“His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Former Governor of Delta State, is My Mentor — I Celebrate Him @ 66”
— Hon. Chief Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor, Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas
By Wilson Macaulay
As the celebratory atmosphere fills the air in Delta State and beyond, in honor of the 66th birthday of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, tributes have continued to pour in from various quarters. One of the most heartfelt and inspiring messages came from the Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Chief Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor, who has openly declared that Dr. Okowa is not only a political mentor but a guiding light, an inspiration, and a man whose leadership footprint will remain etched in the sands of time.
Speaking at a press briefing organized to commemorate the statesman’s birthday, Hon. Chief Uviejitobor didn’t hold back his admiration and gratitude as he chronicled his personal and political journey with Dr. Okowa, highlighting the numerous ways the former Governor has impacted his life and shaped his trajectory in public service.
“A Divine Connection That Changed My Life”
“Meeting His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was more than a coincidence. It was a divine connection,” Hon. Uviejitobor began. “After I emerged victorious in my first election into the Delta State House of Assembly, I was privileged to have my first real encounter with him. Despite his high office as the sitting Governor then, he received me with humility and warmth that instantly struck a chord in my heart. I knew from that moment that I was in the presence of a rare kind of leader — one whose leadership is not defined by position, but by purpose, compassion, and clarity of vision.”
He continued: “That single meeting became a defining moment in my political career. He did not only offer me a seat at the table but took me under his wings and started mentoring me with unmatched patience and foresight. I became not just his political son, but a disciple of his leadership philosophy and style.”
Mentorship Built on Loyalty, Trust, and Vision
Hon. Uviejitobor spoke with conviction about how the relationship between him and Dr. Okowa has grown beyond politics into a genuine bond of trust, respect, and shared commitment to the service of the people.
“Mentorship under Dr. Okowa is not just about politics; it is holistic. He teaches you how to lead with humility, how to serve selflessly, and how to be a man of your word,” he said. “He embodies loyalty, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Over the years, I have come to understand that leadership, when modeled right, is not about titles or accolades but about impact, sacrifice, and service.”
He further explained that Dr. Okowa’s leadership acumen was evident in the way he governed Delta State — with inclusivity, development, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding as his key priorities. “We saw unprecedented progress in areas of health, infrastructure, education, and youth engagement. No wonder he earned the nickname ‘The Road Master’ due to the numerous quality roads constructed under his administration.”
A Transformational Leader and Nation-Builder
According to Hon. Uviejitobor, Dr. Okowa’s leadership did not only transform Delta State but also earned national recognition, culminating in his emergence as the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections.
“This is not a man whose greatness is accidental. It is the result of intentional service, intellectual capacity, and spiritual depth,” he emphasized. “Even at the national stage, his input during the campaigns and policy conversations reflected his deep understanding of the issues confronting Nigeria. His approach to governance is strategic, people-oriented, and sustainable.”
He praised Dr. Okowa’s establishment of the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme, a groundbreaking healthcare policy that has benefited thousands of Deltans, particularly the vulnerable. “His vision to ensure universal health coverage in Delta State remains one of his most enduring legacies. It is a testament to his belief that leadership must prioritize the well-being of the people.”
A Father Figure Beyond Politics
As a man who has spent years serving the people both as a legislator and now as Commissioner, Hon. Uviejitobor expressed how Dr. Okowa’s influence has shaped his values in public service.
“There are times when I faced very difficult decisions, moments when political storms blew fiercely, but in those times, I would often remember his words — ‘Always put the people first.’ That is the hallmark of his mentorship — he teaches you to lead not just with your head, but with your heart.”
He recounted moments of private counsel where Dr. Okowa provided fatherly advice that helped him navigate tough terrains both in politics and in personal matters. “He has been a father figure — firm when he needs to be, yet compassionate always. He doesn’t just care about your role as a public servant, he cares about you as a human being.”
Celebrating the Statesman at 66
Marking the 66th birthday of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Uviejitobor described it as a celebration of impact, legacy, and destiny fulfilled. He called on all Deltans, especially the youth, to emulate the former Governor’s exemplary life of integrity, dedication, and service to humanity.
“Today, we celebrate a man who has not only served Delta State but has also inspired a new generation of leaders. At 66, Dr. Okowa remains as vibrant, thoughtful, and committed as ever. His story is one of grace, grit, and greatness. It is my prayer that God continues to bless him with long life, good health, and more opportunities to serve humanity.”
Hon. Uviejitobor also announced that a thanksgiving service and series of community empowerment programs would be organized in his local constituency in honor of Dr. Okowa’s birthday.
“This is a leader who gave so much to the state. It is only right that we celebrate him in a way that reflects his heart for the people — by giving back and touching lives.”
Dr. Okowa’s Enduring Legacy in Delta State
Reflecting further on Dr. Okowa’s achievements as Governor, the Commissioner recalled several initiatives and projects that have reshaped Delta State, including the SMART Agenda, the Job Creation Scheme, Technical Education Programs, and massive investments in road construction and urban renewal.
“Dr. Okowa empowered thousands of Deltans through the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP), Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), and the Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP). These were not just palliative interventions; they were sustainable programs designed to build capacity, reduce unemployment, and stimulate economic growth.”
He noted that Dr. Okowa’s inclusive governance model also created platforms for women, youths, and marginalized groups to have a voice in government, which greatly contributed to the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during his administration.
A Personal Note of Gratitude
With visible emotion, Hon. Uviejitobor concluded his remarks by expressing personal gratitude to his mentor.
“Your Excellency, I am forever grateful. You believed in me, encouraged me, and lifted me up when it mattered most. You gave me the confidence to believe in my dreams and showed me that service is the highest form of leadership. As you celebrate your 66th birthday, I join millions of others to salute your legacy. May your light continue to shine brightly, and may your journey continue to inspire generations to come.”
Conclusion
The tribute from Hon. Chief Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor stands as a heartfelt testimony to the depth of influence Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has had on those privileged to work with him. It is more than a birthday message — it is an acknowledgment of legacy, a story of mentorship, and a call to emulate the virtues of a great leader.
As Delta State and Nigeria at large continue to face new challenges, the words and actions of leaders like Dr. Okowa serve as a compass for the future — a reminder that visionary leadership grounded in integrity, empathy, and wisdom can truly transform lives.
Happy 66th birthday to a statesman, a builder of people, and a beacon of light — His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.
