Okowa @ 67: Delta Bureau DG Celebrates A Visionary, Pragmatic And God-Fearing Leader
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr (Barr.) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., has heartily felicitated with the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, on the joyous occasion of his 67th birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary, pragmatic and God-fearing leader whose enduring legacy continues to positively shape the developmental trajectory of Delta State.
Dr Oghenesivbe, who served throughout Senator Okowa’s administration as Executive Assistant on Communications, said he was delighted to join His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, the Government and the good people of the State in celebrating an accomplished statesman, consummate administrator and distinguished public servant whose years in office were marked by purposeful leadership, institutional reforms and people-centred governance.
He noted that between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023, Senator Okowa governed Delta State with uncommon humility, integrity and the fear of God, laying a solid institutional and infrastructural foundation that has continued to support sustainable growth and socio-economic advancement across the three senatorial districts.
According to Dr Oghenesivbe, the remarkable progress being recorded under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a reflection of the enduring strength of the development framework established by Senator Okowa, which the present administration has diligently consolidated, expanded and significantly upscaled through the implementation of the MORE Agenda for the overall benefit of Deltans.
He recalled that Senator Okowa’s administration was driven by a clear vision of inclusive governance through the SMART Agenda and subsequently strengthened by the STRONGER Delta and Finishing Strong policy frameworks, which collectively transformed critical sectors of the state’s economy.
“Under his watch, Delta State witnessed remarkable investments in road and bridge construction, urban renewal, healthcare delivery, educational development, agricultural transformation, youth and women empowerment, entrepreneurship, security, rural development and institutional strengthening.
“His administration expanded access to higher education through the establishment of new state-owned universities, strengthened technical and vocational education, upgraded healthcare infrastructure, modernised public institutions, improved connectivity through strategic road networks and successfully implemented internationally acclaimed job and wealth creation programmes, including STEP, YAGEP, GEST and RYSA, thereby empowering thousands of young people with sustainable livelihoods.”
The Director-General further commended Senator Okowa for fostering peace, political stability and inclusive governance throughout his tenure, noting that his leadership style promoted unity, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in Delta State.
He particularly applauded the former Governor for supervising one of the smoothest democratic transitions in the history of the State on May 29, 2023, describing the seamless transfer of power to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a remarkable demonstration of political maturity, democratic culture and statesmanship.
Dr Oghenesivbe observed that Senator Okowa’s continuous encouragement, fatherly guidance and abiding interest in the success of the present administration have further strengthened governance in the State and contributed to the impressive pace of development currently being experienced across Delta.
“Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa belongs to that distinguished generation of leaders whose contributions will remain evergreen in the political and developmental history of Delta State. His calm disposition, exceptional administrative capacity, deep compassion for the people and unwavering commitment to the public good have earned him a place of honour in the hearts of countless Deltans.
“The enduring institutions he strengthened, the infrastructure he delivered, the countless lives he touched through human capital development and the culture of accountable governance he entrenched will continue to stand as lasting monuments to his years of dedicated service.”
Dr Oghenesivbe prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Senator Okowa with sound health, long life, divine protection, uncommon wisdom, renewed strength, abundant grace and greater fulfilment in the years ahead.
“As Your Excellency celebrates your 67th birthday today, my family and I, together with the management and staff of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, respectfully congratulate you and thank God for a life devoted to service, leadership and the advancement of humanity.
“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to preserve you in good health, enrich you with greater wisdom, strengthen you for more years of impactful service, order your steps according to His perfect will, and grant you enduring peace, joy and fulfilment.
“May your remarkable legacy continue to inspire present and future generations of leaders, while your wealth of experience remains a valuable asset to Delta State and our dear nation.
Happy 67th Birthday, Your Excellency. May God continue to bless and keep you.”
