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Tag: Okowa

  • Tinubu boldly steering Nigeria toward sustainable future — Okowa

    Tinubu boldly steering Nigeria toward sustainable future — Okowa

    Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has declared that President Bola Tinubu is courageously steering Nigeria toward a more sustainable and stable economic future, despite the pains associated with ongoing reforms.

    Okowa spoke on Tuesday in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the N59 billion Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover, performed by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Okowa, also a former Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, said the Agbor project was too significant to ignore.

    “What I see here gives me peace. Delta State is on the right path because Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is doing the right things,” he said.

    He praised Oborevwori’s leadership, describing him as a man of trust who has converted vision into concrete results, adding that the spread and scale of infrastructure across the state reflect purposeful governance.

    Calling the Uromi Junction Flyover “monumental,” Okowa said it was only one of several transformative projects underway in Delta North. 

    He cited the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road, valued at about N30 billion, and the Aboh–Akara concrete road as further proof of balanced development.

    “Deltans should celebrate this governor. Many projects have moved swiftly from ideas to reality,” he said.

    Okowa noted that his peace as a former governor stems from Oborevwori’s sincerity, continuity, and calm leadership style.

    “When I spoke of this vision in 2021, people doubted it. When it began to unfold in 2022, they mocked it. But today, Governor Oborevwori is proving that vision right,” he said.

    Read Also: Ndokwa youths endorse Okowa for Senate, vow to buy nomination forms

    Turning to national affairs, Okowa urged Nigerians to look beyond present hardships and judge President Tinubu’s reforms with fairness, insisting that the policies are already laying the foundation for long-term economic stability.

    “People may choose not to acknowledge it, but the truth is that Mr President is engineering the Nigerian economy in the right direction,” he said. 

    Drawing from his experience in public administration, Okowa noted that states and local governments across the country are now paying salaries more regularly, while pensions and gratuities previously owed are being cleared. 

    According to him, these improvements are direct outcomes of the federal government’s economic policies. 

    He also commended Governor Oborevwori for aligning Delta State with the federal government, describing the decision as bold, strategic, and beneficial to the people. 

    “Politics aside, Mr President is leading Nigeria towards a more sustainable future. There may be some pain at the beginning, but in a few years, the results will be evident, even while he is still in office,” Okowa said. 

    He concluded by praying for continued peace, wisdom, strength, and good health for Governor Oborevwori, while expressing optimism about the future of Delta State, Ika Nation, and Nigeria at large.

    “It is well with Nigeria. It is well with Delta State. It is well with Ika Nation,” he declared.

  • Ndokwa youths endorse Okowa for Senate, vow to buy nomination forms

    Ndokwa youths endorse Okowa for Senate, vow to buy nomination forms

    Youth leaders from Ndokwa Nation have thrown their weight behind former Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, urging him to declare for the 2027 Delta North Senatorial seat.

    They described the former Delta Governor as the district’s most credible and unifying political asset.

    Operating under the auspices of the Ndokwa Youth Leaders Assembly (NYLA), the group made the call in a recent statement in Ogume, Ndokwa West Local Government Area. 

    They said their appeal was based on what they described as Okowa’s tested competence, administrative depth, bridge-building capacity, and visible investments in human and infrastructural development during his tenure as Governor.

    According to the youths, Delta North urgently needs a senator with both national influence and deep local relevance—qualities they insist Okowa already possesses.

    Read Also: Okowa upbeat as AFN sets the pace for a blockbuster season

    “Delta North cannot afford another ceremonial occupier of the Red Chamber,” the group warned. 

    “What the district needs now is results-driven negotiator who commands respect at the national level and remains accountable at home.”

    In an audacious move, the youth leaders announced plans to embark on a district-wide signature mobilisation tour as part of a coordinated effort to formally draft Okowa into the race.

    They further pledged to bankroll the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms, describing the initiative as a grassroots-driven push aimed at restoring transparency, credibility, and accountability to legislative representation.

