More than 20,000 benefited in Delta job and wealth creation ― Okowa

No fewer than 20,000 persons have benefitted from the Delta State’s Job and Wealth Creation programme since its inception.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa disclosed this on Wednesday at the “2nd Warri Economic Summit” held in Warri.

The event was convened by Mr Michael Tidi, Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

The governor, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Mr David Edevbie, said that no meaningful development could be attained without peace.

He re-emphasised his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the various ethnic nationalities in the state to galvanised development.

“Since 2015, we have worked tirelessly toward improving the lives of our people through policies and programmes on peacebuilding, economic growth and sustainability.

“No real development can take place in the absence of peace, Delta has been largely peaceful since the inception of this administration.

“In the last four years, we have covered all the local governments in the state with our quest to ensuring inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

“Warri is strategically located and can easily become an economic hub in the country once the investment climate is bright.

“With the inauguration of the Warri/Effurun and environs Development Agency, it is our hope that the development of the areas will be accelerated to attract the right investment,” he said.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the convener, Mr Tidi said the Council was midwifing a process that would lead to the birth of 1000 hectares of palm oil plantation.

According to him, the plantation would be cited in one of the rural communities adding that the project would come on stream in the next 18 months.

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“We all know that oil is a wasting asset, we clearly cannot build our future on something that may not be there when our children grow up.

“According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria import palm oil of 500 million US Dollars about N175 billion.

“Our youth must avoid the negative practices which has brought an unwarranted and unfriendly image to Warri.

“We will no longer tolerate groups of young men parading themselves as youth task forces harassing business investors,” he said.

Mr Gabriel Aggey, former Executive Director, Nigeria Gas Company in his keynote address advised the people to invest more in the gas business.

According to him, gas is a lifetime investment.

“Warri is the hub of gas production but unfortunately we are not utilising what belongs to us.

“Both state and local governments should come together and create the enabling environment for business to thrive,” he said.

Other resource persons at the event were: Amaju Pinnick, President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Dr Musibau Babatunde, Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to the Oyo state governor.

Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, Director, Centre for Petroleum Energy Economics and Law, UI, Mr Amos Irueden, Bamidele Ayodele and Mr Zion Oshiobugie all spoke on ways to develop Warri.