Uche Jegbefume
Aug 26, 2017 · 2 min read

“GOVERNOR OKOWA AND HIS EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE DELTA STATE CAPITAL TERRITORY ASABA”

Delta State was created in 1991 by General Ibrahim Babangida led Military Government of Nigeria. Asaba was made the State Capital Territory. Delta State has had elected Governors and Military Administrators who ruled or governed the State from Asaba. However, these Political Leaders and Military Administrators failed to develop Asaba. They did little or nothing to uplift the status of Asaba as the State Capital. The reason(s) best known to them. Asaba is faced with enormous challenges such as bad drainage system, motorable roads, electricity, water, indiscriminate erection of (unapproved) structures and lacks necessary infrastructure as a State Capital Territory. In 2015, Senator Dr. Okowa was elected the Governor, Delta State. Asaba Development was part of his campaign promises. Within his 100 days in office, Okowa sent “CAPITAL TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BILL” to the Delta State House of Assembly. The Bill was passed and assented to immediately. Reasons for establishing the Agency are to place-shape, build, provide and manage physical infrastructure including services and administration conducive for people to live, work, play and invest. With the Territory’s population continuing to expand, it is imperative to invest in both the existing infrastructure, housing, economic development and land resources. Creating a land use framework that supports sustainable development. Improving everyone’s mobility by integrating investment in the DSCT’s system. Governor Okowa’s efforts to make Asaba a modern State Capital Territory is genuine.

Citizens expect the Government to facilitate these efforts. Citizens want Asaba to wear a new look. They want Asaba to be like Calabar, Ikeja, New-Haven and even the Federal Capital Territory Abuja lol. This is understandable and their plights are noted. Okowa has only spent 2 years in office. It is not an excuse however. We all want Asaba developed. The necessary infrastructure should be put in place so that the Capital Territory can compete with other State Capitals in Nigeria.

Finally, Citizens are expected to corporate and work with the Agency to ensure that its mandate is achieved and support the “SMART AGENDA” of Okowa led Government of Delta State.

We are yet to be there but surely we will get there soon.

God bless Delta State!!!

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Uche Jegbefume

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