By Elohor Foghola
The Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Barrister John Obukohwo Nani, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of Technology Award by the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara.
The award, the highest honorary recognition of the institution, was presented during the Polytechnic’s 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony held at its main campus in Otefe-Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Presenting the award, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, said the Fellowship Award is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national development, particularly in advancing sustainable growth, education, and community empowerment.
He commended Nani for his transformative role as Chairman of DESOPADEC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to public service. According to him, “Olorogun John Nani is a worthy administrator whose contributions have transformed lives and institutions across Delta State.”
In his acceptance speech, Nani expressed profound appreciation to the management of the Polytechnic for the recognition, which he dedicated to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the people of the state, especially those from oil-producing areas.
“This honour is a call to greater service,” Nani said. “We will not relent in our efforts to uplift our communities, as education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment remain key to national progress.”
The ceremony also saw the conferment of honorary fellowships on other distinguished personalities, including His Royal Majesty, Noble Eshemitan, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, King Obukohwo Whiskey, PhD, JP, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Matthew Ediri Egbri, the Okobaro of Ughevwien Kingdom; and Chief John Oguma, a prominent businessman and philanthropist.
The Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, who delivered the Governor’s message.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening education, especially technical and vocational training, as a means of empowering the youth and driving sustainable development.
Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Mr. Fred Oborevwori; Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, Honourable Commissioner for Environment; Hon. Terry Etacherure, Commissioner for Bureau of Special Duties; Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe; Hon. Matthew Omonade; and Hon. Festus Utuama, member representing Ughelli South in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Also in attendance was the Executive Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Dr. Lucky Avwereoroma, among several others from academia, government, and the private sector.
