DELTA State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to develop Asaba as a state capital.
Governor Okowa gave the assurance, recently during the 28th coronation anniversary cum 95th birthday celebration of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, in Asaba.
According to the governor, “today, we thank God for the life of the Asagba; Your Majesty, in your time, Asaba has seen a lot of development.”
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“Asaba is the fastest growing town in the counry. You have worked with your people to give us a peaceful environment for growth because, without peace, there can be no development,” Governor Okowa said, adding that, “you (the Asagba) have also given room for partnership between the people and government. I must publicly thank the people of Asaba for keeping the peace.”
He further stated, “we have done a lot but, there is still much to be done in Asaba. As a government, we will work with you to ensure that we grow Asaba better than it is today; as a government, we are committed to growing Asaba as the capital of our dream.”
Governor Okowa listed some of the projects executed in Asaba to include the Asaba International Airport which, he disclosed, would soon have a cargo runway as plans are on for its construction, through concessioning.
“The Asaba Airport has the second best runway in the country today and we are looking forward to having partners that will make the airport atruely international with a cargo wing,” the governor disclosed.
Stating that a pleasure park and Nollywood film village were among projects being constructed to add to the beauty of Asaba.
While revealing the efforts of his administration to tackle flood challenges in the town, the governor explained the need for the establishment of Warri/Uvwie Development Agency, assuring that his administration would continue to ensure even development of the state.
Governor Okowa, while congratulating the Asagba on his birthday and coronation anniversary, called for the support of the palace and the people to make Asaba cleaner.
The Asagba had in his speech, called on government to pay more attention to the development of Asaba as a state capital.
High point of the occasion was the paying of homage by different traditional groups.