Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has sent warm felicitations to his Anambra counterpart, Chief Willie Obiano, as he clocks 64 years today, Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, on Wednesday in Asaba, extolled Chief Obiano for his outstanding contributions to the development of Anambra and the banking industry in Nigeria.

While congratulating Obiano on the anniversary, he lauded the Anambra Governor for his enigmatic political prowess.

Okowa described Obiano as a political tactician, astute administrator and a leader with impeccable passion for the development of his people.

He commended the governor for his developmental strides, especially the spectacular performance of his four-pillar programme of Security, Agriculture, Youth Empowerment and Education.

He said: “Your Excellency, it is to your credit and the good people of Anambra that your state is one of the most peaceful and well secured in the country today.

“This earned you the award of best Governor on ‘Security Architecture’ in West and Central Africa from Africa Security Watch 2018.

“Your focus and commitment to the growth and development of Anambra is commendable and worthy of emulation.

“The people of Anambra are indeed proud of your antecedents and achievements since they overwhelmingly re-elected you to lead the state to a brighter future ahead of them.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I heartily rejoice with a world class banker and administrator per excellence, a perfect gentleman, reputable politician, outstanding professional and my brother governor, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State as he celebrates his 64th birth anniversary on Thursday, August 8, 2019.

“I am pleased to join your family, political associates and other well-wishers 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 all Anambra people.

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

Also yesterday, Governor Okowa has congratulated the doyen of comedy in Nigeria, Mr. Atunyota Akporobomerere alias Ali Baba, on the Presidential Award of Excellence to him at the second National MSME Awards.

The event was hosted by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Okowa described Ali Baba as a quintessential comedian whose contributions to the development of entertainment industry in Nigeria would remain indelible.

He lauded the humour merchant for his outstanding patriotism, humility, mentorship, support for budding talents and as a good ambassador of Delta State.

“As a state, we are particularly proud of your numerous ‘firsts’ – first Nigerian comedian to perform on commercial flights, first to entertain over 40 heads of governments, first comedian to ring the closing bell of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

“You are also first comedian on CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera, first to be inaugurated into the Johnnie Walker Hall of fame and first to stage a 6-hour stand-up comedy performance, among many other laudable accomplishments,” Okowa said.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for finding an eminent son of Delta, Ali Baba, worthy of the honour.

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