Okowa restates commitment to women visibility in governance

FG tasks Delta govt on investments in oil palm, aquaculture

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, pledged to appoint no fewer than five women among the 18 new commissioners to boost his new cabinet.

Okowa said while swearing in the first batch of the commissioner in Asaba that increasing the number of women from two to five was a deliberate attempt to enhance women participation in governance.

The Guardian recalled that in March 2021, 17 women took the oath of office as vice-chairmen in 17 of the 25 councils of the state, as Okowa disclosed that the commissioners were appointed on merit and charged them to guard against complacency.

He also urged them to be committed to their duty with a greater sense of urgency during the remaining period of his tenure, adding that his administration was proud of its achievements in the last six years.

Okowa charged the commissioners to be effective communicators and ensure that their subordinates have an understanding of the Stronger Delta agenda, adding that they should learn to delegate duties and encourage their juniors even when they make mistakes.

Those sworn in were Evelyn Oboro, Shola Ogbemi-Daibo, Rose Ezewu, Flora Alanta, Kate Onianwa, Festus Ochonogor, Charles Aniagwu, Arthur Akpowowo and Barry Gbe.

Others were Julius Egbedi, Christian Onogba, Lawrence Ejiofor, Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, Noel Omodon, Churchill Amagada, Jonathan Ukodhiko, Johnbull Edema and Fidelis Tilije.

Responding on behalf of the new commissioners, Tilije thanked the governor for finding them worthy of appointment, adding that they were delighted to be part of the Okowa’s administration.

In a related development, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, has urged Delta State to explore the potentials in oil palm, aquaculture and other products to boost its economy.

Adebayo who spoke through a Director in the ministry, Aliyu Abubakar, said opportunities abound for Delta State to be ranked among the best in the production of made-in-Nigeria goods in the African market.

Leading the National Action Committee (NAC) on the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) on a tour of Delta State, he said the state was the number six the ministry had visited to discuss opportunities to improve the economy through agriculture.

Adebayo said the agreement provided a platform to ensure that every product has origin while assuring that Nigeria would not be a dumping ground for unidentified products from other Africa countries.