    The group also called on traditional rulers, opinion leaders, professional associations, women groups, and political blocs across Delta North to rise above ethnic sentiments and rally behind a candidate whose competence and credibility, they said, are already well established in Senator Okowa.

  • Okowa, Otuaro meet, pray for Delta’s peace, unity and sustained devt

    Okowa, Otuaro meet, pray for Delta’s peace, unity and sustained devt

    In a political climate often defined by shifting loyalties and post-office rivalries, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley B. Otuaro, has once again sent a powerful message of loyalty and political maturity with a Christmas and New Year courtesy visit to the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

    Far beyond a seasonal gesture, the visit has been widely interpreted by political observers as a reaffirmation of enduring alliance, respect for leadership, and continuity within Delta State’s political family. 

    At a time when former officeholders frequently distance themselves from past administrations, Otuaro’s action stood out as a deliberate statement of gratitude, humility, and unwavering political identity.

    The visit, now a consistent tradition since both men left office, reflected a relationship that has remained intact well beyond the corridors of power. 

    Otuaro served as deputy governor under Okowa from 2015 to 2023, a defining era in Delta State politics marked by major infrastructural expansion, policy reforms, and strategic political stability.

    Their partnership was widely regarded as one of the most cohesive executive teams in the state’s recent history.

    Sources close to the meeting asserted that discussions went beyond pleasantries, touching on governance, leadership succession, and the future trajectory of Delta State.

    Both leaders reportedly reflected on the challenges of leadership, lessons learnt in office, and the need for unity and responsible politics in the post-Okowa era.

    Read Also: Strong, functional opposition remains vital to survival of Nigeria’s democracy —Delta PDP

    A wonderful moment of the visit was a joint prayer session, during which both men committed their families and the future of Delta State into God’s hands. 

    They prayed for peace, unity, and sustained development—an act that underscored the moral and spiritual foundation of their long-standing political relationship.

    Political analysts viewed the visit as symbolic, reinforcing Okowa’s continued relevance as a political leader and mentor, while positioning Otuaro as a figure of discipline, loyalty, and statesmanship—qualities increasingly rare in contemporary politics. 

    The meeting has also sparked conversations about the role both men may yet play in shaping Delta State’s political direction in the years ahead.

    Ultimately, the visit served as a quiet but potent reminder that true leadership transcends office, and that respect for mentorship and shared legacy remains a powerful currency in Delta State politics.

  • Okowa mourns Senator Nwaoboshi, says Anioma lost fearless, dependable voice

    Okowa mourns Senator Nwaoboshi, says Anioma lost fearless, dependable voice

    Former Governor of Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has described the late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi as a fearless politician, dependable leader and a strong voice of Anioma people. 

    Speaking in an emotional tribute at the Asaba residence of the late Nwaoboshi, Okowa lamented his passing, noting that Delta and the Anioma nation had lost one of their most committed and outspoken political figures. 

    According to him, the late senator was an astute politician, who played a pivotal role in the political development of Delta particularly during the formative years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    He recalled that Nwaoboshi was a founding Secretary of the PDP in the State and made significant contributions to the mobilisation efforts that culminated in the party’s historic victory in the 1999 general elections. 

    Okowa further stated that Nwaoboshi’s leadership qualities and dedication to public service saw him rise through the ranks of the party to become its Chairman in Delta before becoming Senator and represented Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly from 2015 to 2023. 

    “He was fearless in his approach to politics and a tireless fighter for the good of his people,” Okowa said, adding that the late lawmaker remained steadfast in defending the interests of Anioma and Delta throughout his political career. 

    The former governor, who is the Coordinator, Renewed Hope Initiative in South -South, described Nwaoboshi’s death as a great loss, noting that Anioma and Delta had lost a dependable voice that consistently stood for justice, equity and development. 

    He prayed for the peaceful repose of Nwaoboshi’s soul, stating that the late politician had completed his earthly assignment to the glory of God. 

    Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, a former senator and seasoned politician, was widely respected for his courage, commitment to party politics and unwavering advocacy for his people. 

