THE Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, commissioned a multi-billion naira Secretariat Complex and a 8.5 megawatts Independent Power Project in Asaba.
Prof Osinbajo lauded the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for executing the projects despite the dwindling resources in the country, saying, “I thank Governor Okowa for giving me the honour to celebrate with Deltans. It is worthy of celebration.
“Also, I want to thank the governor for naming the secretariat complex after an internationally recognised professor of Medicine, Chike Edozien. Civil servants deserve conducive environment.”
“Such a public service requires training, and capacity building but also work spaces that are well equipped, conducive, and inspirational. We have heard already how inspired the public servants today are and they are even spending long hours in the office.
“This is very commendable indeed. Public servants require environments that bring out the best in them. This secretariat complex will provide such an environment,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Osinbajo described the new secretariat as a state-of-the-art, functional, and befitting complex.
“I must say, it is befitting that the State decided to immortalize the name of one of Delta State’s and Nigeria’s most illustrious sons,” he said.
Governor Okowa, in his address, described Osinbajo as a true and uncommon leader whose continual visits to Delta State has remained a blessing.
He said that the inaugurated IPP would power all government offices, including the Government House.
According to him, the secretariat complex which sits on a 45,000 square metre land was designed to accommodate 27 ministries and their staff.
“It is so inter-connected with a lot of things to the point of having a banking hall, restaurants, creche and even a clinic that could actually serve as a mini-hospital.
“The new secretariat is Internet-enabled all through and it is powered along with other government offices, through an Independent Power Plant. That means we are having a 24 hours power supply.
“We also have conference rooms and all the ministries are interconnected,” Okowa said.
The secretariat complex is named after Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Professor Chike Edozien.
VP Osinbajo also paid a visit to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Professor Chike Edozien, and noted that the traditional ruler was a bridge builder who brings people together.
“His Royal Majesty, Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba- Nigeria’s oldest living professor in any discipline and an internationally renowned Professor of Medicine, but more importantly an outstanding bridge-builder and patriot.
“As Your Excellency confirms, His Majesty has played and continues to play an important role as a symbol of unity in this State. And that during his thirty-year reign so far, the town of Asaba has changed dramatically becoming the capital of the newly created Delta State in 1991 and has attracted people from far and wide that have come to seek their fortunes here,” the VP stated.
In his remarks at his palace, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof Edozien, thanked the State Governor for the recognition given him, and described Vice President Osinbajo as a wise man.
“As the Vice President of this great country, Nigeria, we know you as a very distinguished and eminent supporter of the law, and we know you as a pastor of the Redeemed Church. Put together, we can say that with all these qualifications and experience, you are a wise man.
“Once again, Mr Vice President, I thank you for coming to Asaba to listen to us. We wish you well, and that after the commissioning, you return safely to Abuja. Our love and regard to Mr President. God bless you.”
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Diri Douye, and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comr Philip Shaibu, also joined Governor Okowa at the inauguration of the projects.
