Ika nation celebrates Okowa, as Delta govt names Lagos-Asaba road after ex-Gov
Dignitaries in Delta State, and people from all walks of life, on Saturday, gathered at Owa Modern College, Boji Boji, Owa in Ika North East Local Government Area of the State to celebrate the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa.
The governor, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, JP, the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom and his amiable wife and Delta First Lady, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori were in attendance.
The grand reception in honour of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa was greeted with heavy downpour but later went on smoothly as planned.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the approval by the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori naming the popular Old Lagos-Asaba Road cutting across Ika North East and Ika South council areas after Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as requested by the council chairmen, Hon. Victor Ebonka and Hon. Sunny Tatabuzuogwu.
Commending the Ika nation for organizing the reception in honour of the former governor, Oborowori said “You have done very well for the people of Delta and your eight years in the saddle have been very wonderful and impactful on the lives of our people.
“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 today in appreciation of your good deeds.
“I want to appreciate the Ika nation for organising this hosting in your honour and I appeal to Deltans to extend the same love and support shown you to our administration.
“I want to serve you people and 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.
Meanwhile, the immediate past Executive Assistant on Communications to Delta State Governor under Okowa administration, Olorogun Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, said governor Okowa’s legacies in Delta State will be remembered for decades to come.
Oghenesivbe posited that Okowa introduced fiscal discipline, blocked financial leakages and prudently managed the state financial and material resources to bring about uncommon transformation in all sectors, placed Delta on the front burner in Sports infrastructure development, Delta became perpetual champions in national sports competitions, built a gigantic Olympic size Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba, upgraded facilities at Asaba International Airport, concession it for expansion and better management.
Above all, Oghenesivbe noted that under Okowa administration the state enjoyed maximum peace, provided logistics and other assistance to security agencies in the state, Delta became number one in oil revenue generation, he built a befitting Secretariat for the State Traditional Institution, effectively led the State structure of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and won several electioneering victories during his tenure as governor of Delta State.
In his remarks, Dr Okowa thanked the Ika nation and Deltans for the honour done to him and his family and appreciated everyone who supported his administration’s success story.
“I’m 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.
“You have shown me love, please extend the 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.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony include, the wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, represented by Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt Hon Ochor Christopher, former governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; and immediate past deputy governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro among others.
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