, and the Delta State College of Health Technology, Ovrode Bill, 2024.
Assenting to the bills, Oborevwori commended the leadership of the House for passing the important bills carefully crafted to address pressing issues and challenges to improve the quality of life of the people.
According to him, “we have just witnessed the signing into law, the seven Bills geared towards enhancing Delta State through our MORE Agenda.
“The laws that l have just assented to are very key, especially the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law 2024. This particular Law gives me immense joy in assenting to it.
“We have provided the legal framework to unlock a plethora of investment opportunities in the power generation, transmission and distribution investment.
“The state is now open for prospective investors in this sector to take advantage of it. I believe that this Bill that l have assented to today will improve our power sector which is very key because, you can’t do any investment without power.
“Power is very key and I can tell you today that we have the population and now the legal framework for investment to thrive. The State is now open for investments.”
The Governor noted that the Child Rights Amendment Law 2024 had provided more safeguards for children.
“Henceforth, no child should be employed or used for domestic help aside their homes or family environment.
“It also establishes an Adoption Service Department in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development to address the challenges of prospective adopting parents. Our children are the future and must be protected.
“These Bills that have been assented to will protect our vulnerable populations, improve quality of life, promote sustainable development and environmental protection, attract investment and increase our IGR.
“We must recognise that our work is far from over. We must now ensure the effective and efficient implementation of these laws. I, therefore, urge all stakeholders to work together to guarantee successful outcome.”
Earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, while presenting the bills had congratulated Governor Oborevwori on the massive construction projects across the state, saying that Deltans were happy getting commensurate value for monies appropriated for projects.
He said that the inputs of Deltans were sought through presentation of memoranda during the House public hearings on the new Bills before they were passed.
Meanwhile, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has assured Deltans and other residents of the State of his administration’s commitment to a sustainably safe and secure Delta State.
He said security agencies in the state were making progress in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed this at the swearing-in of the State Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Minnie Oseji and inauguration of Pastor Austin Igbine as Chairman of the Board of Delta Printing and Publishing Company (DPPC), publishers of The Pointer Newspapers at Government House, Asaba.
While acknowledging that the challenges were enormous but surmountable, he said the security agencies had been “up -and- doing to ensure our security and safety.”
He said: “As the Chief Security Officer of the State, I am aware of the several successes the security agencies have recorded – and keep making – in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations.
“Obviously, it would be counter-productive to avail the public of the measures the security agencies have put in place to reduce these violent crimes to the barest minimum.
“But, please, be rest assured that they are unrelenting, and, as a government, we have continued to strengthen our partnership by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to be effective in their operations.
“Finally, I urge all of us to play our part for enhanced peace and security in the state. It is axiomatic that security is a shared responsibility;hence, we must cooperate with, and support, the security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious activity or persons to the relevant authorities.
“Our law enforcement personnel are not clairvoyant; their success is largely dependent on information they receive from the public.
“So, if you see or hear something, please, say something. Together, we can make our dream of a safe and secure Delta a reality.”
While congratulating the new Head of Service, Governor Oborevwori lauded the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, for his outstanding contributions to the state’s public service.
He described Dr. Oseji as a quintessential civil servant – polite, dedicated, brilliant, and thorough, adding that she briought to her new office decades of exceptional stewardship, exemplary leadership, and undiluted passion for excellence.
“Her strong work ethic, sincerity of purpose, and professionalism are, indeed, worthy of emulation, and my warm congratulations to Dr. Oseji on her meritorious appointment.”
He charged the new Head of Service to continually re-orientate the workers to tackle the perennial problems of absenteeism, lateness, unethical conduct, sharp practices, and poor maintenance culture.
The governor stressed: “This administration is determined to leave the legacy of an efficient, disciplined, and performance-driven civil service. I am proud of the progress we have made so far. But some challenges remain.
“Hence, it is important for civil servants to keep abreast with the policy direction of the government. It is also incumbent on them to offer honest, impartial, and practical advice, and provide all the relevant information that are required for the successful execution of programmes and projects of the government.
“The rank -and- file of the civil service are filled with qualified, intelligent people but, unfortunately, the problems of attitude and orientation remain a constant challenge.
“As government workers, public interest must always be above personal interest. Also, building synergy and teamwork is critical to avoiding the ‘us and them’ mentality. Remember, teamwork is what makes the team work.”
While congratulating Pastor Austin Igbine on his appointment, Governor Oborevwori urged him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor.
He said: “It is my expectation that The Pointer will attain new heights in editorial quality, production excellence, improved advertising and marketing, bigger circulation, as well as enhanced digital operations under his leadership and direction.”
Responding, Mrs. Oseji commended the Governor for trusting her with the huge responsibility of ensuring integrity, professionalism and service excellence in the state’s civil service.
She pledged to reorient the entire civil service on financial regulations and to key into the MORE Agenda of the Governor, assuring that no one would be left behind in the civil service.
