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Tag: okowa

  • You are a man with good heart, Okowa tells Wike on birthday

    Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, on his birthday on Dec. 13.

    Okowa joined National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, wife of former Vice President, Mrs Titi Abubakar and other dignitaries at Rivers Government House to felicitate with Wike.

    He said the Rivers Governor was a committed party man, who did everything to expand the frontiers and influence of the party.

    According to him, I am very privileged to be part of this, because what is happening now could only be ordained by God.

    “I thank PDP for declaring that Gov. Wike is a pillar of the party. I want to confirm that he is truly a pillar of the party. Gov. Wike is a committed party man who works to expand the influence of PDP.

    “My brother governor is a man of many parts. Many people may not understand him, but I thank God that I know his heart. If you want someone who has a heart for the party, he is such a person.

    “There are so many things he does for the party and he does not want people to know. But we know he is a pillar; truly, our governor is a good man.

    “I am truly glad that he is being recognised. May God give you many more fruitful years and a happy family.

    ‘If we have few more persons like him, the party will be strengthened beyond limits. I believe that as we move forward, we are going to witness that,” Okowa said.

  • [TNG Analysis] Delta Assembly Controversial Pension Bill: A legislative absurdity of the highest order

    …Sam Obi to earn over N100m life pension

    …Delta lawmakers really did the unthinkable

    …will Okowa assent this Bill?

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    Laws all over the world are designed to stand the test of time and the passage of a Bill to accommodate an acting governor to earn life pension who acted for six weeks definitely cannot survive.

    TNG had exclusively reported last week how the wise men in the Delta House of Assembly had seamlessly allowed the Bill to scale through second reading despite objections of few lawmakers.

    Also last Wednesday, TNG reports the Bill, which has caused rancour and heated up the polity after it was first introduced to the House was read the third time and passed at a plenary session presided over by Speaker Sheriff Oborevwori

    Tagged’: The Governor and Deputy Governor Pension Rights and Other Benefits (Amendment) Bill 2019′ the House inserted a clause controversially making persons who have served the State as governors in acting capacity beneficiaries of full pension.

    Deltans are not lethargic Nigerians that would seat on the fence and watch their Commonwealth distributed to the very few privileged in the state.

    Did it not occur to this wise men that a N100m spent annually on the youths of Delta for the next three years could have a multiplier effect on the state economy rather than spending it on one single Deltan?

    Better still, a N100m spent on most flood ravaged communities annually across the state will even give the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP another window to occupy Asaba Government House in 2023?

    Can’t this Senator Emmanuel Ifeanyi Okowa learn a little from its neighbor, Bayelsa where protest votes snatched the government from PDP?

    Oh! It’s impossible they at the top will say so confidently but it’s not impossible because little mistakes like allowing a man that served for just six weeks to earn over N100m could catapult a protest vote.

    Deltans will read a lot of meanings into it because it’s largely believed the sole beneficiary for now is the governor’s kinsman.

    One of the sins of Seriake Dickson in Bayelsa was the fact that he tagged some Bayelsans as not full Ijaws and he paid dearly for it.

    The cloud that blew in Bayelsa is not far from Delta, this Bill could just be the tonic that would invigorate the cloud to act the Bayelsa way in 2023.

    The 1999 constitution as amended is very clear on it as it did not in any way recognised any acting capacity in governance.

    Section 124(5) of the 1999 constitution as amended simply stipulates that…provisions maybe made by a law of a house of Assembly for the grant of a pension or gratuity to or in respect of a person who had held office as a gov or deputy gov and was not removed from office as a result of impeachment: and any pension granted by virtue of any provisions madein pursuance of this sub section shall be a charge upon the consolidated revenue fund of the state.

    There’s no provision for an acting governor but since Delta being the second largest oil producing state is so rich it can afford to even go to the ocean and deposit the Commonwealth of the state that poverty stares the common man on a daily basis.

    Zamfara a state that has no oil only recently abrogated a law that pays former governors and deputy governors N10m monthly but Delta has now accommodated acting governors.

