By Fidelix Umukoro
A 2023 Delta State guber aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kenneth Okpara has said that transformative agriculture to engineering resource-based industrialisation, economic prosperity, infrastructure development, human development safety and security, collaborative and accountable leadership are his agenda for Deltans if elected.
Okpara who made this known to newsmen noted that his mission statement is strictly anchored on Delta State Development Agenda 2023 (DDA 2023), adding that he would provide a better life for the people.
He said, “Now, I seek to bring a better life to every community, family, individual and every Deltan. They (Deltans) should vote for me as their Governor in 2023.
“In 2011, I was invited by the former governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan from the world bank to join the state’s dynamic team. I applied my knowledge and experience as the Honourable Commissioner (HC) for economic planning, chairman of the state’s economic management team and later appointed as the commissioner of finance.
“However, knowing the critical role context plays in delivering development outcomes, I fitted into the state context based on my global experience. Above all, I learned through the experience as a commissioner of two ministries (finance and economic planning).”
NewsNet learnt that the former secretary of the PDP in Udu Local Government Area during the tenure of the ex-governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Hon. Omeco Daniels affirmed that Okpara is a well-refined and exposed gentleman, adding that Okpara should hit the ground running by consulting widely without discrimination.
Daniels posited that Okpara should understand that his consultations must cut across all the senatorial districts and party lines, noting that, the elders, women and the youths should be carried along equally at the same time.
“Despite his brief stint as a commissioner, I saw Okpara as a new breed with fresh ideas. Since Okpara has indicated his interest in the 2023 Delta governorship election, he should run the race to its logical conclusion.
“Today, it is the general understanding of Deltans that the central senatorial district is to produce the next governor. As well-qualified freedom of Delta central, Okpara’s chances are bright. Okpara has a lot of work to do because he has been out of the state and Nigeria for a long time.”
In his comments, the past deputy president of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ireland, Mr Lucky Eghagbevwa insisted that Okpara is fully prepared for the task ahead, adding: “I must thank Okpara for presenting himself to help build an inclusive and Delta of our dream that every Deltan will be proud of”.
He added that “Let us look at Okpara’s resume for a minute. He is an international financial expert and a chartered accountant who has worked as a senior financial management specialist at the world bank”.
Eghagbevwa pointed out that Okpara has the financial experience at the highest level and he knows the complexity of managing our commonwealth, saying: “All these attributes and his direct touch with the grassroots make Okpara the people’s choice”.
“Okpara should remain focused on his guber ambition because the task ahead is great and achievable. The youths love Okpara and they have been reaching out to him on how to help with his campaign. The entire Delta youths and our women are solidly behind Okpara.”
Eghagbevwa who is the Director-General of Delta Youth Movement (DYM), hinted that Okpara demonstrated his love and trust for the youths across the state during his tenure as a commissioner, adding that “Okpara equally helped to establish vocational training centres for the teeming Delta youths to enable them to be active members of the society.
“Okpara is an active listener and a motivator who is capable of making any individual a giant. He believes strongly in the abilities of young people. Okpara sees them ( young people) as a useful resource for development and not thuggery. Okpara is a pan Deltan and sees Delta as his constituency.”
Commenting on Okpara’s governorship bid, a media professional, Comrade Sunny Basikoro opined that Okpara should put into use all his wealth of experience that he garnered as a technocrat so as to bear beautiful fruits, adding that “As a man of the people, Okpara should continue to reach out to all the stakeholders”.
For his part, Mr David Emuesiri, a business tycoon based in Ughelli, said that Okpara is the best man for the job, adding that Okpara has all it takes to transform Delta beyond the imagination of all and sundry.
According to him, “We know the antecedents of Okpara and I believe that he is the best choice to govern Delta in 2023. Okpara has the wealth of experience, resources, foresight, knowledge and sagacity to offer first-class to Deltans.
“Okpara has garnered monumental experience from the world bank and he would bring it to bear on the state if he becomes Delta governor in 2023. I wish and hope that the PDP will ensure that Okpara emerges as the party’s flagbearer.”
Corroborating Emuesiri’s view, Chief Joseph Unuajohwofia, a hotelier in Warri posited that Okpara is tested and trusted, adding that Okpara will take Delta to greater heights if he becomes the governor.
Unuajohwofia emphasised that Okpara is the best politician to succeed the incumbent Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, adding that “Deltans must shine their eyes and do what they can to ensuring that Okpara becomes the governor of Delta in 2023”.
