BY CHARLES KUMOLU

DELTA State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, in this interview, explains how the state government is responding to critical needs of the people. He also spoke on other issues.

You were recently honoured as the best Transport Commissioner by Daily Independent Newspapers. What do you think earned you the recognition?

I believe my commitment to the assignment given to me by my boss, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa made the award possible.   I must thank him for the opportunity given to me to serve.   This window has given me the privilege to interface with critical stakeholders in the transport sector.      The Transport sector is a wide area and it needs commitment and hard work to drive the process.   I want to also thank the management of Daily Independent Newspapers for the award.

Mr. Vincent Uduaghan,

How have you been able to make impact in the state’s transport sector?

The bad state of the economy would have limited our ability so much but the state government has been very supportive of the ministry.

That is why we have been able to add value in the transport sector.

An example is the establishment of Delta State Traffic Management Authority, DESTMA, which was put in place to manage, control and direct traffic flow in the state.   The accreditation of Delta School of Marine in Burutu is another milestone.   The establishment of an ultra-modern mechanic village in Asaba, and the introduction of intercity bus services on the Asaba/Illah routes were done under our watch. We intend replicating them in other parts of the state soon.

There is also the provision of traffic lights in Asaba/Warri/ Effurun axis.

The privatization of Delta Line is still ongoing.   The state government took that decision to divest 60 per cent of Delta Line’s ownership through partial privatization.

Basically, we are currently working on how to have a compromise with the staff of the agency.   When the privatization process is completed, Deltans should expect a better Delta Line that will be profitably managed to ensure good service delivery. The new Delta Line will satisfy both investors and commuters.   We must commend the state government for looking at this direction in order to avoid mismanagement.

The Okowa administration has been accused by the opposition of not having a star project, as a key player in the administration, what can you say about that?

What makes a star project to someone might not make a star project to me. The opposition at the centre should show us the star projects they have done as the ruling party.   The state is feeling the impact of the poor state of the economy like other states of the federation.   Most states have been struggling to pay workers’ salaries. Even with that, the   Okowa-led administration has done a lot in managing the lean resources at its disposal. Apart from the construction of roads in virtually all parts of the state, the government is presently constructing a mega-state secretariat that will accommodate all ministries.   The Asaba Storm Water Drainage is ongoing, the building and renovation of schools are ongoing also. Across the technical schools and vocational training centres in the state, the government embarked on capacity building. These have attracted the attention of the   World Bank and it eventually led to a partnership. There is also the completion of Stephen Keshi Stadium. As a state, all facets of the economy deserve attention. In the riverine areas of Delta State, roads are being constructed to ensure development in those areas.

Can you point at what the current leadership in the state has achieved to deserve another term in office?

It takes wisdom to lead a state like Delta.   In that vein, we can describe our governor as a square peg in a square hole.   It is evidently clear that Okowa is a prudent person, a good listener, and a workaholic.   His commitment to truth in steering the affairs of the state is outstanding.   He has managed the weak economy of Delta State. Therefore, I have no doubt that he would do so when re-elected. Since assuming the mantle of leadership, he has proven to be a true Deltan.   He deserves a second tenure and God will surely give it to him. The SMART Agenda of his administration is an all-encompassing programme that touches every aspect of the state’s life.   In the transport sector, the Smart Agenda has provided jobs for Deltans. Today, hundreds of   Deltans are in the employment of DESTMA. Of note is the social harmony that thrives between the various unions and the state government through the Ministry of Transport.   It can also be mentioned that the Mechanic Village in place is another product of the SMART Agenda.