    The Delta lawmakers really exhibited absurdity never seen in any parliament world over and what could be the cause of this particularly now that they are autonomous.

    The lawmakers are not a bunch of hungry men but very comfortable men who had made their marks politically.

    An executive Bill that even an uneducated Deltan knows that is retrogressive was passed within three months when there’s even a Clarion call by civil societies across Nigeria to stop paying former governors pension.

    It beats one’s imagination hollow that a state that parades the best of the rare best in Nigeria has such a legislative body that could not reason beyond its nose calls for a lot of questions begging for an answer.

    Will Gov Okowa touch this acidic Bill laced with dreaded ebola disease with a long spoon?

    The All Progressives Congress, APC has sent a warning signal over the Bill and Okowa and his legislative wise men should not forget that the APC is more United now in Delta than in 2015.

    It’s the ruling party that is capable of fomenting what it considers important and look the other way and wait for you in the court where justice will never be delivered to the rightful person.

    The Delta legislature this time around did the unthinkable!

    But wait a minute, again, will Okowa endorse this Bill? Deltans are awaiting his action.

  • Delta: Okowa appoints 11 permanent secretaries

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the appointment of eleven permanent secretaries for the Delta State Civil Service and the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB).

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Lucky Omokri, Deputy Director of Information in the State Ministry of Information made this known on Tuesday while stating that the date for the swearing-in ceremony will be announced later.

    Those appointed in the State Civil Service are Onojeta A. Francis, Paul Osahor Onyebuchi-Lucky, Uwalogho Ese Joseph, Nwanze Anastasia Ngozi (Mrs), Obiegba Cletus Nzefili, Ehimen-Babigha Charity (Mrs), and Agas Oghenekevwe (Mrs).

    Those appointed in PPEB are Aghwadoma Felicia Iroroevwo (Mrs), Tonwe Unioyo Alero. C (Mrs), Bamah Gozi Judith J. (Mrs), and Chukwuma Austine Ekababanichionye.

    Meanwhile, the Delta State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed members of the State Direct Labour Agency (DLA) recently nominated by Governor Okowa.

    TNG reports the nominees were screened and confirmed at Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker of the House, Sheriff Oborevwori.

    The members are Precious Ajaino as Director General, Blessing Enamuotor, Ndudi Osakunih-Izuegbu and Austin Bebeteidoh as directors.

    Also, Governor Okowa on Tuesday inaugurated a 42-member State Advisory and Peace Building Council with a charge on the members to sustain and deepen the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

    The council has Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Minister of Information, as Chairman.

    Okowa named former state Deputy Governors – Chief Benjamin Elue and Prof. Amos Utuama – and Prince Sam Obi, Chief Chris Agbobu, Alawei Brodrick Bozimo, Brig.-Gen. B. Demeyeibo (rtd), Chief Mike Adiotomre and Chief Ignatius Agidi as members.

    Other members included Chief Patrick Egone, Mr John Nwagimeje, Sen. Stella Omu, Mr Paul Enebeli, Sen. Patrick Osakwe, Dr.(Mrs) F. Nwaeze, Prof. E.C. Nwanze, Dr Pius Sinebe, Chief Joseph Ejigba, Chief Eddie Sorhue and Chief (Mrs) Esther Uduehi,

    Also, Chief E.D. Oborfukoro, Chief Robert Ejifoma, Pa. John Edah, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief E. E. Ebimani, Chief Judith Enamuotor, Rev. Gideon Oyibo, Mr Joseph Ikhena, Chief Denis Etaluku, Prof. Sam. Ukala, Chief Jonathan Uyeri and Chief Samuel Okoro are members.

    Other members are Mrs Felicia Ajagu, Mrs Theodora Giwa-Amu, Mrs Felicia Sani, Rev. Oke Akokotu, Elder Ayo Odonmeta, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba, Rear Adm. Mike Onah (rtd), Chief Magaret Unukegwo, Mrs. Grace Boyo and Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu.

