By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed worry over the population explosion in the country which he said is at variance with existing economic growth and realities on ground.
Okowa said there was need to comprehensively fashion out ways to meaningfully engage youths rather than allow them to become security risk including engaging themselves in youth restiveness.
He said youth restiveness is the main of cause of insecurity arising from youth unemployment . He appealed to government at all levels to map out strategies that would help youths channel their energy to creative ways that will enhance nation building.
Okowa, who spoke on Thursday at an inter-denomination’s thanksgiving service to mark the nation’s independent anniversary said, with 21 years of unbroken democracy, Nigerians votes need to count in every election as it did in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo.
He appealed to the National Assembly to re-visit the Electoral Act amendment to guarantee free, fair and credible elections at all levels. The governor also reminded Nigerians on the need to use the independence celebration to reflect on the country’s journey so far and come out with workable plans on how to retool the nation such that the interest of the nation would take centre stage above other considerations.
The governor urged all political appointees in Delta state to extend hands of fellowship to the people at the grassroots as a way of giving them a sense of belonging in the scheme of things.
The governor made the call at the thanksgiving service at Government House Chapel in Asaba. On the state of roads and other critical infrastructure in Warri, Okowa said that as soon as the rainy season was over, construction on Warri Storm drainage project and concrete tarring of some roads in the area would commence, affirming that his administration was committed to giving equal attention to every part of the state.
Earlier in a sermon titled: “Abuse Of Liberty”, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Delta, Senior Apostle Sylvanus Okorote, preached that every freedom come with responsibility and called on Nigerians to work as a team in moving the country forward. Okorote, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, pointed out that Nigeria need spiritual liberty to overcome its challenges.
