The grand finale of a week-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the creation of Delta State has come and gone, but not without the celebration of 18 distinguished citizens of the state who were honoured for their contributions to the development of the state and country in general.
They included the chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, the chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu, the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Professor Obaro Ikime, Professor Joy Ogwu and the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele-Williams.
Others are Professor Emmanuel Nwanze, Chief Charles Majoroh, Chief E.K. Clark, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Vanguard Publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu and Atunyota Akpobome (a.k.a. Alibaba).
The awardees also included Michael Ajereh, Ese Brume, Timipamere Akiayefa and three posthumous recipients (Chief Mukoro Mowoe, Chief James Otobo and Chief Dennis Osadebay).
The Prestigious Event Centre, Asaba, venue of the gala and award night, was filled to capacity as the creme la de creme of the society trooped out to witness the historical event, where Governor Ifeanyi Okowa stated that the list of prominent sons and daughters in the state was by no means exhaustive as there were many Deltans making waves in various aspects of life across the world.
“As a government, we thought this is a good starting point and we are deeply grateful that the awardees considered it worthwhile to be here today and we thank you for giving us that honour.
“As we reflected on the last 30 years, it was clear to us that celebration of this milestone would not be complete without recognising Deltans who have made the state proud in their various fields of endeavour.
“While the public/civil servants were holding the home front, many of our own were flying the flag of the state in the national arena.
“Hence, we decided to recognise some of our distinguished sons and daughters and to also use the opportunity to let the whole world know the invaluable contributions Deltans are making to project Nigeria,” the governor said.
Okowa described the three decades of the state’s existence as a potpourri of diversity and inclusion, trials, triumphs, growth and stability.
Presenting his scorecard and the landmark achievements of his predecessors, Okowa said his administration broke new grounds in physical infrastructure by building roads besides the Atlantic Ocean as well as job and wealth creation through entrepreneurship development.
“A classic example is the 20.28 kilometres Obotobo I – Obotobo II – Sokebolou–Yokri – Road beside the Atlantic Ocean in Burutu Local Government Area.
“Also, the riverside communities of Burutu, Oporoza, Okerenkoko and Benekrukru, among others, have been given a facelift with well-paved roads, while most urban centres are being enhanced through growth and renewal.
He solicited the continued support of all Deltans, including the diaspora, to his administration in its determination to deliver a stronger Delta to them.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state…
Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train
The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…
and then