Okowa, Applauding The Giant Strides Of A Leader

By Collins Agwam

The popular saying that a journey of a thousand mile begins with a step has found its way to reckoning with its attendant effect in the political life of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

For many, who had in the past threw diligence and hard work to the
whirlwind, their stories today would surely require a sober reflection
given their nonchalant attitude to the virtues of hard work and
diligence during their hale days.

But, for Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, diligence, hard work, patriotism and a
host of other virtues were his hallmark as he took virtually all
positions he held since the inception of democracy in 1999 like a pot of gold handed over to him for protection.

The positions held during this more than a decade reign of democracy
includes; a two term commissioner under the James Ibori-led
administration between 1999 -2006, Secretary to the Government of Delta State under the Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration between 2007-2010, Senator Representing Delta North at the red chambers of the National Assembly between 2011-2015.

While he held sway of these tasking positions¸ Ekwueme as he is
referred to in the traditional circle, showed dedication, hard work
and patriotism in the course of his work, hence, it endeared him to
the people of the state to earn the position of a governor.

Some of his works includes sponsoring ten (10) bills- including the National Health Bill, a feat many acknowledged as ingenious, legendary and laudable despite his short stint in the red chambers; empowering the people of his senatorial zone through various empowerment programmes and a host of other great works carried out.

Today, his impact as a governor is being felt across the length and
breadth of the state as Okowa has within just one year in office turned the fortunes of the people of the state for the better.

These works includes the construction/rehabilitation and commissioning of the Tankers Park Road, Christ Embassy Road, Asaba, Palace Road Owa-Oyibo, Dr Whyte Street/Upper Imudia Street, Asaba and Kefas road, Oleh.

Others are the dualization of Agbor Township Roads, dualization of
Cable Point Road, Alisimie Ozanogogo Road, Ubeji/Jeddo Road, Jesus Saves Road and many other roads constructed across the state, within his one year in office.

The governor has also created 17,173 direct and indirect jobs within his one year in office, these includes: the Youth Agricultural
Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP); Skills Training and Entrepreneurship
Programme (STEP); Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP); Extension of Loans; and Development of Agro-industries
which has lifted thousands of Deltans from the shackles of poverty.

In his usual quest to enhance the health sector, Governor Okowa has
constructed/rehabilitated Abavo General Hospital, Patani General
Hospital and a chunk of other hospitals across the 25 local government areas of the state.

In just one year in office, the governor has also built the Ofegbe
Technical College, Agbor Technical College, Sapelle Technical College
and several other schools constructed/ rehabilitated by the Okowa-led
administration.

Born on the 8th of July, 1959 at Owa-Alero in the present Ika
North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, he had his early
education at Iroro Primary School, Owa-Alero and later attended the
famous Edo College, Benin City.

He graduated with the second best result in the Higher School Certificate Examination in the then Bendel State in 1976.

Thereafter, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan to study Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa graduated in 1981 with MBBS, at the record age of 22.

Upon his completion of the National Youth Service Corps in 1982; he
worked briefly with the defunct Bendel State Hospitals Management Board as a Medical Officer before venturing into private practice as Director, Victory Medical Centre, Igbanke, in 1986.

With these intimidating credentials from a man who has spent just one year in office, the people
of Delta cannot ask for anything more as the messiah lives with them.

       Collins Agwam can be reached via: Gmail -agwamcollins@gmail.com

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