Delta to become 7th largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, if elected as governor—Ofehe

From Abuja.

Mr Sunny Ofehe, explaining a view during interview.

The Youth Progressive Party (YPP) in Delta state that promised that the state would emerge as the 7th largest economy in sub-sahara Africa,if Mr Sunny Ofehe,its candidate in the forthcoming electíon wins the governorship electíon.

Ofehe,who gave the promise in Abuja in an interview with newsmenthe News in Abuja on Friday, expressed worry the over what he described as alleged waste of public fund in the state by past administrations,noting that the state had rich human, natural and other potential in need of harness.

According to the candidate, nothing could stop Delta to become the seventh largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa,had it been that true potential is harnessed in a way its citizens can benefit from the God-given natural resources that we have.

“But unfortunately, that is not the case. But if elected to office as a governor; I will ensure that this is achieved,’’ he said.

Ofehe said due to its highest number of higher institutions in the country; Delta is endowed with robust human capital potential which he said he would turn to wealth as a governor.

He added that the state, created in the 90s, had not fulfilled its full potential as witnessed in decay of infrastructure, poor health delivery system and bad road networks.

“Delta has the highest number of tertiary institutions in the country which therefore means that it boosts of human capital development.

“But Delta today is a shame. Its existing factories are dilapidated, there are bad roads everywhere. If it rains just for 30 minutes; the capital city is always flooded.

“The state was created in the 90s and what we see in that state is a complete collapse of system and institution; and this is why I am offering myself to serve so that all those systemic failures can be corrected,’ he said.

He also promised to check the tide of insecurity in the state, create an enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and create jobs for the unemployed youths.

“I believe that with my exposure internationally and the contacts which I have built over the last 26 years, I have stayed in Europe, I can comfortably increase the FDI portfolio coming to the state.

‘’Also my experience within the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) will help to boost their participation in the day-to-day governance of our people,’’

The candidate equally promised to encourage private sector participation with a viwe to bringing back the moribund companies in the state; adding that his major focus would in agriculture.

He said this became important because of the need to make food affordable and available to residents of the state and make it export hub of agricultural produce.

“My major focus will be agriculture. There is the need for us to go back and invest hugely in agriculture because we need to make food affordable and available for everyone.

‘’This will come in a way that we will become the export hub of agricultural produce. We have mangroves, flatlands and arable lands and everything you need for agricultural involvements,’ he added.

Other areas he also promised to invest in are: primary healthcare, free medicare and security among others.