Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, at the weekend identified human resources as the greatest asset of the state.

Speaking at an impressive ceremony where the Man of the Year Award was conferred on him by The Sun Newspapers in Lagos, Governor Uduaghan said this was evident in the fact that out of 16 persons that bagged awards at the ceremony, seven were Deltans.

Dr. Uduaghan, who was flanked by his wife and children, was presented with the award by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Godswill Akpabio; former Governor of Ogun State, Olesegun Osoba, and Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of Thisday Newspapers.

According to him, “The greatest resources we have in Delta State is not oil but human resources,” adding: “Our economic agenda of Delta Beyond Oil is a reality.”

“We are now talking about Nigeria Beyond Oil,” the Governor said, reiterating that it was important for Nigeria to use revenue from oil to develop an economy that will be sustainable without oil.

He commended management and staff of The Sun Newspapers for choosing him as the Man of the Year 2013, stating: “This award is not only for me and my family, but the entire people of Delta State.”

The Publisher of The Sun Newspapers, Dr Orji Uzo Kalu, described the award as “the most valuable award in Nigeria” while the managing director of the newspaper, Mr. Femi Adeshina, said the award ceremony which was the 11th edition was to celebrate distinguished Nigerians and “those who have rekindled our hope in Nigeria.”

Some of those who bagged awards at the ceremony included Mr. Tony Elumelu (Investor Of The Year); Chief Edwin Clark (Lifetime Achievement); Mr. Sam Amuka (Lifetime Achievement); Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya (Lifetime Achievement); Chief Michael Ade Ojo (Lifetime Achievement); Stephen Keshi (Sportsman of the Year); Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso (Man of the Year); Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio (Most Supportive First Lady); Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi (Banker of the Year); Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko (Public Service); Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Business Person of the Year); and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata (Business Person of the Year).

Eminent Deltans attended the ceremony held on Saturday, among them the State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr Peter Nwaoboshi; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei; members of the State House of Assembly; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay; members of the State executive council; traditional rulers; and party elders.

•Photo shows Governor Uduaghan displaying award.