Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated former Governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi, as he clocked 60 on Monday, July 19, 2021, and felicitated with Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), ahead of his 65th birthday tomorrow, Wednesday, July 21.

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra, was Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa said that Obi’s tenure as governor recorded outstanding transformation of Anambra, which had remained a reference point in the country.

He commended Obi for his outstanding leadership and immense contributions to the growth and development of the state, especially when he bequeathed lots of assets to his predecessor and the state.

Okowa remarked that Obi’s enviable success as governor did not come to many as a surprise given his pedigree as a consummate banker and finance management expert.

He particularly commended the former governor for the physical transformation of Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra, which hitherto was despised by many for the crime rate and other vices in the city.

According to Okowa, Peter Obi demonstrated immense courage and determination to develop Anambra in spite of all the battles he fought as governor of the state.

“Your Excellency, your selfless and impressive performance as governor of Anambra has already distinguished you as a great nationalist and among the pride of our great nation.

“At a very young age, you towered high in the corporate world which was your occupational comfort zone, until your people beckoned on you to take up the mantle of leadership which was at a rudderless level at a time in the state.

“Your performance after eight years proved those who recommended you right for the job. You were a lesson in fiscal prudence, accountability and transparency to both those in public and private sectors, especially in governance.

“Since leaving office in 2014, you have remained a great figure and an inspirational leader for our great party in your state and country, and an undisputable model and mentor to younger Nigerians,” he said.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate my dear brother, an outstanding statesman and astute businessman, Mr Peter Obi, on his 60th birth anniversary.

“On this auspicious occasion in your life, I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued goodness to you,” Okowa added.

On Governor Akeredolu (SAN), Okowa, in another statement by Ifeajika, lauded the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, for putting aside partisanship in picking the gauntlet to provide leadership for the Forum at a very critical time in the history of the nation.

He described Akeredolu as urbane, cerebral leader of great value and a committed progressive concerned about the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Ondo State and Southern Nigeria.

The governor extolled the sterling and legendary contributions of Akeredolu to the sustainable development and peace in his state and Nigeria.

“You provided leadership and direction for the people of Southern Nigeria when it mattered most and we are entirely grateful to you.

“I am glad to know that you have won the admiration of the people of Ondo State with your people-oriented governance geared toward yielding massive dividends of democracy for them.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with a reputable politician, outstanding professional and my brother governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), Governor of Ondo State as he turns 65 on July 21, 2021.

“I am pleased to join your family and associates in thanking God for blessing you with the strength and wisdom to live a fulfilling life of honesty and commitment to the well-being of Ondo State citizens and the entire Southern Nigeria.

“It is our prayer that God will continue to protect you and grant you good health to render more services to mankind,” he said.

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