BY PATRICK MGBODO
WE must challenge ourselves to see every new day as a blessing, another opportunity to inspire people, change lives and add value’’ – Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa.
On this day in 1959, a star appeared on the dark skies of the Owa Alero community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State that dimmed other cosmic illuminations. Since then, that light has ruled in flawless glory like the full moon on a black night and has brightened the fate of generations to come.
Today, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa completes another orbit around the Sun to open a new chapter of perfection. At 66, his legacies, especially in the development of Delta State and Nigeria at large, among other noble contributions to humanity, have not only redefined governance but have also reshaped the future for even greater exploits.
It can be rightly said that at the time of his birth, the nation was preoccupied with its quest for independence, oblivious that in the years to come, a different kind of struggle would surface, one that required a different kind of leader, who is more purposeful, strong-willed and sagacious. Fortunately, Ifeanyi was just on time to take the challenge and true to his name, there is nothing too heavy for God.
And so, Okowa blossomed in silence, his early childhood formed at the Iroro Primary School in Owa-Alero from where he proceeded to attend the famous Edo College in Benin City between 1970 and 1976 where he distinguished himself with the second best result in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination.
At just 22, Okowa had already graduated from Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan where he studied Medicine and Surgery and upon completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) the following year, he worked briefly with the defunct Bendel State Hospitals Management Board as a medical officer before venturing into private practice as the Director of Victory Medical Centre, Igbanke in 1986.
Afterwards, the medical doctor forayed into what would become a long-standing political career, which began from his lowly days as a Secretary to Local Government before gradually ascending the ladder to become Chairman of Local Government, civil commissioner, Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG), and Senator until 2015 when destiny was fulfilled.
On May 29, 2015, he made history by becoming the first Anioma man to become the Governor of Delta State since the state was created in 1991. No doubt, his emergence was a strong seal of approval for Delta North, after a long walk towards the validation of self-identity. In 2019, he was re-elected to perfect an eight-year cycle at the Dennis Osadebay House.
Throughout his reign as Governor, which eventually culminated in 2023, Okowa made immense efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy. Through his unique SMART Agenda policy thrust, his development models, sure-footed and sterling in accomplishments changed Delta forever.
From the empowerment of millions of Deltans, through entrepreneurship skills, uplifting political engagements as well as the development of social infrastructure, especially universities, secondary and primary schools, bridges, hospitals, markets, and rural and urban roads with mega drainages, Okowa sunk his footprints deeply in the sands of time.
His famous “ROADMASTER” appellation is a timeless tribute to his amazing track record in providing road networks stretching thousands of kilometres across the senatorial districts; Delta North, Delta Central and Delta South.
Okowa is credited with over 850 road projects, more than 2,000 kilometres length of roads, over 1,400 kilometres of drains, seven completed bridges, 14 bridges under construction across the state, over 300 kilometres of road length and 150 kilometres of drains channel in riverine areas as well as the completion of Ogheye Floating Market in Warri.
His impact on human capital development still reverberates years after he bowed out as Governor, with the confessions of beneficiaries across the different empowerment programmes still fresh like a loaf from the oven. According to the Chief Executive Officer of JK Science Tech Innovation Company Limited, ‘’Okowa is a visionary leader creating an army of entrepreneurs. Soon, there will be the emergence of the Elumelus and the Dangotes from these young entrepreneurs he has created’’
As part of his transformational urban renewal agenda, Asaba regained its pride as a worthy capital of oil-rich Delta with an iconic Prof. Chike Edozien Central Secretariat, archetypal Leisure Park/Film Village (named after the illustrious daughter of Delta, Maryam Babangida), remodelled International Airport, Specialist hospital, scenic schools, including the Dennis Osadebey University, and countless roads decorated with massive drainages, among other amenities redefining its skyline and landscape.
Armed with matchless intellect, calm temperament, and sagacious political stature, Okowa gained national visibility and recognition of mythic magnitude. He is a stabilizing figure and symbol of a new Nigeria, steeped in unity, diversity and collective enterprise towards manifest greatness. As the former Governor of Akwa Ibom puts it, ‘’You (Okowa) have been a consensus builder, forthright, transparent, and ultrachic; qualities that have endeared you to the good people of Delta State’’
Truly, words are not sufficient to exhaust his epic journey from 1959 till date. But suffice it to say that for Okowa, these extraordinary years would have been a shadow of what they have been without God. He further reminds us that every new opportunity is another chance to do better, be better and help improve other people’s lives.
As he clocks 66 today, it is our best wishes for a man who came, saw and is still conquering, to continue enjoying God’s abounding love and never get tired in his journey to fulfil destiny. Happy Birthday, Ekwueme….
