AU Hails Okowa’s Job Creation Model

The job creation and infrastructural development programmes of the Okowa administration has earned it the applaud of the African Union (AU). 

Nigeria’s representative in the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Mr Oba John, gave the commendation when he led a delegation on an inspection of the ongoing mega secretariat project and others being executed by the state government.

Oba said Delta was on the right track in the attainment of agenda 2063 set by the AU through the execution of projects and implementation of policies with direct impact on the lives of the people.

He said the Union was impressed with the job creation initiative of the state government through the engagement of youths on project sites across the state, describing it as a step in the right direction.

The AU rep said his team was also happy with the step being taken by the state government to bring all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to a central location to ease the conduct of government business. 

Oba observed that Delta was one of the states in Nigeria that would be ready in a few years time to benefit from the continental free trade agreement entered into by the federal government and the AU.

While urging the state government not to relent in its development drive, the envoy advised other state governments to emulate the Okowa administration by taking development to the grassroots.

Conducting the team round the secretariat project, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr Henry Sakpra, said the project engaged between 300 and 400 workers daily.

He said when completed, each floor in the complex would accommodate seven MDAs, pointing out that there was also provision for two banking halls, a crèche and a standard hospital with theatre.

On safety, Sakpra said two fiber tanks which could take 36,000 litres of water had been installed, with another reservoir for 150,000 litres of water. 

The team is expected to visit other project sites in the state.