Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, declared on Monday that his administration’s core values include fiscal discipline, honesty, prudent financial management, and government transparency.
Governor Oborevwori delivered this statement at the Delta State Governance and Policy Direction Conversation, hosted in Asaba on Monday. The event was organised by the African College of Governance, an entity within the Revive Africa Initiative.
The theme of the discussion is ‘More Agenda: Economic Dynamics of Policy Direction, Open Governance and the Youth Inclusivity Question’ also featured a book presentation on ‘The Thoughts and Perspectives of Rt. Hon. Ben Rollands Igbakpa on Leadership and Governance’.
The Governor, who found the conversation’s theme appropriate, praised the group for their initiative. He also mentioned that over the past three months, his administration has prioritised fiscal responsibility, prudent resource allocation to complete ongoing projects, and youth inclusion in governance.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the M.O.R.E agenda is designed to advance Delta’s progress. It encompasses key policy objectives aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, generating employment opportunities in the private sector, enhancing human capital, accelerating infrastructure development, and optimizing governance and accountability systems.
‘It is gladdening that my friend and brother, Hon. Rollands Igbakpa has thought it worthwhile for us to have this policy dialogue that zeroes in on the MORE agenda of this administration.’
‘For those of us who may not be aware, M.O.R.E is an acronym for: Meaningful Development; Opportunities for All; Realistic Reforms; and Enhanced Peace and Security.’
‘It provides the roadmap to fastrack economic growth, diversify the economy, promote investment, impose strict fiscal discipline, create wealth, build bridges of social unity, and develop a knowledge-based economy aimed at giving our people the hope of a better, rewarding, and fulfilling future.’
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‘The M.O.R.E agenda is ultimately about good governance, which today’s conversation is about. I believe the starting point for good governance is instituting a regime of fiscal discipline and responsibility.’
‘In our current operating environment of anxiety and uncertainty occasioned by the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy and continuing devaluation of the naira, the challenge for political leaders at all levels of governance is to think outside the box, and demonstrate the highest levels of discipline, honesty, prudence, and transparency in government.’
‘To these values we are totally and irrevocably committed, and we will do everything within our power as a government to entrench them in public administration’.
Reflecting on his three and a half months in office, he stated that his administration’s unwavering focus has been on the prudent allocation of public funds, with notable achievements in the completion of ongoing projects.
On youth inclusivity, Gov. Oborevwori said, ‘the composition of the State Executive Council is an undeniable proof of our commitment to youth inclusivity in governance.’
‘At least, ten of the recently sworn-in commissioners are below the age of 40. That is unprecedented. As I pointed out during their swearing-in, the euphoria that greeted their nomination shows that we are on the right track.’
‘It is now incumbent on these appointees to prove that they are not too young to lead. Failure on their part, would not portend for future consideration of youths in the governance process.’
‘But I am persuaded that this crop of appointees will acquit themselves creditably because some of them have started on a good note,’ he stated.
He said his administration was committed to ensuring quality project delivery in the state by engaging contractors with high pedigree for project delivery.
‘One of the priorities of this administration is to ensure that the execution of road and physical infrastructure are handled by contractors with pedigree and proven track record of performance.’
‘As you may have heard, we recently engaged Julius Berger Plc to construct three flyovers in the Warri and Uvwie axis as part of our ongoing efforts to give the oil city and environs a facelift, but even more significantly to remedy the persistent traffic congestion in Warri/Uvwie and environs.’
‘This administration will not compromise when it comes to the quality of roads and projects that will be executed. Hence, only contractors, local and international, with the requisite competence, and who share our vision of excellence will be engaged,’ Oborevwori added.
Hon. Ben Igbakpa, who previously served in the House of Representatives, expressed his appreciation to the event organizers for selecting him as a mentor. He also called upon leaders to view mentoring the younger generation as a fundamental duty.
He advised the youths to learn from the senior citizens to upgrade their knowledge and experience.
Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Akwa-Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Luke Onofiok nudged youths to develop themselves in order to be equip for leadership roles, adding that only the prepared can be mentored.
Welcoming guests earlier, Director General of the Revive Africa Initiative, Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole implored put more effort setting agenda to propel polices geared towards attending to the most essential needs of the populace.
He voiced the need for an increased drive to create awareness regarding policy and budget analysis and highlighted the significance of open governance through the engagement of citizens