The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on Nigerian workers and citizens to resist misinformation and actively communicate the positive impact of ongoing economic reforms, stating that the country is gradually being repositioned for sustainable growth.
Okowa made the call on Thursday, July 23, 2026, when he received the leadership of Working People United (WoPU), led by its National Coordinator General, Comrade Prince Williams Akporeha, at his residence in Asaba.
The delegation, comprising national officers and officials of the Delta State chapter of WoPU, presented the former governor with his formal recognition as a Patron of Working People United, alongside a Responsible Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Award, bearing the inscription, “I Am A Responsible Citizen of Nigeria.”
He was also decorated with the organisation’s emblem and presented with branded face caps and other souvenirs.
Responding after receiving the honours, Okowa commended the organisation for its vision of uniting workers across Nigeria, describing the initiative as timely and capable of strengthening civic participation and national development.
“It is not easy to organise people across the country, but I believe it is achievable. I pray that you succeed in bringing working people together across all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” Okowa said.
The former governor urged WoPU to intensify its grassroots mobilisation, particularly in the South-West and South-South, while expanding to other parts of the country.
He expressed concern over what he described as deliberate misinformation in the political space, urging workers to become ambassadors of factual information.
“Many politicians distort facts because they want votes. We must communicate the truth to Nigerians and not allow misinformation to dominate public discourse,” he stated.
Defending the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, Okowa argued that painful but necessary reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, were inevitable to rescue the nation’s economy.
According to him, the decision enjoyed bipartisan support before the 2023 elections, stressing that all major presidential candidates had publicly acknowledged the need to end fuel subsidy.
Okowa maintained that the reforms had strengthened the finances of states and local governments, enabling them to pay salaries and pensions more consistently.
“Today, states and local governments are paying salaries and pensions. That is not magic; it is the result of reforms aimed at rebuilding Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan programme as one of the most impactful social interventions, noting that thousands of students, including many in Delta State-owned universities, had already benefited.
Describing education as the most effective tool for reducing poverty, Okowa encouraged eligible students to take advantage of the interest-free loan scheme.
On security, the former governor reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as the most practical solution to tackling insecurity across Nigeria.
“State police remain the strongest weapon against criminality. It is a reform whose time has come,” he added.
Okowa thanked WoPU for the honours and pledged his support for the organisation’s objectives.
Earlier, National Coordinator General of WoPU, Comrade Prince Williams Akporeha, said the movement was both a civic and political organisation committed to promoting good governance, responsible citizenship and policies that improve the welfare of Nigerian workers.
He said the organisation had already established structures in Delta State and was rapidly expanding nationwide, with plans to inaugurate chapters across all states within the next two months.
Akporeha announced that WoPU had endorsed President Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Okowa for the 2027 elections, promising to mobilise workers from polling unit to national level in support of their re-election.
“Working People United will mobilise workers across the grassroots because we believe these leaders are moving Nigeria in the right direction,” Akporeha declared.
He explained that Okowa was selected for the Responsible Citizen Award in recognition of his contributions to Delta State and the country, both as governor and a former senator.
The visit ended with the renewed commitment by both parties to deepen civic engagement and workers’ participation in national development.