    In a related development, Senator Okowa also visited the Chairman of Delta State Civil Service Commission, Chief Roseline Amioku, who lost her son on Thursday in Asaba. 

    He commiserated with the Amioku family and prayed for God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, urging them to take solace in the fact that the departed had gone to rest in the Lord.

  • RNI: N/Delta youths hail Tinubu for appointing Okowa as South-South coordinator

    RNI: N/Delta youths hail Tinubu for appointing Okowa as South-South coordinator

    The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders (CNDYS) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent appointment of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the South-South Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

    The Convener of the coalition, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, in a statement on Wednesday, congratulated Senator Okowa on the fitting appointment.

    He described the appointment as “a clear reflection of Senator Okowa’s distinguished leadership qualities, administrative maturity, and enduring commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of the South-South people.”

    He noted that the RNI requires a leader with deep understanding of the region’s realities, saying that Okowa’s experience and calm, inclusive style of governance made him a fitting choice to drive programmes that will positively touch the lives of communities, especially the youths.

    Apostle Kenepadei stated that CNDYS as a body dedicated to promoting youths advancement, peace-building, and equitable opportunities across the Niger Delta believed that this appointment presents a strategic opening for enhanced regional development and strengthened engagement between government structures and grassroots communities.

    The Coalition’s Convener expressed confidence that under Senator Okowa’s coordination, the RHI would expand empowerment initiatives, deepen social welfare interventions, and promote sustainable development across the South-South region.

    “Once again, the Coalition thanks Mr. President for this appointment and extends warm congratulations to His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, and wishes him a successful, impactful tenure in this national assignment,” Kenepadei stated.

  • Okowa hails ‘night of glad tidings’ as Team Nigeria lights up Solidarity Games

    Okowa hails ‘night of glad tidings’ as Team Nigeria lights up Solidarity Games

    Team Nigeria Athletics delivered a blistering Wednesday night performance at the Solidarity Games in Riyadh, sweeping gold, silver and bronze in a show of force that left the stadium buzzing and the continent on notice.

    The star act came from the women’s 4x100m relay quartet of Bada Toyin, Ezechukwu Miracle, Omokwe Maria and Nweke Cynthia, who powered to gold with a commanding display of speed, chemistry and pure Nigerian grit.

    Their baton exchanges were crisp, their finish ruthless, a statement run that underlined Nigeria’s relay pedigree.

    Read Also: Super Falcons, Nnadozie win  big at 2025 CAF Awards

    Veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon George lifted Team Nigeria even higher. In the Women’s 400m, she produced a sensational run to claim silver, battling stride-for-stride with Bahrain’s superstar Salwa Eid Naser, who claimed gold.

    On the men’s side, Badmus Gafari fought through a stacked field to secure a well-earned bronze in the 400m final.

    It was a medal rush that ignited the Nigerian camp and AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa could not hide his pride.

     “This is a sign of glad tidings,” Okowa said. “We’re using the Games to shape up for the Commonwealth Games, the Confederation of Africa Athletics Championships, and ultimately the 2028 Olympic Games.”

    With every stride and every medal, Team Nigeria sent a loud message from Riyadh: the green-and-white is sharpening its blades, and the world should be paying attention.

    Nigeria has won a total of 7 medals in Track and field including an impressive Gold medal in a fiercely contested Women’s 4x100m, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals.

    On a night packed with fire, focus and flawless execution, Nigeria didn’t just compete, they conquered.

  • Tokyo 2025: Okowa affirms HiRacer will  redeem $20,000 token to Amusan  

    Tokyo 2025: Okowa affirms HiRacer will  redeem $20,000 token to Amusan  

    The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has reiterated the commitment of kits supplier, HiRacer, to redeem the cash reward of $20,000 to Amusan for her silver medal feat  at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, adding the federation is committed  to improve the welfare of athletes.