    According to the governor, the inauguration is part of the State Government’s effort to further strengthen the wheel of governance in the state.

    “As a way of tapping from the wealth of experience of our people, it is necessary to reconstitute the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council through the appointment of these men and women of tested integrity and exemplary character.

    “Let me reiterate that the appointment of the members of the council is not based on any political consideration whatsoever,” he said.

    He charged the council to bring their experiences to bear on their function and create environment to deepen the peace between the state executive and other arms of government.

    Okowa charged the council ensure harmony between Delta government and the Federal Government and other international bodies.

    He called on the citizens to give the council the needed support and corporation to succeed while thanking the members for accepting to serve.

    “I urge all of you to bring your wealth of experience to bear on this appointment,” Okowa said.

    Responding on behalf of the council, Oyovbaire thanked the governor for the appointment and pledged their resolve to deliver on the assignment.

    Also in an interview, Rev. Mogekwu said the appointment was a call to service, adding that the council would not betray the confidence reposed on it to sustain and deepen the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

  • Okowa inaugurates 42-member state advisory council

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday inaugurated a 42-member State Advisory and Peace Building Council with a charge on the members to sustain and deepen the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

    The council has Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Minister of Information, as Chairman.

    Okowa named former state Deputy Governors – Chief Benjamin Elue and Prof. Amos Utuama – and Prince Sam Obi, Chief Chris Agbobu, Alawei Brodrick Bozimo, Brig.-Gen. B. Demeyeibo (rtd), Chief Mike Adiotomre and Chief Ignatius Agidi as members.

    Other members included Chief Patrick Egone, Mr John Nwagimeje, Sen. Stella Omu, Mr Paul Enebeli, Sen. Patrick Osakwe, Dr.(Mrs) F. Nwaeze, Prof. E.C. Nwanze, Dr Pius Sinebe, Chief Joseph Ejigba, Chief Eddie Sorhue and Chief (Mrs) Esther Uduehi,

    Also, Chief E.D. Oborfukoro, Chief Robert Ejifoma, Pa. John Edah, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief E. E. Ebimani, Chief Judith Enamuotor, Rev. Gideon Oyibo, Mr Joseph Ikhena, Chief Denis Etaluku, Prof. Sam. Ukala, Chief Jonathan Uyeri and Chief Samuel Okoro are members.

    Other members are Mrs Felicia Ajagu, Mrs Theodora Giwa-Amu, Mrs Felicia Sani, Rev. Oke Akokotu, Elder Ayo Odonmeta, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba, Rear Adm. Mike Onah (rtd), Chief Magaret Unukegwo, Mrs. Grace Boyo and Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu.

    According to the governor, the inauguration is part of the State Government’s effort to further strengthen the wheel of governance in the state.

    “As a way of tapping from the wealth of experience of our people, it is necessary to reconstitute the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council through the appointment of these men and women of tested integrity and exemplary character.

    “Let me reiterate that the appointment of the members of the council is not based on any political consideration whatsoever,” he said.

    He charged the council to bring their experiences to bear on their function and create environment to deepen the peace between the state executive and other arms of government.

    Okowa charged the council ensure harmony between Delta government and the Federal Government and other international bodies.

    He called on the citizens to give the council the needed support and corporation to succeed while thanking the members for accepting to serve.

    “I urge all of you to bring your wealth of experience to bear on this appointment,” Okowa said.

    Responding on behalf of the council, Oyovbaire thanked the governor for the appointment and pledged their resolve to deliver on the assignment.

    Also in an interview, Rev. Mogekwu said the appointment was a call to service, adding that the council would not betray the confidence reposed on it to sustain and deepen the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

  • Okowa commissions Shell projects in Ogulagha, advocates peaceful coexistence

    Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has commissioned 34 projects in Ogulagha kingdom, Burutu Local government of Delta state executed by Shell Petroleum Development Company and its joint ventures partners.

