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Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has sworn in 11 commissioners, with an advice to the seven women among them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
He urged the commissioners to eschew suspicion and promote unity in their utterances and actions.
Dr. Okowa said Delta was breaking the frontiers of female representation in government with the appointment of seven women commissioners and 17 female vice chairmen of local governments, as well as other positions of responsibility in governance.
He said: “With today’s swearing-in, we have concluded the process of reconstituting the Executive Council (exco) that was dissolved a little over two months ago.
“With two more women- commissioners, the (exco) now has seven women, further extending the frontier of female representation in this government.
“Delta State is breaking new grounds in this regard. To all the commissioners, it is my hope that you will justify the confidence that has been reposed in you with these appointments.”
The governor advised the commissioners to avoid issues that would breed distrust, exclusion and resentment among the people, saying they emerged through a rigorous selection process that was necessary, especially as the administration entered a critical phase in its tenure.
He said his administration had made breakthrough in its quest to build a stronger Delta standing on the tripod of prosperity, peace and progress.
He said his administration had anchored the entrepreneurship development programmes with over 100,000 youths being empowered to become self-employed and employers of labour.
Okowa enjoined the commissioners to work towards achieving the administration’s set targets within the remaining period of his term.
“With less than two years to the terminal date of this administration, every remaining minute counts as we strive to deliver on our goals and promises to the good people of Delta State.
“From our novel entrepreneurship development programmes, to the massive infrastructure investment in the state, especially in the riverine communities, we have sustained our efforts to leave a legacy of a strong, united and prosperous state.
“These efforts are being acknowledged by those who understand what development is all about,” he said.
He assured Deltans that his administration still had more grounds to cover in tackling youth unemployment, widespread poverty and social cohesion, noting: “It is going to take all of us talking together, planning together and working together to change the current narrative in many of our communities.
“As you begin your stewardship today, I want to leave you with some leadership principles that are vital to your success.
“You must make it a priority to align yourself and your ideas to the key policy thrusts of this administration.
“An idea may be good in and of itself, but may not be very relevant to the focus of this administration. Hence, it is imperative that as commissioners, you are constantly in tune with the direction we are headed, to make a quick success of your work.”
Okowa urged the commissioners to promote unity in diversity and work towards a peaceful coexistence.
Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Prof. Muoboghare thanked God for the appointment and appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve.
He pledged the commissioners’ resolve to render effective and efficient service to the citizens.
