Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, has bagged the ‘Best Governor of the Year’ award on Peace and Conflict Resolution in the recently concluded 2021 National Peace Awards.

The award which was bestowed on the governor at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, was in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in promotion of peace, conflict resolution and development of Delta State.

Governor okowa who was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, and his colleague for Youth Development, Ifeanyi Egwunyenga dedicated the award to the peace loving people of Delta for their support and cooperation with his administration in the past 6 and a half years.

He noted that his administration had achieved so much because the people sincerely embraced his administration’s peace building platforms and people oriented programs, adding that since his emergence as Governor in 2015, there have been lots of inclusiveness and greater understanding and increased brotherhood amongst the people of the state.

Convener of the National Peace Awards and National President of Messengers of Peace, Dr Suleiman Adejoh, said Governor Okowa was selected for the category in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in peace and conflict resolution in his state in particular and the country in general.

He said the Messengers of peace Foundation was committed to ensuring peace, social justice and sustainable development where all people live together with mutual respect and without recourse to any form of violence to resolve conflict.

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa has congratulated the National Chairman-elect of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, on his 69th birth anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa said Ayu as an astute politician, had etched his name in gold with his outstanding service to the nation in various offices he had occupied.

He commended the new PDP boss for his contributions to the growth and development of the party and democracy in Nigeria, adding that with Ayu steering the ship, Nigeria would berth at desired shores in 2023.

Okowa recalled that Ayu played a significant role in stabilizing democracy in the country when he served as President of the Senate in the Third Republic and later in various ministerial positions in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration between 1999 and 2007.

According to him, Ayu deserves all the accolades as he is set to lead the PDP on a rescue mission to safe Nigeria – people, democracy and economy.

He noted that Ayu’s selfless service to the PDP as well as his many accomplishments in personal and public life “readily come to mind as he celebrates his 69th birth anniversary”.

“Your Excellency, our incoming National Chairman, you have played significant roles in the growth and development of the nation as a former President of the Senate and we can't thank you enough for your great achievements,” the governor said.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you as you celebrate your 69th birth anniversary.

“Over the years, you have devoted yourself to the course of peace and development of our party and our country. For this, we owe you an enduring debt of gratitude.

“It is with pleasure that I and members of our great party in Delta join your family, friends and well-wishers in thanking Almighty God for His continued mercy, protection and provision for you in the past 69 years.

“As you celebrate this day, it is my prayer and that of our members that God will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom and many more years as you set to lead our great party on the rescue mission,” Okowa stated.