Traditional rulers of Delta North have presented an award to Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his outstanding performance with the governor saying the growth of the state was paramount in his activities.

Speaking at a farewell award ceremony that took place at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba and was attended by traditional rulers from Delta North Senatorial district, including former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, Dr Uduaghan said as a Governor, Secretary to the state government and Commissioner for Health, his activities were spurred by the need to contribute positively to the development of the state.

"I feel greatly fulfilled that I am the first Governor of Delta State to be honoured by the Anioma people, it speaks volume, virtually all the traditional rulers from Delta North Senatorial district (Anioma) are gathered here to give me this honour and I feel greatly honoured,” he said.

According to him, “I believe that it is in the interest of Delta State, the growth of Delta State that an Anioma son emerged as the governor-elect, Delta is peaceful and all my actions are guided by the need for the growth and development of the state.

“It took some people a long time to accept Asaba as the state capital, but the story is different today, when I started the airport project and the Government House, I knew I had to do my best to make Asaba a befitting place as the capital of Delta State and the icing on the cake is that I am handing over to an Anioma son as the Governor of Delta State,” he said.

While assuring the people that he is a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Uduaghan appealed to the traditional rulers to support Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to succeed as the Governor of the whole of Delta State.

Earlier, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien had told the Governor that the award was in recognition of his developmental stride, saying the state was peaceful throughout his period as the governor of the state.

•Photo shows Uduaghan