By Fred Edoreh
The immediate-past Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has been described as an inspiration in leadership, not only for his commitment, contributions and achievements in the development of the state but also for the sense of equity and fairness with which he governed.
The commendation was conveyed in the welcome address delivered by Hon Nduka Irabor on behalf of Ika people at the Welcome Home Grand Reception for Dr Okowa organised by the Ika Nation in Owa on Saturday.
Declaring that Okowa has made the Ika Nation proud as a political ambassador, Irabor, the Ojiba of Owa and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the event, pointed out that besides his delivery in physical infrastructure and social facilities across the state, another of his major legacies is the building and sustenance of peace and security throughout the eight years of his administration.
Irabor also commended Okowa’s wife and immediate past First Lady of the state, Dame Edith Okowa, and their children, for supporting their father as Governor not only through prayers but also by ensuring a peaceful and harmonious home as well as by conducting themselves without blemish in the public space while their father was in office.
“We are gathered to celebrate a man of inspiration and to thank him for his contributions and achievements in the development of our state. We also want to thank him for building and sustaining peace and security across the state through his eight years in office. We are proud of him.
“The massive attendance of this event attests to how widely he is appreciated. While we meant the reception to be an Ika people affair, we are glad to see that the attendance is from all parts of the state. This shows that he led the people with equity and fairness.
“We must also appreciate Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor, for holding the home-front and providing the peace and comfort which enabled the Governor to perform his duties. Apart from the regular morning prayer sessions at the Government House Chapel, not many would know how much time she devoted to praying in private in support of her husband.
“We also commend their children for conducting themselves quietly while their father was in office. There is a way to conduct oneself in the public place and we are proud that they conducted themselves with discipline and did not bring shame to us.”
Excited at the reception which had the youth of Ika nation mounting a carnival-like procession to receive him, Okowa thanked his people for the honour as well as all Deltans for the support they gave to his administration.
“I am truly very excited to be back home and to be received in this manner and I must thank you all for honouring me and my family.
“Coming home in this way gives me a lot of peace and joy because when your people receive you the manner they have received us, it gives us a lot of comfort because it shows that we can return home anytime.
“Throughout my eight years, Ika nation was very peaceful and that gave me the opportunity to perform my duties very well and I must thank our youths and all stakeholders for the peace we are enjoying across the state.
“Let me appreciate all Deltans for their prayers and support. I owe you all gratitude because Delta has continued to prove its worth in the comity of states in this nation.
“I thank God for the support we got from all elected and appointed public officials. We are proud to have done the best we could, given the circumstances that we found ourselves, but we were able to impact on the lives of our people.”
He called on Deltans, including the incoming State Assemblymen, to extend the same support to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to enable him achieve the promise of advancing Delta through his M.O.R.E. Agenda.
“You have shown me love, please extend same to Sheriff Oborevwori. He has promised us that he is going to do more and I am convinced in my heart that he is prepared for the job.
“Your Excellency, we are proud of you and I thank Deltans for voting for you and our party.
“We have laid the foundation for development. You all have to build on the foundation to advance the state.”
Governor Oborevwori who graced the occasion accompanied by the First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, commended the Ika nation for honouring the former Governor, saying he impacted greatly on Deltans through his administration.
“There is nothing as good as your people celebrating you because some people will finish serving in public office and they cannot return home. But here you are being celebrated and given a hero’s welcome by your people and Deltans have come in their large numbers to honour you in appreciation of your good deeds.
“I am glad to see the who-is-who from all parts of Delta State present here. I want to appreciate the Ika nation for organising this hosting in your honour and I appeal to Deltans to extend same love and support shown you to our administration.
“The immediate past Governor is very experienced in governance and leadership. I learnt a lot from him in the last eight years and with that, coupled with my street credibility, I am prepared to serve you more.
“I want to be a Governor for all Deltans. I will be fair to you all in everything we are going to do in this administration,” Oborevwori assured.
Top dignitaries at the event include Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Delta Governor; Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and Chief Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governors; Gen Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor; the Dein of Agbor; the Obi of Owa and traditional rulers from various communities; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Johnson Erijo; Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; Senators James Manager and Ighoyota Amori; Chief Solomon Ogba, member of the State PDP Caucus; Chief Ndudi Elumelu,
former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; Prof Paul Akpotu, President General of Isoko Development Union, IDU; Chief Amadhe Iduh, Grand Patron of IDU; Chief Askia Ogieh, former MD/CEO, DESOPADEC; Olorogun John Oguma; Chief Ross Uredi; Barrister Ebele Irabor, member of board of Delta State Government Free Trade Zones; Dr (Mrs) Evelyn Aluta; Dr Goodnews Agbi, former Gubernatorial candidate, amongst others.
