By Collins Edomaruse
With pomp and pageantry, the people of Ika land, Delta State, welcomed back home their immediate-past governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. Okowa handed over to his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, after doing eight years as the state’s helmsman.
At the occasion, the Old Lagos-Asaba Road in Boji-Boji town, which is the busiest and longest road in the area was renamed Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Road by Gov Sheriff Oborevwori.
This followed the request to that effect by chairmen of Ika South and Ika North-east local government areas.
The chairmen, in making the request for the change of name, said having the road renamed after Okowa, was one of the ways to honour the former governor, whom they described as a ‘great success and our pride’.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Oborevwori said he was happy to be at the event and also witness a ‘large presence’ of Delta leaders across the three senatorial zones.
He reminded Okowa that by trooping out in their very large numbers, the Ika Nation had shown that they love him.
He said: “I am happy with Deltans for coming out to receive our former governor”.
He expressed gratitude to the wife of the former governor, Dame Edith Okowa, for her prayers that helped in the successes that her husband’s administration recorded.
He also acknowledged the support of the traditional rulers and urged then to continue as the same support was needed by his administration.
Okowa in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the honour done him and his family and said Delta was and remains ‘a great state’.
He urged all to work continuously together with one purpose and assured that the would always come out stronger.
Speaking earlier, chairman of the organising committee, Hon. Nduka Irabor, commended Senator Okowa for his ‘sterling’ performance in office saying that celebrating him was very apt.
He also commended the wife and particularly the children of the former governor for their conduct saying that they did not disgrace their family while their father was governor.
Attended by dignitaries from across the state and the Ika Nation in particular, the ceremony had the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, represented by eight dignitaries including two generals, an assistant inspector-general of police and five others.
Traditional rulers from across the state, including the Dein of Agbor Land, HRM Benjamin Kiagborekwuzi and the Obi of Owa Land, HRM Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor among others.
Also at the event are Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, his predecessor as deputy governor, Chief Benjamin Elue, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, the former members of the State Executive Council led by the dean of Commissioners, Sir Fidelis Tilije among others.
