By Emma Arubi                                                                          
WARRI-The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has stated his administration have surmounted most of the challenges facing the state, even as mhe aintained that he cannot do the job of developing the state alone.

Governor Uduaghan who called on the other arms of government to effectively carry out their functions made these remarks during an Inter-Denominational thanksgiving Service, Tuesday, to celebrate the 22nd Anniversary of Delta State,at the Living Faith Church (aka Winner Chapel), Warri, Delta State stressing that for the state to move forward, all hands must be on deck but essentially, despite all the challenges the state was passing through the state was going to finish strong.
 
“As a state we have moved very fast and in those thirteen years we had our challenges. But with prayers we are overcoming most of those challenges. The state that was associated with violent before is now associated with peace,” the Governor said.
 
He assured the people of the state that where the state was going to, was much brighter than where it was are coming from, adding that in terms of peace and security the state is doing well compared to other states in the country.
 
On the upcoming Delta Central Senatorial election occasioned by the sudden demise of Senator Pius Ehwerido, Governor Uduaghan urged all the aspirants to be peaceful in their campaigns as only one person will emerge winner.
 
 “Let me welcome the politicians, especially those of you that are campaigning for the Delta Central Senatorial seat; I can see many of them here. Make your campaigns peacefully and make it non-violent because it is only one person that can win the election.”
 
He said God has helped the state to move forward since its creation, adding that the state will only grow and develop when all the people in the state put their hand together to help build it.
 
The Governor thanked the traditional rulers, especially those who have embrace Christianity in the state for all they have been doing in their various kingdoms, saying that without them the peace that is being enjoyed now would not have come to be.
 
“Most of our traditional rulers have embraced Christianity. You can see many of them here without their caps on. It is very encouraging. What I want to say is that we will continue to make effort for those who have not yet embraced Christianity to do so. 
Even those who have not embraced Christianity the kind of things they were putting in their palaces before, they have removed them”.
 
He also thanked the security outfits in the state, saying that their effort in maintaining peace and security in the state was commendable.
 
 “In terms of peace and security, Delta State is doing very well and we must thank our security agencies that are present, like the army, police, SSS, Air force , I greet all of you. Please do not be tired in your efforts of keeping the peace.”
 
Governor Emmanuel read the first scripture reading taken from the Book of Psalm 138: 1-8, while the Deputy Governor, Prof. Emos Utuama read the second scripture reading from the Book of Philippian 1: 1-14.
 
Earlier, the officiating Pastor and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pasto Ayo Oritsejafor, who took his sermon from the Book of Daniel 6: 10, urged all Deltans to be effective and efficient in their work, saying that if people are faithful with money and they are able to manage power and position the state will be a better place for everybody.