Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has reaffirmed his confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership capacity, saying the governor was fully prepared for the task of governance despite the opposition that trailed his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in 2022.
Okowa gave the commendation on Tuesday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Delta Special Economic Zone (Kwale Free Trade Zone) in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, where he served as Chairman of the occasion.
The former governor lauded Oborevwori for his purposeful leadership, continuity of development projects, and initiation of new ones, describing the administration’s performance as both reassuring and visionary.
“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.
He particularly commended the governor for completing and sustaining projects inherited from previous administrations rather than abandoning them, noting that such maturity reflected a deep sense of responsibility and long-term vision in governance.
According to Okowa, initiatives such as the Delta Special Economic Zone will stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, and reposition Ndokwa and Delta State for sustainable economic transformation.
> “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 added.
Reflecting on the political turbulence of 2022, Okowa recalled that Oborevwori’s nomination as PDP candidate faced stiff resistance, but he remained steadfast in his conviction that Oborevwori was the right choice for the job.
> “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 delight that his confidence has now been vindicated by the governor’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,” he added.
Okowa also urged Ndokwa communities to support the economic zone project and refrain from reclaiming already allocated lands, emphasizing that cooperation was essential for the broader benefits of development.
He commended the management team led by Brigadier-General Mike Ndubisi (rtd.) and Pastor Gordon Akpovie for their commitment to the project, assuring that the zone would attract industries, harness gas resources, and expand the state’s economic base.
The former governor concluded by praying for the continued success of the Oborevwori administration, expressing optimism that Delta State was on a steady path of progress and sustainable growth.