Head of Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, has again assured Nigerians, local and international investors that Delta State is still the safest destination for multifaceted investments, despite the recent unfortunate killings in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
Oghenesivbe gave the assurance while speaking to a heterogeneous audience as a guest on a national radio network in Lagos, on Wednesday, saying that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has demonstrated unblemished leadership capacity, as can be seen from his strategic handling of the crisis, which earned him commendations from well-meaning Nigerians and constituted authorities, home and abroad.
He noted that the Okuama community incident took everyone by surprise because there were no traces of physical clashes which would warrant such killings, adding that in February this year, the state government mediated and resolved the conflict between Okuama and Okoloba communities resulting in the signing of a peace accord.
Oghenesivbe, who is also the Executive Assistant on Communications to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, said the swift intervention by the State governor underscored his proactive responses to issues and matters of public interest to enhance peace and security in Delta State, saying that peace is priceless and that it stimulates economic growth and development.
He further assured that the State Orientation Bureau shall unveil what he called “Orientation Peace Ambassadors” to be constituted in the entire twenty-five local government areas, adding that the OPA members will be saddled with the responsibility of preaching the gospel of peace and peaceful coexistence in their localities and report perceived or foreseeable grave conflicts that may breach public peace, destruction of lives and properties.
Oghenesivbe disclosed that Governor Oborevwori is taking appropriate steps to bring about meaningful development that would continue to create robust opportunities for all Deltans as encapsulated in his MORE agenda currently being implemented in all sectors of the state economy, while commending him for his giant strides in good governance since assumption of office, especially in the area of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, infrastructure projects and prudent management of state resources for the benefit of all Deltans.
He posited that construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has since mobilized to the site to ensure the timely completion of mega flyovers and pedestrian bridges at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate, to upscale commercial and economic activities, pointing out that experienced contractors are also very busing on site to complete the Ughelli-Asaba dualization roads, underground water tunnels in Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Districts of the state, among others.
The communication strategist to Delta State Governor further disclosed that the 2022/2023 student bursary payment is ongoing and that the state government recently launched the Tertiary Institutions Students Insurance Programme, TISIP, through the State Contributory Health Commission under the leadership of Dr Isaac Akpoveta, to enable students of Delta State origin access quality healthcare in the state, while arrangements are being made to ensure that same is available to Delta students across the country.
“The Okuama community killings came to us as a rude shock. Nobody perceived it coming, because the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the state government-brokered peace between Okuama and Okoloba communities in February, this year.
“There were no reported cases of fresh crisis between the two communities involving the open use of arms. The incident was dramatically swift, barbaric and very devastating. The governor was perplexed and immediately commenced strategic efforts to resolve the crisis. He did wonderfully well to the admiration of well-meaning Nigerians within and outside Nigeria.
“Normalcy is gradually being restored, and I can tell you for free that Delta State is still the safest destination for multifaceted investments and tourism in Nigeria. The MORE agenda is on course, it’s a moving train that would eventually get to its destination, by the grace of God.
“We are not yet where we want to be, but we shall get there through the instrumentality of the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. His good governance strides are visible across the state and our people are very happy with his result-oriented leadership style.
“Huge infrastructure projects are ongoing in Delta, and the governor is not resting on his oars to turn every part of Delta to construction sites. Delta State is moving forward.
“On our part at the State Orientation Bureau under my leadership, we are crafting innovations to effectively project the policies, programmes and achievements of Governor Oborevwori, and we shall consistently deliver on our assigned responsibilities; creating desired awareness that would reshape the consciousness of our people to see themselves as co-labourers with the governor by performing their civil responsibilities.
“We shall unveil ‘Orientation Peace Ambassadors, OPA’ at local government levels to collaborate with the Bureau in peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence sensitization campaigns to complement government efforts in those areas.
“OPA members shall also report foreseeable or emerging conflicts capable of infringing on public peace so that such unpleasant developments can be quickly addressed and resolved,” Oghenesivbe said.
