Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated former Governor of the State, Chief James Ibori, as he clocks 63.

He also congratulated Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, on his 60th birth anniversary, even as he sent condolences to Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on the passing away of his father, Dr Emmanuel Abiodun.

Okowa’s messages were contained in separate statements by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba.

He described Ibori as a great and inspirational leader, who had so far left indelible footprints in his service to the state and humanity.

Okowa lauded his former boss whom he served as a two-time commissioner, for laying the foundation on which successive administrations in the state built upon.

According to him, Chief Ibori is our great and indefatigable leader and pathfinder, who built bridges of unity across the various ethnic groups in the state.

“His contributions to the growth and development of Delta are unquantifiable as many of his legacy projects still dot the nooks and crannies of the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our dear leader, patriot and statesman, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on the occasion of his 63rd birth anniversary.

“As the father of modern Delta, I must commend your visionary and inclusive leadership that you exhibited throughout your eight years as governor, laying the foundation of the desired modern Delta laced with building bridges of unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.

“It is my prayer that your best years are yet to come even as God Almighty grants you long life, good health and wisdom to keep serving God and humanity,” the governor stated

On Emefiele, Okowa noted that he had made substantial contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy since becoming Governor of the apex bank in 2014.

The governor commended Emefiele for his tremendous and outstanding accomplishments in the service of Nigeria over the years, describing him as “distinguished and consistent public servant”.

He observed that the agriculture sector in Nigeria had recorded enormous boost and innovation through his prompting and guide, especially with the CBN Anchor Borrowers' Programme, launched under his watch in 2015.

Okowa recalled that in recognition of Emefiele’s impeccable leadership and resounding results in leading Nigeria out of economic recession, he was honoured with the Vanguard Man-of-the-Year 2016 award.

“Emefiele’s leadership at the CBN has been largely characterized by outstanding vision in tackling issues of foreign exchange and growth of the home economy.

“His programmes and policies have impacted many Nigerians in spite of the insecurity threatening huge investments in farming, particularly for those under the CBN Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

“The bank under his leadership has continued to direct monetary policies on the path of stabilising the financial sector in Nigeria,” he said.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the occasion of your 60th birth anniversary.

“I join your family, associates and friends to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by worthy attainments and enduring fulfillment.

“As you deservedly celebrate this diamond anniversary, it is my prayer that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and more years of happiness and contributions to nation-building,” Okowa added.

In the case of Pa Abiodun popularly called “Baba Teacher”, who died on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021 after a brief illness, at 89, Okowa extended his condolences to Gov. Abiodun, Iperu-Remo community and the Government and people of Ogun. Okowa said that Pa Abiodun’s death was a great loss not only to people of Ogun but to the nation, given his invaluable contributions to the teaching profession.

He noted that Dr Abiodun lived a life of great impact on the society and urged the family to be consoled by the legacies left behind by their late patriarch.

Okowa paid glowing tribute to the deceased for being a worthy father to children and many others, and urged the family to take solace in the fact that he lived to witness the enormous successes achieved by his offspring, including the emergence of Mr Dapo Abiodun as Governor.

“We received the news of the demise of your beloved father with shock, but we are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of dedicated service to humanity through the teaching profession.

“We share in your sorrow and pains at this period and we pray that God will grant you and the family the courage to bear the loss, as we pray for the repose of the soul of your departed father.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I mourn with you, my brother Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, on the unfortunate demise of your beloved father, Dr Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun.

“It is my prayer that God will comfort you and the entire family as you mourn,” he said.