    The projects which were executed through the Global Memorandum of Understanding GMoU of Ogulagha Kingdom Cluster Development Board, OKCDB includes renovated Obotobo 1 Community Town Hall, construction of Obotobo 1 Community Bridge, construction of Obotobo 2 community Corps members lodge, award of 272 scholarships, vocational skill training program for 101 youths/women, among others.

    Governor Okowa who spoke through his Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba enjoined the people to continue to promote peaceful atmosphere to attract more development, adding that his administration will always encourage the development of oil communities through the GMoU model.

    The governor further lauded Shell and its JV partners for the projects, adding that the government will continue to do her best to create the needed atmosphere for companies to do business in all parts of the state.

    Chairman Ogulagha Kingdom Cluster Development Board, OKCDB, Chief Linus Yeinanagbegha thanked the oil giant for her role in the community, recalling that the board was inaugurated in 2015 with funding the following year which enabled it to take off with the project.

    On his part, External Relations Manager of SPDC Mr. Igo Weli who was represented by the Installation Manager, Forcados terminal, Engr. Arthur Owagbedia urged communities to speak against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, adding that the community should continue to promote peace for development to thrive.

    “SPDC JV desires that this cluster thrives, full of rich and varied projects, programmes and businesses designed to address the needs of the community.

    “If Ogulagha kingdom continues to promote peace, safety and growth among themselves and support SPDC JVs sustained uninterrupted production there will be many more social investment projects and programmes that will benefit the people.

    ”I also encourage all stakeholders to speak up against sabotage of facilities because willful damage of company assets, like pipelines, is a criminal act that sadly also has far-reaching negative implications for the people and environment.

    “Sabotage to facilities harms the environment and is also unsafe for those undertaking this dangerous activity. We must speak up against crude oil, vandalism and the attendant damage to our environment,” Weli said

  • Nigeria@59: Time to rebuild our nation is now – Okowa

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called on citizens to eschew divisions and unite to rebuild the nation as the nation marks its 59th independence anniversary.

    The governor made the call in a goodwill message to Nigerians on the anniversary as conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika on Monday in Asaba.

    He said there was need for all Nigerians to shun primordial sentiments of ethnicity, religion and all forms of sectionalism, and collaborate to rebuild a nation where peace, justice and economic growth would reign.

    He said that the people had suffered avoidable hardship because of lack of commitment on the part of leaders and called for a greater commitment toward nation-building.

    He said Nigerians should engage in more constructive and patriotic citizen-participation in governance, adding that the country was grappling with the inability to realise the dreams of its founding fathers, who fought for its independence.

    According to him, citizens have failed to change the narratives by allowing sentiments to determine their choice of leaders and what national interest should entail.

    He also charged leaders to be more committed to the cause of nation-building and shun corruption, ethnicity, religious and regional considerations in taking critical decisions affecting the nation.

    The governor thanked Delta people for living in peace in spite of the states’ multi-ethnic configuration, assuring that his administration would continue to work hard to provide solutions to issues plaguing them.

    “On behalf of Government and the people of Delta, I congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 2019 Independence celebration.

    “As a people, we have enjoyed democratic governance in the last 20 years, but we have not fully harnessed the gains of democracy.

    “It is appalling that after 20 years of democracy in Nigeria, we are still faced with same challenges of corruption, insecurity and infrastructure deficits as a nation.

    “I urge all Nigerians to use the occasion of the 59th Independence Anniversary to redefine what should constitute national interest, and unite and rally to achieve that dream.

    “Let us only support and elect leaders with competence and capacity to realise the dream of rebuilding and uniting the nation.

    “As a people, we must take interest in politics and ensure that our choice of leaders is devoid of religious, ethnic and geo-political considerations, and it should permeate all levels.

    “I urge leaders at all levels to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of politics and good governance to ensure that they deliver a better nation to our people,’’ he said.

    Okowa added that “at this point, let me thank all Deltans, especially the people of the oil-producing communities, for giving peace a chance which has culminated in uninterrupted oil production in our state.

