In a resounding endorsement of his successor, former Delta State Governor and current Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was thoroughly prepared for the demands of leadership, despite the fierce opposition that trailed his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in 2022. Speaking with conviction at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Delta Special Economic Zone (also known as the Kwale Free Trade Zone) in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Okowa described Oborevwori’s performance as a vindication of his long-held belief in the governor’s capacity.
The event, held on Tuesday, provided Okowa— who served as Chairman of the occasion— an opportunity to reflect on the political turbulence of 2022 while celebrating the tangible progress being made under the current administration. He emphasised that Oborevwori has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership, policy stability, and an unwavering commitment to project continuity, qualities that have silenced doubters and reassured Deltans of a secure future.
“We have a governor who was prepared for the job and is doing it the way it ought to be done,” Okowa declared. “I congratulate and thank him sincerely for the steps he has taken.” The former governor’s praise was not mere courtesy; it was rooted in observable achievements. He highlighted Oborevwori’s decision to sustain and complete projects initiated during previous administrations rather than abandoning them for political expediency— a practice that has plagued many Nigerian states. Such maturity, Okowa argued, reflects a long-term vision that prioritises development over ego.
A cornerstone of Oborevwori’s legacy, according to Okowa, is the Delta Special Economic Zone itself. The groundbreaking ceremony marked a pivotal moment for Ndokwa land and Delta State at large. Okowa predicted that the initiative would catalyse economic growth, generate thousands of jobs, and reposition the region as an industrial hub. “People may not immediately appreciate what is being done here today,” he cautioned, “but in another five to ten years, the people of Ndokwa and Delta State will look back and thank you for laying a solid foundation for economic growth.”
Delving into the controversial events of 2022, Okowa recounted how Oborevwori’s nomination sparked intense resistance within and beyond the PDP. Critics questioned the choice, accusing the then-governor of imposing an unpopular candidate. Yet Okowa stood firm, revealing a deeply personal conviction that guided his decision. “When people objected and felt I had made a wrong choice, I told them I had studied him since 2001 and knew he would deliver,” he disclosed. “And I tell the truth, God confirmed to me twice that he was the man for the job.”
Two years into Oborevwori’s tenure, Okowa expressed profound satisfaction that his judgement has been vindicated. “Two years down the line, I do not flatter you, Mr. Governor,” he told Oborevwori directly. “I am impressed with the way you are going. Delta people must support and continue to pray for you because you are laying the groundwork for a stronger future.” The statement underscored a rare continuity in Delta politics, where a predecessor publicly celebrates a successor’s successes without reservation.
Okowa’s address also carried a strong message to host communities in Ndokwa. He urged them to embrace the Special Economic Zone project wholeheartedly, warning against attempts to reclaim already allocated lands. Such actions, he stressed, could jeopardise the broader benefits that the zone promises— including the attraction of multiple industries, unlocking of gas resources, job creation, and expansion of Delta’s economic landscape. He commended the project’s management team, led by Brigadier-General Mike Ndubisi (rtd) and Pastor Gordon Akpovie, for their dedication and expertise.
The Kwale Free Trade Zone is poised to become a game-changer for Delta State’s economy. By harnessing the region’s abundant natural gas resources and strategic location, the zone aims to attract both local and foreign investors. Industries ranging from petrochemicals to manufacturing are expected to establish operations, creating a ripple effect of employment opportunities and infrastructure development. Okowa’s vision of a transformed Ndokwa in five to ten years is not mere optimism; it is grounded in the deliberate steps being taken today.
Beyond the economic zone, Okowa’s remarks painted a picture of an administration that has prioritised stability and inclusivity. Governor Oborevwori’s insistence on completing inherited projects— from road networks to educational facilities— has fostered a sense of trust among citizens who have grown weary of abandoned white-elephant projects. This approach has also strengthened intra-party harmony within the PDP, as members witness the fruits of internal democracy and succession planning.
As the groundbreaking ceremony concluded, Okowa offered a prayer for the continued success of the Oborevwori administration. “Delta is on a forward trajectory that must be sustained,” he affirmed. His words served as both a benediction and a clarion call to all stakeholders— politicians, community leaders, and ordinary citizens— to rally behind the governor.
In an era where political rivalries often overshadow governance, Okowa’s public endorsement stands out as a model of statesmanship. By openly acknowledging Oborevwori’s preparedness and performance, the former governor has not only validated his own legacy but also reinforced the importance of choosing leaders based on competence rather than sentiment. For Delta State, the message is clear: the foundations being laid today— both literally in Kwale and figuratively across the state— will determine the prosperity of tomorrow.
The Delta Special Economic Zone is more than a project; it is a statement of intent. It signals that Delta State is ready to move beyond oil dependency and embrace diversified, sustainable growth. With leaders like Oborevwori at the helm and predecessors like Okowa offering unwavering support, the state appears poised for a new chapter of progress. As the excavators begin their work in Kwale, Deltans can look to the horizon with renewed hope, knowing that the seeds of industrialisation and economic empowerment are being sown on solid ground.
