We create jobs and wealth for Deltans, not share the money - Okowa

Gov Okowa,  his wife Dame Edith Okowa and Director General of 05 Initiative, Mrs. kevwe Agas at the occasion.

Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has again emphasised the need for wealthy Deltans, philanthropists, elected representatives and politicians to shift focus from cash gifts as empowerment strategy and to emulate government's immediate and long term prosperity agenda through human capital development; especially investments in vocational training, mechanized farming,  technical education, jobs and wealth creation. 

The governor noted that cash gifts not backed by capacity training may not endure for a long time, and called on wealthy Deltans and corporate organisations to join hands and or partner with government in uplifting the standards of living of our people by sponsoring and investing substantially in job and wealth creation as well as capacity building programmes. 

Gov Okowa made the call at the grand finale of 05 Initiative and Restore Sight Africa free medical outreach held at the Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba. 

He commended the First Lady of Delta State, Dame Evangelist Edith Okowa, for the huge success recorded by her pet project (05 Initiative) within a short period of three years, adding that with over 12 sickle cell clinics built and eqquiped across the state as well as restoration of 23,000 sight, over 2000 successful eye surgeries, 18,000 eye drop distributed to out patients free of charge, can only be attributed to the divine grace of God, dedication and sincerity of purpose by the team. 

Executive Assistant to Gov Okowa on Communication, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe quoted his boss as saying that his administration shall remain focused and not swayed by cheap propaganda, pointing out that when the reconstruction and equipping of Stephen Keshi Stadium was commenced months ago, some doubting Thomas went to town with the notion that the project will be abadanoned yet again, but we were able to prove them wrong by not only completing the project within time but also hosted the CAA 21st African Athletics Senior Championship to the admiration of sport loving people of Africa. 

"We are solidly on course with our prosperity for all Deltans mantra as can be seen from the various youth and women empowerment socioeconomic programmes of this administration, especially the huge success so far clinched via the YAGEP and. STEP programmes. 

"The 05 Initiative of the First Lady, Dame Okowa has never received a penny from Delta State Government, rather it's being funded by corporate organisations, individuals and partnership with Local and International Non-Governmental Organisation made up of volunteers and philanthropists. 

"I am told that one of the Optomologist (Eye Doctor) and volunteer that worked with Restore Sight Africa in collaboration with 05 Initiative is yet to gain employment. Her commitment is laudable and it goes to show that she will make a good doctor. I hereby direct the Honourable Commissioner for Health, to offer her automatic employment and I want her employment file on my table within 24 hours.

"I must not fail to thank Mr Jim Ovia and management of Zenith Bank PLC for their huge partnership with 05 Initiative as well as other organisations and individuals who donated handsomely towards the implementation of the NGO's free medical services to the good people of Dellta State. 

"I thank my wife, Dame Okowa for making me and the state proud through her proactive leadership and result oriented health programmes across the three senatorial districts," Gov Okowa said. 

Founder, 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, sang and danced in worship and praise to God Almighty, and urged wealthy Deltans and corporate organisations to put their money where it will grow divinely, adding that the 05 Initiative is a fertile ground for philanthropists, individuals and corporate organisations because their free medical outreach is targeted at the poor and the poorest in the society. 

Managing partner of Restore Sight Africa,  Dr Earnest Ugbedor disclosed that 05 Initiative provided the structure  and enabling environment for the over 2,000 successful eye surgeries, describing it as a huge success that restored sight to 23,000 Deltans who hitherto lost hope before their intervention across the three senatorial districts.

Dignitaries at the occasion include; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly,  Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief Judge of Delta State, His Lordship Justice Marshall Umukoro and his amiable wife,  Honourable Commissioners for Works, Information and Finance, Chief James Augoye, Hon Patrick Ukah, Olorogun David Edevbie. Chief Strategist of Delta State, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, DTHA House Committee Chairman on Works, Hon Evance Ivwurie, et al.