Governor Okowa in a Warm Handshake with the New SSG, Hon Festus Agas During the Ceremony
Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Governor had sworn in Hon Festus Ovie Agas, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The occasion took place on Wednesday, 3 of June, 2015, at the State House, Asaba.
The Governor while performing the function called on Nigerians to imbibe the attitude of love for all that should take precedence over gain for one as the panacea for Nigeria to make progress.
According to Senator Okowa, “the future that we all seek has no room for parochial interests and self-ambition but mutual cooperation and benevolent spirit that recognises and caters for the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens,” asserting, “we must be willing to commit ourselves to the new order, an era of love for all, where the good of all takes precedence over the gain of one.”
“The art of governance has become so complex and demanding that positions of leadership require efficient, articulate and progressive-minded persons who are flexible and team players,” the Governor said, noting, “I am happy that Hon. Festus Agas satisfies these criteria and it explains why he has been brought on board to contribute his quota to the social, political and economic development of our dear State.”
He observed, “exactly three days ago, (on Sunday, May 31, 2015 during a reception organized after a thanksgiving service), I announced the appointment of Hon. Barrister Festus Ovie Agas as Secretary to the State Government, it was an announcement that many were not expecting at the time it was made, but that element of surprise only served to excite the audience who broke out in spontaneous jubilation that almost ended our lunch prematurely. Judging by that euphoria that greeted Hon. Agas’s appointment, it is self-evident that this administration has struck the right note with its first appointment.”
Governor Okowa charged the SSG to be conscious of the enormous responsibilities, which have been thrust on his shoulders and be aware of the fact the he is the fulcrum around which government business revolves, advising, “you have to be tactful, objective, just, resourceful and calm at all times, and it is necessary that you pursue your duties with the required diligence in line with state government’s avowed commitment to transparency, accountability, justice and fairness.”
“We have a clear vision of what we plan to do in the next four years as we have outlined a Five-Point agenda encapsulated in the acronym S.M.A.R.T., it is to enthrone a legacy of wealth and prosperity for all our people and communities because we are committed to building a state in which there shall be employment opportunities, a flourishing agriculture and agribusiness sector, effective health and educational systems, renewed urban infrastructure and enhanced security and peace to bolster economic growth and development,” the Governor reiterated.
Responding, Hon. Agas pledged to carry out his functions diligently without fear or favour and thanked God for using Governor Okowa to appoint him into a position to serve the state and humanity as the SSG.