    At a meeting  in Tokyo on Monday night  with  Amusan and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, Okowa, was categorical  he had no personal problem with the 100m hurdles world record holder who has been a great asset to the Federation.

    He explained the purported kits drama was purely a moment of misunderstanding, adding that all grey areas had been resolved as the AFN will continue to give priority to the welfare of athletes.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Man Utd, other top UCL winners missing in 2025/26 tournament

    According to Okowa, the kits supplier, HiRacer are prepared to redeem the cash reward of $20,000 to Amusan for her silver medal and that discussions with the company have reached advanced stage for a more rewarding kits sponsorship deal.

     “There is no problem between Tobi and the Federation. I have worked with her for more than  four  years. It was just a moment of misunderstanding. This new AFN board is  responsive to our athlete’s needs. We will do things differently. At the meeting, I again congratulated Tobi Express for her great spirit to grab the silver in the 100 metres hurdles final. It was a moment of pride for Team Nigeria”, Okowa stated.

    Meanwhile, the AFN boss has extended his appreciation  to both Olopade and the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for settlement of allowances and bonuses due the athletes at the ongoing Tokyo 2025.

  • Tinubu bringing stability, hope to Nigeria- Okowa

    Tinubu bringing stability, hope to Nigeria- Okowa

    Former Governor of Delta, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, says President Bola Tinubu is bringing stability and hope back to Nigeria.

    Okowa stated this on Monday in Abuja, at a national summit organised by the Integrity Group of Nigeria (IGN), with the theme “Renew Hope Agenda through Continuity’’

    Okowa represented by his former Special Adviser on National Assembly and Inter-governmental Relationships, Pascal Adigwe, stressed the need for Tinubu to continue in office for the people to benefit from his policies.

    He described Tinubu as an ”action president ‘ who has accepted responsibility, unlike some past leaders.

    ”Tinubu’s decisions might be tough or rough but they are yielding positive results.

    “Tinubu is bringing stability. He’s bringing back hope. He’s taking the bull by the horn. He’s not referring to issues in the past or how the past was governed.

    “He promised Nigeria that he will come to the saddle and take responsibility. That is what he has done,” Okowa said.

    The former governor expressed his total support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, stating that the president has demonstrated a commitment to taking responsibility for the country.

    “We have come, not with liability but assets to make what you have built better.

    “We are coming with our experience, with our knowledge of the terrain. We are coming with love. We are coming with resources to better the lot,” he said.

    Okowa urged support groups to begin the groundwork for Tinubu’s re-election, adding that he deserves it.

    Earlier, the IGN Convener and National Chairman, Dr Oke Idawene, said Tinubu came to power prepared and was working for the prosperity of the country.

    Read Also: Okowa applauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

    “The message of this afternoon is no other than to say never again shall we allow those who are stealing Nigeria’s prosperity to lead us again,” he said.

    Idawene added that students now had access to loans and security was improving.

    He said that the progressive governors were already preparing the ground for Tinubu’s victory in 2027 based on his great performance.

    Also speaking, Sen. Binta Garba said that when Tinubu came on board, things were not moving well for the country, but he was able to turn things around.

    Garba also expressed hope that in 2027, the renewed hope initiative would continue saying “continuity will make Nigeria a better country.”

    Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, also called on Nigerians to pray for and give Tinubu the necessary support to make the country better.

    Tallen said that the signs were good already, citing the All progressives Congress (APC) victories in the recent by-elections and Nigerian girls winning laurels in sports.

    The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Nora Daduut, commended the group for the national summit.

    Daduut, who was the mother of the day, tasked the group members, especially women to keep the renewed hope initiative message alive.

    (NAN)

  • Okowa applauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

    Okowa applauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

    The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are the pathways to achieving a better and more progressive country.

    Okowa stated this at a youth forum in Asaba after being honoured with an award of the Living Legend by the Delta Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

    He described as unacceptable and retrogressive the policy of subsidizing fuel with borrowed fund by previous administrations.

