As goodwill messages continue to pour in for former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on the occasion of his 67th birthday, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu, has described him as an exceptional statesman whose visionary leadership and enduring legacy have continued to shape the socio-economic and political landscape of Delta State.
Anyafulu, in a heartfelt goodwill message made available to journalists on Wednesday, hailed the former governor—fondly referred to as the “Ekwueme of the World”—for what she described as an illustrious public service career marked by integrity, compassion, humility and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.
The lawmaker said Senator Okowa’s administration distinguished itself through deliberate investments in human capital development, healthcare delivery, education, infrastructure and the empowerment of women, youths and the girl-child, adding that his governance philosophy was firmly rooted in the conviction that the greatest asset of any society is its people.
According to her, the developmental strides recorded during Okowa’s tenure remain visible across Delta State and continue to serve as a reference point for purposeful and inclusive governance.
“Today, we celebrate a distinguished statesman, accomplished administrator and visionary leader whose years of public service have left an enduring mark on the development of Delta State and Nigeria.
“Your unwavering commitment to human capital development, quality healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the empowerment of women, youths and especially the girl-child continues to reflect your deep conviction that sustainable development begins with investing in people,” she stated.
Anyafulu also applauded the former governor’s uncommon ability to discover, mentor and empower emerging leaders, describing the quality as one of the defining pillars of his leadership legacy.
She recalled with profound gratitude the opportunity she had to serve under his administration, noting that the confidence he reposed in her remains one of the greatest honours of her public service career.
“I remain deeply grateful for the confidence you reposed in me through the opportunity to serve under your administration. Your willingness to identify, encourage and empower emerging leaders is one of the enduring qualities that defines your legacy, and I will always cherish the trust you placed in me,” she said.
The Oshimili South legislator further noted that beyond the offices he occupied, Okowa’s greatest achievement lies in the lives he transformed, the leaders he nurtured and the enduring institutions he helped build, saying his influence will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.
She prayed for God’s continued grace upon the former governor, asking that he be blessed with sound health, divine wisdom, renewed strength and many more years of impactful service to Delta State, Nigeria and humanity.
“As you celebrate another year of God’s faithfulness and grace, I join your family, friends, political associates and countless admirers in thanking God Almighty for the gift of your life and your invaluable service to our dear state and nation.
“May God Almighty continue to bless you with good health, renewed strength, divine wisdom, peace and many more years of fulfilment, happiness and impactful service,” Anyafulu prayed.
She wished the former governor a joyful birthday celebration, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience, exemplary leadership and fatherly counsel would continue to benefit Delta State and the nation in the years ahead.