    “Let me reassure you all that as a government, we will continue to proffer solutions to address challenges in all sectors of our state’s economy.”

  • Okowa swears-in Emuoboh Gbagi as Special Adviser On Youth Development

    Okowa swears-in Emuoboh Gbagi as Special Adviser On Youth Development

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Tuesday sworn-in his new Special Adviser on Youth Development, Chief Emuobor Kenneth Gbagi Jnr.

    The governor during the brief swearing-in ceremony however urged the youth to look inward and jettison the rush to other countries of the world, so as to reduce the inhuman treatments and deportation as was the case in recent times.

    Okowa noted that it makes great economic sense for those travelling overseas through dangerous deserts and high seas to invest such funds in small scale businesses in the state and Nigeria.

    He lamented the frequent death tolls of Nigerians travelling illegally through all kinds of deserts, forests and high seas to seek for menial jobs in foreign land. The governor suggested that monies spent on such uncertainty and journey to the unknown can deployed to kick start small scale businesses that guarantees growth and expansion, create wealth and provide jobs for others as investments yields steady profits.

    Governor Okowa disclosed that his administration shall continue to create wealth and jobs for women and youth through skills acquisitions and multifaceted empowerment programmes, and charged the Special Adviser on Youth Development, to work closely with the Bureau of Job and Wealth creation as well as Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Executive Assistant on Youth Development.

    “It does not make sense for our Youth to waste their time and financial resources travelling abroad, instead of investing on small and medium scale businesses. We are faced with sad and horrible stories of how some of them met untimely death while others suffered untold hardship in the process of searching for greener pastures that barely exist in those countries.

    “As a government we shall continue to invest on our youth because they are the future of our state and country. The Special Adviser on Youth Development in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies and other political appointees saddled with such responsibilities are to design and implement programmes that will empower and develop our Youth in line with the Stronger Delta Agenda.

    “I have no doubt in my mind that Chief Emuobor Gbagi will do the needful to ensure that Youth in the State are properly integrated into the system by way of engaging as many as possible subject to availability of funds at government disposal,” Okowa said.

    The governor also inaugurated five boards including; Governing Board of Ozoro Polytechnic with Barrister Andrew Orugbo as Chairman, Board of School of Health Technology, Ofoma with Dr Chris Oharisi as Chairman. Others are Primary Education Board, Delta State Waste Management Board and Delta State Library Board, respectively.

    The occasion was well attended by some Royal fathers, party leaders, political appointees and top government functionaries which includes; the state deputy governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro and his wife, Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Others are Secretary to Delta State Government, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, Head of Service, Reginald Bayoko, Chief of Staff, Olorogun David Edevbie, Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Rt Hon Solomon Funkekeme and some commissioners.

  • Okowa hails Team Delta for winning 5th NYG

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Tuesday congratulated the victorious Team Delta for winning the 5th National Youth Games (NYG).

    The governor’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Okowa praised the team for doggedness and determination which culminated in its back-to-back victory at the fifth edition of the games which ended in Ilorin on Tuesday.

    He said that with this victory, Team Delta had won the games for the fifth consecutive time.

    Okowa also expressed delight that the team surpassed last year’s record in winning the competition.

    The governor congratulated the athletes, their handlers and the management of Delta State Sports Commission on the record, which he described as “resounding “.

    He attributed the successes of the team to the huge investment of the state government in sports.

    Okowa gave an assurance that the talents discovered at this year’s games would be nurtured and mentored to become future stars for the state, country and the world.

    “I must commend and congratulate Team Delta for making us proud again by winning the 5th edition of the games.

    “It is instructive to note that our winning wasn’t by chance but by strategic planning and huge investments in sports development.

    “As a multi-ethnic state, we have identified sports as a unifying factor and it helped us to bring the youths together in a disciplined manner for their own good and that of our state in particular and Nigeria in general.

    “As a government, we have continued to devise ways and means to develop and further grow sports, which is evidenced by the revived Headmaster’s and principal’s Cup competitions and our huge investment in sports development,” the governor said.

