With Visionary Leadership, States Can Do Incredible Things – Osinbajo

***As He Commissions New Ultra-Modern Secretariat Built By Okowa

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has commissioned the new Ultra-Modern Secretariat built by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, saying with visionary leadership, state governments can perform incredibly.

Osinbajo who made this known during the commissioning of the multi-billion naira Secretariat, named after HRM. Prof. Chike Edozie, Asagba of Asaba, thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for him to be part of the historic event. 

He stated that the occasion was historic because the seat of the civil service of any arm of government is usually one of the major monument enshrined in the splendour of the authority of government. 

According him, “this imposing complex clearly meets this requirement. In due cause such building becomes historical monument. The ocassion is a special one because the civil service and the people of Delta State are today being presented with the state of the art functional and befitting secretariat complex after many years”.

He noted that the state immortalised the name of one of Delta State and indeed Nigeria most illustrious sons, HRM Prof. Chike Edozie, Asagba of Asaba with the secretariat complex.

He commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the completion and commissioning of the secretariat despite dwindling revenue receipt and severe resource constraint across all levels of government in Nigeria 

He stressed that the new secretariat complex would create conducive and inspiration for public servants in state. “Public service requires environment that brings out the best in them. And this secretariat will provide such an environment.”, he reiterated. 

Earlier, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa expressed joy for the presence of Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the landmark event. 

He said: “Mr. Vice-President, you have shown yourself to be a true statesman and an uncommon leader. The Government and good people of Delta State appreciate you today and always; we value your friendship, partnership, and genuine interest in the progress of our state”.

Okowa explained that it was quite demanding and exacting, during the conceptualisation of the project and even the turbulence that plagued the economy since 2017 was worsened with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing major financial disruptions during the construction process. 

“However, we persevered and weathered the storm fully persuaded of the huge benefits accruable to the state once the structure was completed. With the ministries in one central location, the State Government will be saving hundreds of millions of naira that was spent annually in renting offices all over the capital city. Coordination and synergy among MDAs would be enhanced, leading to higher morale, better time management, efficiency, and greater productivity”, he added.. 

He pointed out that the secretariat occupies a total floor space of 45, 000 square metres, designed around five clusters with multiple floors, each cluster around a courtyard. 

“This concept allows plenty of natural light and ventilation into the offices. All the 27 ministries and their commissioners and permanent secretaries will be housed in the secretariat, with the entire secretariat interconnected through a system of voice and data networks”. 

Okowa commend the major contractor, North China Construction Nigeria Limited, the consultant architects and project managers, and the supervising ministry for their focus and diligence. 

“This project tasked their intellect and resourcefulness, and they certainly impressed with their discipline, creativity, and never-say-die attitude. All the sub-contractors, suppliers, and site workers also deserve plaudits for staying the course with us.

“It is my earnest expectation that ministry staff will be motivated to put in their best while striving to keep this facility in excellent condition always. The narrative of poor maintenance culture that has bedeviled the civil service must give way to a sense of ownership, complemented by decency and responsibility”.

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