    While commending the bold step taken by the administration of President Tinubu to change the narrative for the survival and economic transformation of the country, Okowa noted with delight that the benefits of subsidy removal had started to reflect on the huge allocations to federal, state and local governments.

    The former governor posited: ”Salaries are being paid constantly now. Allocations to the states and local government councils have increased remarkably.

    “During my tenure as governor, we had to support local government councils to pay salaries. But today, local government councils are in better positions to pay salaries and execute projects. But that does not mean that everything is okay yet. There is still a lot of work to be done.”

    Okowa urged the local government councils to make judicious use of the huge statutory allocations to them by building public infrastructure, empowering farmers and traders with grants and tools,

    He advised youths to engage in productive ventures to secure their future, instead of allowing themselves to be used as political thugs.

    Okowa stated further: ”Building the youths is not just the job of the government of the federation or that of the state or the government at the local government level. The youths themselves have to be prepared to be built. They have to be prepared to use the energy in them, and their God-given talents to work along with government in order to bring a total turn-around of our nation.’’

    Read Also: Economic crisis is being exaggerated, says Presidency

    In his remarks, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, Ejiro Jamani, gave assurances that his administration would continue to accord priority to the development of the youth through skills acquisition, capacity building, and empowerment to make them productive and self-reliant.

    Speaking to reporters, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Innocent Esewezie, described the award of the Living Legend conferred on Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as well deserved.

    ”This is the very first time that we are seeing a former governor of Delta State that has been so honoured by the youths of Delta State. When you serve well, you will be well recognised,” Esewezie stated.

    The convener and Delta State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Kenneth Okorie, said the event was organised as part of activities marking a two-week long event of the International Youth Day.

    The event featured paper presentations on the theme: ‘Empowering The Youths: Building The Future’ by various speakers including the keynote speaker and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Hillary Ijeoma Owama.

  • Former Delta gov Okowa applauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

    Former Delta gov Okowa applauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

    The immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has said the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are the pathways to achieving a better and more progressive country.

    Okowa stated this at a youth forum in Asaba after being honoured with an award of the Living Legend by the Delta Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

    He described as unacceptable and retrogressive the policy of subsidising fuel with borrowed funds by previous administrations.

    While commending the bold step taken by the administration of President Tinubu to change the narrative for the survival and economic transformation of the country, Okowa noted with delight that the benefits of subsidy removal had started to reflect on the huge allocations to federal, state and local governments.

    The former governor posited: ”Salaries are being paid constantly now. Allocations to the states and local government councils have increased remarkably.

    “During my tenure as governor, we had to support local government councils to pay salaries. But today, local government councils are in better positions to pay salaries and execute projects. But that does not mean that everything is okay yet. There is still a lot of work to be done.”

    Read Also: Okowa eyes second term  as AFN Presidential election holds

    Okowa urged the local government councils to make judicious use of the huge statutory allocations to them by building public infrastructure, empowering farmers and traders with grants and tools,

    He advised youths to engage in productive ventures to secure their future, instead of allowing themselves to be used as political thugs.

    Okowa stated further, ”Building the youths is not just the job of the government of the federation or that of the state or the government at the local government level. The youths themselves have to be prepared to be built. They have to be prepared to use the energy in them, and their God-given talents to work along with the government to bring a total turnaround of our nation.”

    In his remarks, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, Ejiro Jamani, gave assurances that his administration would continue to accord priority to the development of the youth through skills acquisition, capacity building, and empowerment to make them productive and self-reliant.

    Speaking to reporters, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Innocent Esewezie, described the award of the Living Legend conferred on Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as well-deserved.

    ”This is the very first time that we are seeing a former governor of Delta State who has been so honoured by the youths of Delta State. When you serve well, you will be well recognised,” Esewezie stated.

    The convener and Delta State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Kenneth Okorie, said the event was organised as part of activities marking a two-week-long event of the International Youth Day.

    The event featured paper presentations on the theme: ‘Empowering The Youths: Building The Future’ by various speakers, including the keynote speaker and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Hillary Ijeoma Owama.