The Delta State Government has honored 18 distinguished Deltans for their contributions to the development of the state and Nigeria in general.
Some of the distinguished awardees include the Director-General of World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia; Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and eminent scholar, Prof. Obaro Ikime.
Other were Professor Joy Ogwu, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, renowned architect, Chief Charles Majoroh, Chief E.K. Clark, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Vanguard Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu and Frontline comedian, Atunyota Akpobome a.k.a Alibaba.
The awardees also included Michael Ajereh (Don Jazzy), Ese Brume, Timipamere Akiayefa and three posthumous recipients – Chief Mukoro Mowoe, Chief James Otobo and Chief Dennis Osadebay, former Premier of defunct Midwest Region.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, at the Gala/Award Night in Asaba, the grand finale of a week-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state, said the list of prominent sons and daughters was by no means exhaustive and there are many Deltans making waves in various aspects of life and across the nations of the world.
He said, “As a government, we thought this is a good starting point and we are deeply grateful that the awardees considered it worthwhile and we thank you for giving us that honour.
“The state had in its three decades of existence been a potpourri of diversity and inclusion, trials and triumphs and growth and stability”
Okowa solicited the continued support of all Deltans, including the Diaspora, to his administration in its determination to deliver a Stronger Delta to them.
He assured that ongoing projects and programmes would be concluded while premium would continue to be attached to well-being of citizens.
