Date Published: 02/16/10

CBN selects Delta on Development Funding Scheme

Delta and Lagos States have been selected in a pilot scheme designed by the Central Bank to make banks in the country fund the electricity, agricultural and other infrastructural programmes of the two states.

Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who disclosed this at a meeting with Commissioners, Special Advisers, Local Government Chairmen and Special Assistants said Lagos and Delta were chosen because of their track record in the provision of infrastructures.

He said the state has won many awards for its laudable programmes and promised not to disappoint Deltans.

Dr. Uduaghan explained that the state government will key into the funding mechanism to ensure that its programmes were well executed.

The governor explained that the funding was a long term programme which will benefit the state tremendously.

He said the state has been recognized both locally and internationally promising that the award so far won will propel the state to achieve greater heights.

His words “We are working hard to improve the living standard of our people and our efforts have been recognized. Now the awards we won will propel us.”

The governor used the occasion to call on Deltans to co-operate fully with the Acting President to enable him succeed.

He said the present situation in the country calls for greater scarifies and urged Deltan to do positive things that will defuse tension.

Dr. Uduaghan said the challenges were more for states in the south adding that they cannot afford to over heat the polity at this material time.

Calling on those preparing to contest for elective positions in 2010 to exercise restrain and pursue their interest peacefully he said “Do not allow your interest create chaos in the state. Pursue your interest peacefully because we are enjoying the peace we won, Infact Delta State is now known for peace.”

The governor also assured Deltans that DESOPADEC will deliver and improve the infrastructure in their environment.

Dr. Uduaghan said DESOPADEC was established to transform oil producing communities and believed that the organization was already working to achieve the mandate.

His words “DESOPADEC will not fail the oil producing communities. It is already performing and will meet the expectations of the communities.”

The governor announced that the Koko Free Trade Zone programme will soon be actualized promising that when operational Deltans will be happy.     

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has commissioned over 3.5 Billion Naira Ultra Modern Asphalt and Concrete Plant Constructed by ULO Consultants Limited with a promise to encourage indigenous contractors to grow.

Dr. Uduaghan explained that his administration would continue to stimulate the private sectors that are committed to their job.

He commended the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ULO Construction Limited, Chief Uche Okponor for promoting professional standard and personal commitment towards excellence “ l will continue to encourage any contractor that is good by giving them more contract. ULO is an indigenous contractor and he is committed.”

Speaking further, he noted that Uche Okponor has decided to contribute his quota to the development of the state through the construction of solid projects “ULO have constructed solid buildings in this town like the presidential lodge, government house and the airport still under construction. All the people  l have taken to the airport site have commended the construction work at the site.”

The governor explained that he has been accused of awarding contracts to contractors from Delta North and said he was not deterred from awarding contracts as only credible contractors with track record will get contract from the state government.

In a welcome address, the CEO of ULO Consultant Ltd. Chief Uche Okponor assured the governor that all projects handled by his company would be completed before the end of the governor’s first term in office-“ l assure you that we will complete all state government projects we are handling before the end of your first term in office.”

He explained that his company decided to partner with Delta State Government in infrastructure development for the progress of the state “ We decided not to be contractors alone but to contribute our quota to the progress of the state by creating an enabling environment for infrastructure development.”

Chief Okponor assured the governor that his company will continue to execute state government projects to the best of their ability and at an affordable price.