Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State on Monday described Dr. Gabriel Okara as ‘the greatest literary mind and Poet Laureate of the Niger Delta region’ who has distinguished himself in the literary arts.

Dr. Gabriel Okara received the accolade, while presenting a book on a collection of poems, which he authored to Governor Dickson in his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

Governor Dickson commended Dr. Okara for his life of service and dedication in the promotion of the Ijaw people and their cultural heritage in his works, stating that, the poet would not be forgotten for giving Bayelsa a pride of place in the literary arts.

While appreciating the family of the literary icon for giving him to Bayelsa and the Niger Delta, the Governor noted that, Dr. Okara is the number one in showcasing his literary genius.

“I thank God and appreciate his life of service and dedication to his literary works and the promotion of the culture of Bayelsa and the entire Ijaw nation. Also, I want to thank him for giving Bayelsa a place in the literary plane,” Dickson said.

“He is Poet Laureate of the Niger Delta as a whole and God should continue to give him life to continue to mentor the present generation, the young and the old among us,” he added.

In his remarks, the 95-year-old Dr. Gabriel Okara expressed appreciation to Governor Dickson for his encouragement and efforts at motivating writers in the state.

According to the Poet, Governor Dickson is a Cultural Governor, with a literary inclination, as he has displayed an uncommon interest in the literary arts and cultural rejuvenation of the people.

•Photo shows Dr. Gabriel Okara.

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