ASABA/Nigeria: The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has congratulated former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, on his 67th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape the state’s development.
Oghenesivbe, who served as Executive Assistant on Communications throughout Okowa’s administration, joined Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Government and the people of the state in celebrating the former governor for what he described as years of purposeful leadership, institutional reforms and people-oriented governance.
In a congratulatory message, he said Okowa’s administration, which lasted from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth through investments in critical infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and human capital development.
According to him, the progress being recorded under Governor Oborevwori is built on the institutional framework established by the immediate past administration and strengthened through the implementation of the MORE Agenda.
Oghenesivbe noted that Okowa’s SMART Agenda, later reinforced by the STRONGER Delta and Finishing Strong policy frameworks, transformed key sectors of the state’s economy while expanding opportunities for Deltans.
He recalled that the administration delivered major road and bridge projects, promoted urban renewal, upgraded healthcare facilities, expanded educational opportunities and strengthened technical and vocational education.
He also highlighted the establishment of new state-owned universities and the successful implementation of youth empowerment and job creation programmes, including the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP), Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEST) and Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme (RYSA), which empowered thousands of young people across the state.
The Bureau Director-General further commended Okowa for fostering peace, political stability and inclusive governance throughout his tenure, describing the seamless transfer of power to Governor Oborevwori on May 29, 2023, as one of the smoothest democratic transitions in the state’s history.
He added that the former governor’s continued support, guidance and commitment to the success of the present administration have contributed to the sustained pace of development in Delta State.
“Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa belongs to a distinguished generation of leaders whose contributions will remain evergreen in the political and developmental history of Delta State. His calm disposition, administrative competence and commitment to public service have earned him the admiration of many Deltans,” Oghenesivbe said.
He added that the institutions strengthened, infrastructure delivered and human capital development initiatives implemented during Okowa’s administration would continue to benefit the state for years to come.
Oghenesivbe prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health, wisdom and long life for the former governor, wishing him many more years of impactful service to Delta State and Nigeria.
