By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES, NGOs, philanthropists, and affluent Deltans both locally and abroad have been called upon by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to actively participate in advancing sustainable development across the state.
This appeal came during the inauguration of newly renovated classroom blocks in four secondary schools in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, renovated by members of Ogwashi-Uku Association, USA Inc.
The schools benefiting from the association’s contributions include Adaigbo Mixed Secondary School, Comprehensive Secondary School, Saint Roses Girls Grammar School, and Nshiagu College.
The governor, represented by Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), commended the generosity of Ogwashi-Uku natives in the United States and urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate their example, highlighting that government efforts alone cannot meet all community needs.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that his administration has initiated numerous road projects under the MORE Agenda to foster state development and pointed out the state’s extensive commitments, including 489 secondary schools, 51,000 employees, and 12,900 local government staff, stressing the necessity of reliable partnerships to manage these responsibilities.
Expressing his gratitude for the infrastructural improvements, the governor remarked on the need for continued efforts to further enhance educational facilities and other critical infrastructure and called on communities to protect government projects from vandalism and maintain peace throughout the state.
Dr. Henrietta Udensi, speaking on behalf of the Ogwashi-Uku Association, highlighted education’s crucial role in societal growth and sustainable development. She noted that the initiative reflects the association’s commitment to supporting education, underscoring the importance of such investments.
The event also featured remarks from Mr. Emakpor Odogwu, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, who urged students and school management to utilize the renovated facilities responsibly. Principals of the benefiting schools expressed their profound appreciation and committed to maintaining the new infrastructure.
MTDP Underway
Meanwhile, Delta State has begun preparations for its new Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for 2024-2027.
State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekadeyan, revealed this during an orientation workshop for Focal Persons from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) held at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba.
Ekadeyan, represented by Director of Budget Mr. Thompson Olije, acknowledged the state’s significant progress in achieving 80% of its previous MTDP for 2020-2023 and commended civil service professionals for their dedication and emphasized the importance of the new MTDP in driving the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori’s administration.
Workshop consultant Prof. Eric Eboh stressed the critical nature of properly crafting the MTDP to achieve the state’s development goals, as he urged participants to contribute effectively to the plan, drawing parallels to China’s successful five-year development plans since 1953, which have significantly bolstered its economic growth.
Participants were reminded of the need to focus on both the oil and non-oil sectors, with Eboh noting that while the oil sector contributes significantly to Delta State’s GDP, it employs relatively few people.
Enhancing the non-oil sector, which provides more employment opportunities, was highlighted as a priority, adding that the workshop aims to equip Focal Persons with the knowledge and skills necessary to draft and implement a comprehensive and effective development plan, ensuring Delta State continues to progress and meet the needs of its citizens.
