One Year Anniversary Of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ADMINISTRATION – The Achievements, The Concerns- NUJ
*Wants Governor to implement minimum wage policy befitting of Delta as highest revenue earner from Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC
**Calls on Oborevwori to emulate President Tinubu on listening to voice of public opinion
The mass media as the conscience of the society have a constitutional responsibility to hold government accountable by interrogating its actions and policies,on behalf of the people.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council, apex body of gentlemen of the press in the state – the most important stakeholders in a democracy – had been monitoring the activities of the Government of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori since he was elected governor, a year ago on May 29, 2023.
Through our professional indicators – news reports, analysis and public opinion feedbacks, the NUJ presents the following findings and submissions:
In just under a year, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration in Delta State has made significant strides in various sectors, showcasing a commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and driving sustainable development.
From addressing pension backlogs and promoting labour-friendly policies to embarking on ambitious infrastructure projects and enhancing healthcare and education, the administration has left an indelible mark on the state.
A closer look at the administration’s key accomplishments and initiatives indicated that the pension and employee welfare received a boost.
The administration successfully cleared a staggering N40 billion pension backlog for local government retirees, providing much-needed financial relief to thousands of individuals who dedicated their careers to public service.
It is on record that over 50,000 civil servants in Delta State received N5 billion in promotion arrears, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to supporting its workforce.
Besides, civil servants and employees in state-owned tertiary institutions were provided with N10, 000 monthly for three months, underscoring the administration’s dedication to the well-being of its employees.
On education and youth empowerment, a total of N674 million was disbursed as bursary payments to over 30,000 students of Delta State origin studying in tertiary institutions across the country, easing the financial burden on students and promoting access to education.
We recall with equanimity that the Governor Oborevwori during his campaign for the governorship position extended financial support to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, providing essential equipment such as a heavy duty generator and additional air condition units to enhance the union’s operations.
In the area of infrastructure development, the administration initiated the construction of three mega flyovers, cloverleaf, and road expansion works in Warri and Effurun, representing a significant investment of N78 billion and a historic milestone in the state’s infrastructure development.
The beauty of the projects, besides their aesthetic values when completed, is the easing of traffic congestion in the Warri South, Uvwie and Udu areas which have merged into one big metropolis.
Notable progress was made on the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway project, enhancing connectivity and transportation infrastructure in the region.
When the project is eventually completed, it is estimated that a journey from Asaba to Warri that currently lasts for three hours would no longer go beyond two hours.
This is significant for commerce and overall socioeconomic wellbeing of road users and the communities connecting the stretch of the road.
Also important, is the fact that several key bridge and road construction projects, including the Trans Warri- Ode Itsekiri Roads and Bridges.
History was made when the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, recently embarked on a journey to Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri) for the very first time on the road.
This is a testimony that the entire stretch of the road had reached the about 80 percent level of completion.
Bedeseigha Bridge, Nsukwa-Umute-Adonte Road, Orhere-Agbarho-Otokutu Link Road, and others, have been undertaken, improving accessibility and connectivity across various communities in Delta State.
Here, we cannot deny the fact of their import to advancing the development of the benefitting and adjoining communities of the project in trade, commerce and cultural integration, among other derivatives.
Also worthy of mention is the construction of Ohorhe-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete Road bearing a spur from Adagbrasa to Ughwagba Village to Okan Junction by Eku-Osubi-Effurun Road in Okpe Local Government Area.
This is another stride that has opened up the benefitting communities for their socioeconomic upliftings.
The ongoing construction of the Kwale-Beneku Bridge and the Orere-Ewu Bridge are additional examples of the governor’s dedication to improving connectivity and infrastructure across the state.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration has also prioritised the upgrade of facilities in primary health care centres and general hospitals.
The release of N3 billion for the purchase of ultra-modern equipment for the general hospitals underscores the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services and facilities for the people of Delta State.
In addition to infrastructure development, the governor’s administration has commissioned various projects in Delta State University, Anwai, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, and University of Delta, Agbor.
These initiatives demonstrate the administration’s focus on enhancing educational institutions and providing better learning environments for students.
Only recently, over 3,000 traders, women and artisans benefited from the state’s MORE Grant Scheme, empowering local entrepreneurs and stimulating economic growth.
Looking at the COVID-19 Response and Economic Stimulus, the Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme has significantly expanded its reach, up-scaling direct beneficiaries from 36,353 to 110,841, providing crucial support to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.
Nevertheless, Governor Oborevwori needs to look at several critical areas to ensure a more effective governance and address concerns raised by various stakeholders. For instance, one of such concerns is in the area of addressing wage awards and civil servants’ welfare.
The governor should consider revisiting the stoppage of wage awards to civil servants by either reinstating the awards or implementing a minimum wage policy that is commensurate with the status of Delta State as one of the highest revenue earner from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
He should ensure that civil servants receive fair and competitive wages is essential for their well-being and overall productivity, especially in the present day realities where cost of living has more than tripled in monetary value.
Another area to look at is improving the state economy and financial management liquidity. The present low liquidity of the state economy needs to be addressed to reflect the big-hearted status of Delta State.
The governor should focus on implementing financial management practices that truly trickle down, and in the process promote economic diversification, attracting investments, and exploring innovative strategies to enhance the state’s revenue generation and economic sustainability.
There is also the need to address alleged bullying of appointees in the government. By implication, the governor should take steps to address the alleged bullying of appointees and ensure a professional and respectful work environment within the administration.
This may involve establishing clear guidelines and mechanisms to prevent and address workplace harassment, intimidation, or any form of mistreatment of appointees. Appointees who are clearly avoiding embarrassing situation would choose to remain silent and deny Delta of their forward-looking contributions to grow the state.
Engaging with the press and promoting transparency is key and unavoidable. The governor should address concerns about the alleged refusal to meet with the press periodically, as mandated by Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Engaging with the press and ensuring transparency in government activities is essential for promoting accountability, public awareness, and the free flow of information.
Regular interactions with the press can help build trust and ensure that the public is well-informed about government policies and actions.
No doubt, Delta State has experienced an very remarkable milestone of development breakthroughs by virtue of the palpable evidence and realities. However, by addressing critical areas of challenges, Governor Oborevwori can demonstrate a commitment to solidifying good governance, transparency, and the well-being of civil servants and citizens in Delta State.
Surely, more openness to dialogue, effective financial management, and a supportive work environment for public officials are essential for fostering trust, promoting sustainable development, and advancing the overall welfare of the state’s residents.
One thing going on well for the administration of President Bola Tinubu is the fact that he panders sometimes to public opinion as a demonstration of the voice of the people being the voice of God; that is democracy at work.
The NUJ, Delta State Council, are confident that when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State emulates the president in this regard, the entire state would be better for it.
Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Chairman NUJ Delta Council
Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Secretary NUJ Delta Council.