    He commended the Federal Ministry of Sports for organising the Games and called for more stakeholders’ involvement in funding sports development in the country.

    Okowa recalled that the 2019 National Youth Games began on Sept. 10 and ended on Tuesday, with Delta finishing first with a total of 104 medals.

    Team Delta garnered 41 gold, 32 silver and 31 bronze, while Lagos State emerged second with a total of 72 medals; 22 gold, 36 silver and 14 bronze.

    Bayelsa finished third, winning 45 medals; 17 gold, six silver and 22 bronze.

  • Okowa condoles Okonjo-Iweala over father’s death

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday, commiserated with the Okonjo family and Ogwashi-Uku community on the death of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prof. Chukuka Okonjo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Okonjo, the father of a former Minister of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala died on Thursday at 91.

    The governor’s condolence was conveyed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika in Asaba.

    Okowa also commiserated with the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family over the death of the renowned academic, international public servant and an accomplished traditional ruler.

    He noted that the late monarch was a renowned Professor of Mathematics who devoted his life and time to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and development of education in several parts of the world.

    The governor said that late Okonjo, taught as secondary school teacher, university lecturer and international public administrator.

    He described the deceased as a world class public servant whose love for education was unparalleled and accounted for the successes he recorded everywhere he worked.

    Okowa said, “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a renowned academic, international public servant and traditional ruler of repute.

    “Apart from being the King of Ogwashi-Uku, I believe that the late Chukuka Okonjo will be remembered for his role in refocusing tertiary education in Ghana.

    “It was in the course of this that he developed the double intake system, designed to achieve significant increase in student enrollment rates in Ghana which later earned him the highest civil national award from the Government of Ghana.

    “The award, conferred on him in 2016 by President John Dramani Mahama, was in recognition of his distinguished contributions to that country’s education system.

    “As Director of the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Okonjo installed the first African population information network.

    “This is popularly known as the Population Information and Documentation System for Africa (POSA), valued at 350,000 dollars,”Okowa said.

    The governor also paid tribute to the deceased’s royal contribution to peace and development, particularly his significant role in ensuring peaceful co-existence between the people of Ogwashi-Uku and their neighbours.

    “My condolences also go to his wife of 66 years, Prof. Kamene Okonjo and former Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her siblings, on the passing of their beloved father and renowned academic.

    “I pray that Almighty God will comfort the family and grant the deceased eternal rest and reward his good virtues.”

  • Okowa felicitates with Asagba of Asaba at 95

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday felicitated with the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi, Prof. Chike Edozien, on his 95th birthday and 28 years coronation anniversary on July 28.
    The governor’s message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, on Saturday in Asaba.
    Okowa said that the government and people of Delta joined the people of Asaba and Anioma nation in celebrating the nonagenarian monarch and one of the oldest living Professor in Nigeria on his 95th birthday and 28th coronation anniversary.
    He noted that the monarch’s 28 years reign as the 13th Asagba of Asaba has witnessed tremendous improvement in community relations, peace and prosperity of his domain, Asaba.
    “As one of the oldest traditional rulers in the country and oldest living Professor, his leadership qualities as a royal father has over the years earned him numerous recognition and awards.
    “We admire the maturity and wisdom of the royal father in administering his domain, consistently ensuring peace and development, and promoting a strong appetite for education and commerce among his people.
    “The nonagenarian has over the years, successfully sustained the heritage of patience, tolerance and good neighbourliness that was bequeathed by his ancestors, and taken his people to new heights of integration into the global community,” Okowa said.
    The governor said that the monarch had brought his intellectual pedigree and global exposure to bear on the leadership of the traditional institution, which he inherited 28 years ago.
    “His majesty’s pedigree has no doubt impacted positively in the modernisation of the Asaba traditional institution to accommodate the large influx of visitors as a state capital,” he said.
    The governor prayed the almighty God to grant the royal father longer life, good health and more wisdom to serve his people and humanity.