Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Saturday felicitated with the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, CFR, ahead of his 94th birthday on Sunday, July 28, 2019.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, on Saturday in Asaba, the Governor on behalf of the government and people of Delta State joined the people of Asaba and Anioma nation, in celebrating the nonagenarian monarch and the oldest living Professor in Nigeria on his 94th birthday and 28th coronation anniversary.

He observed that the monarch’s 28 years reign as the 13th Asagba of Asaba has witnessed tremendous improvement in community relations, peace and prosperity of his domain, Asaba.

The statement reads: “As one of the oldest traditional rulers in the country and the oldest living Professor, Governor Okowa extols the sterling leadership qualities of the royal father, which had over the years earned him numerous recognitions and awards.

“The Governor extols the maturity and wisdom of the royal father in administering his domain, consistently ensuring peace and development, and promoting a strong appetite for education and commerce among his people.

“Governor Okowa believes the nonagenarian has, over the years, successfully sustained the heritage of patience, tolerance and good neighbourliness that was bequeathed by his ancestors, and taken his people to new heights of integration into the global community.

The Governor affirms that the monarch has brought his solid intellectual pedigree and global exposure to bear on the leadership of the traditional institution which he inherited 28 years ago.

“His Majesty’s pedigree has no doubt impacted positively in the modernisation of the Asaba traditional institution to accommodate the large influx of visitors as a state capital.

“Governor Okowa prays that the almighty God will grant the royal father longer life, good health and more wisdom to serve his people and humanity.”

In another development, Governor Okowa on Friday extended his condolences to the Okumagba family, the government and people of Warri South Local Government Area of the state on the death of the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Prof. Paul Oghenero Okumagba, Idama II.

The Governor, according to a statement by Aniagwu, also commiserated with the people of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and the Delta State University over the death of the traditional ruler who was until his coronation in 2017 a Professor in the Sociology Department of the university.

He noted that HRM Idama II was a renowned disciplinarian who devoted his life and tenure of office to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups in Warri South Local Government.

He described the deceased as a disciplinarian and a renowned academic who fought against examination malpractice and other social vices at the Delta State University when he had served as a public servant.

The statement reads: “Apart from accepting to ascend the throne of his forefathers, the Governor believes that the late Idama II, will be long remembered for his role in fighting examination malpractice and other social vices which significantly contributed to the enhancement of educational standard of the university.

“The Governor pays tribute to his contribution to the peace and development, particularly his significant role in ensuring peaceful coexistence between the people of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom and other tribes in the Warri metropolis.

“Governor Okowa prays that Almighty God will comfort the family and grant the deceased eternal rest and reward his good virtues while he lived.”

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