UDUAGHAN INAUGURATES VISION 2020 COUNCIL, SAYS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY DEPENDS ON NON-OIL SECTOR

Delta state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has affirmed that the future economic prosperity of the state is non-oil based. Governor Uduaghan made this declaration at the inauguration of the Delta state vision 2020 Council and Steering Committee, lamenting that oil has become a distraction, which has weakened the exploration of other resources available in the state.

Governor Uduaghan said that the thrust of Vision 2020 economic plan, which he described as a medium-term, when compared with a 50 year economic and social master plan for the state should aim to liberate the people of the state from undue attention to oil. The Delta Governor in his keynote address explained that his government has already started putting plans to make the state less dependant.

From right: Fmr Governor James Ibori, Governor Uduaghan and Deputy Governor Prof Amos Utuama during the inaurguration.

He warned that odds facing the state to achieve a first world status are enormous, saying: In fast-paced, globalised, post-industrial world, the challenge to catch-up is very daunting. We are confronted by gigantic undertaking of how to surmount our basic infrastructure gap, of poverty crisis, the human capital deficit and value orientation. But the job must be done. 

Continuing he said that the major facing the state is, how to harness the enormous opportunities of the global economy for state. We are anxious to leap from third world status. 

Reflecting on his one year in office, Governor Uduaghan explained that his administration has made effort to redirect the state. Specifically, he said: We have anchored the programmes of this administration on the three-point agenda of Peace and Security, Infrastructure and Human Capital Development. We have shown character in the pursuit of our programmes.

Expounding on his government s infrastructure initiative, Governor Uduaghan said: our infrastructure strategy has crystallized in a more specific manner and I wish to share some insights with you. As you maybe aware, we are building a new international passenger and cargo airport in Asaba, the state capital, to take

advantage of the growing business opportunities within the state and across the Niger , especially within the Onitsha and Nnewi business axis. 

He said his government is taking steps to ensure the revitalize the use of five Delta ports, the expansion of the Osubi airport runway to take larger aero planes. He praised Nigerian Ports Authority for awarding contracts for the dredging of the Escravos bar that would make it possible for larger vessel to enter Warri port. He also said his government is working on setting up IPP to tackle energy crisis in the state; and has keyed into the government gas masterplan.

However, Governor Uduaghan maintained that even though some progress has been made, a lot is left to lift the state. Accordingly, he charged the Vision 2020 Council and Committee to finds ways to see this happen.  Although some progress has been made, this administration wants to build an economy away from the vagaries of the oil industry. It is a major part of the arduous task before this Council and Committee.