Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Tuesday, reaffirmed his confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, saying the governor has demonstrated clear readiness and capacity for leadership despite the intense opposition that greeted his nomination in 2022.
Okowa spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Delta Special Economic Zone (Kwale Free Trade Zone), Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, where he served as Chairman of the event.
He noted that Governor Oborevwori has continued to prove critics wrong through purposeful leadership, project continuity, initiation of new projects, and policy stability, describing the administration’s performance as deeply reassuring.
“We have a governor who was prepared for the job and is doing it the way it ought to be done. I congratulate and thank him sincerely for the steps he has taken,” Okowa said.
The former governor particularly praised Oborevwori for sustaining and completing projects initiated before his administration, rather than abandoning them, adding that such continuity reflects maturity and long-term vision in governance.
According to him, the foundations being laid through initiatives such as the Special Economic Zone will spur economic growth, create jobs and reposition Ndokwa and Delta State for future industrial development.
“People may not immediately appreciate what is being done here today. But in another five to ten years, the people of Ndokwa and Delta State will look back and thank you for laying a solid foundation for economic growth,” he said.
Reflecting on the political controversies of 2022, Okowa recalled that Oborevwori’s emergence as PDP governorship candidate faced resistance, but he remained convinced that the governor was the right choice.
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“When people objected and felt I had made a wrong choice, I told them I had studied him since 2001 and knew he would deliver. And I tell the truth, God confirmed to me twice that he was the man for the job,” Okowa stated.
He expressed satisfaction that his judgment has now been vindicated by Oborevwori’s performance in office.
“Two years down the line, I do not flatter you, Mr. Governor, I am impressed with the way you are going. Delta people must support and continue to pray for you because you are laying the groundwork for a stronger future.”
Okowa also called on Ndokwa communities to support the economic zone project, cautioning against attempts to reclaim already allocated lands and urging instead further cooperation for wider development benefits.
He commended the management team led by Brigadier-General Mike Ndubisi (rtd) and Pastor Gordon Akpovie, reassuring that the project would attract multiple industries, unlock gas resources, create jobs and expand Delta’s economic landscape.
Okowa concluded by praying for the continued success of the Oborevwori administration, saying Delta is on a forward trajectory that must be sustained.
