Okowa marks 5 years in office, says God will revive economy

Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, expressed optimism that as the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, God would take away the challenge and revive the state and the nation’s economy.

He stated this at an inter-denominational Thanksgiving service to mark the first anniversary of his second term in office at the Government House Chapel, Asaba.

The governor said that COVID-19 had posed a major challenge to economies of the world and called on Christians to pray fervently to God for a solution to the scourge.

He disclosed that the global lockdown occasioned by the pandemic had led to slump in crude oil prices, which had remained Nigeria’s major source of revenue.

Okowa however, said that with God, there would be victory over the pandemic, and called on the people to put their trust in God for a solution to the challenge and other turbulent situations.

He recalled a media publication where he was mocked for his daily fellowship with God, asserting that rather than dampen his spirit, the publication strengthened his belief and trust in God.

“At that point, I knew that the battle for my re-election was over because I saw the publication as a challenge to God, not mine, and of course, the rest is history because I won the election more convincingly than in 2015,” Okowa stated.

The governor said that the Thanksgiving service was therefore, necessary because God made it possible for him and his deputy to emerge victorious in the election.

Experts task African leaders on people-oriented programmes

“We thank God for making it possible for us to gather here today; if not for the season that we found ourselves, I am sure that by now we would have been at the event centre with many gospel artistes coming to perform for us while we dance to glorify the name of God.

“I thank the chaplain and his assistant for being able to arrange the chapel in such a manner that we are able to obey the rules of the state regarding COVID-19 protocols.

“It’s unfortunate that all of us cannot worship the way we desire, but for those of us who are able to gather together and are able to call on the name of the Lord, He will answer us.

“For those who are at home praying and giving God glory for this day as we celebrate our first year in the second term and the fifth year in office, we give God glory for their lives,” he added.

Quoting some verses from the bible, the governor said that “it is necessary that we continue to praise the name of the Lord our God because when He fights for us, we shall hold our peace.

“In the last five years, the Lord has continued to fight for us and I am a witness to all the things He has done; even for the challenge that we have at the moment, we will continue to trust in His name.

“He fought for us in the 2019 elections; there were all manners of speculation and all things were said, and I still remember a publication somewhere that said l go to church every day; l go to the chapel every day, let’s see if the chapel and the church will deliver him in the election.

“Whenever I remember that publication, I have all reasons to give God the glory more.”

He noted that Nigeria’s economy was negatively impacted by COVID-19 because of its dependence on oil revenue.

Okowa added that there were some targets his administration had been hamstrung in attaining because of the pandemic, but expressed confidence that the challenges would be overcome.

On security, the governor said the state had recorded some security challenges, but assured that the new security outfit, ‘Operation Delta Hawk’ would stem the challenges.