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| Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at a grand reception in honour of the latter at Ika North-East |
Delta state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has lauded the people of Ika nation for the grand reception given to the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa after 8 successful years in office.
Oborevwori who expressed his joys to Ika nation for organising the grand reception, also appealed to Deltans to extend same love and support shown the former Governor to his administration.
Oborevwori stated this at the event which held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Owa Model College, Boji-Boji, Owa, Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.
He 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," adding that "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."
He noted that "the immediate past Governor is very experienced in governance and leadership and I learnt a lot from him in the last eight years."
Governor Oborevwori at the ceremony approved the naming of the Old Lagos-Asaba Road cutting across Ika North East and Ika South LGAs after Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as requested by the Council Chairmen, Hon. Victor Ebonka and Hon. Sunny Tatabuzuogu.
Speaking further, Oborevwori pledged that his administration would be fair, just and equitable to all parts of the state, adding that "every senatorial district would be treated equally in terms of projects and appointments."
"We have promised to do more for Deltans for entrusting us with this cherished mandate and we will do so with the fear of God."
Senator Okowa who in his remarks thanked the Ika nation and Deltans for the honour done him and his family, appreciated everyone who supported his administration's success story.
According to Okowa, "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."
"Let me appreciate all Deltans for their prayers and support and 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 said.
He also urged deltans to extend same support to the Oborevwori administration to advance the state through its 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 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," Okowa stated.
Welcoming guests earlier was Chairman Planning Committee, Hon. Nduka Irabor, who said that they honoured the former Governor for his outstanding accomplishments in the administration of the state and for making Ika nation and the entire Delta proud, commended Deltans for coming out in large numbers to honour the immediate past governor and his family, adding that the Okowa administration witnessed unmatched peace and unprecedented development across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony include, 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; immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue; Minority Leader House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu; Senator James Manager; Senator Ighoyota Amori, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon. Johnson Erijo, Senior Political Adviser Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chief John Nani, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Olorogun John Oguma, Mr Mideno Bayagbon Mr Hope Oborevwori, Olorogun Talib Tebite among others
