Gov Okowa charges elder statesmen and political leaders to help mentor, produce new sets of leaders

Delta State Governor and Ochuko R’ Urhobo Nation, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has again emphasized the need for political leaders and elder statesmen to help mentor and produce future leaders as part of their patriotic responsibility towards building the Nigeria of our dreams.

He gave the advise while speaking at the 70th birthday thanksgiving service of elder statesman and former military governor of Kano and Benue States, Chief (Brig. Gen) Dominic Obukadata Oneya at St Jude Catholic Church, Effurun, Delta State.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe quoting Gov Okowa as saying that any nation without strategic mentorship plan for its youths may not achieve much which is why elder statesmen, political leaders and technocrats must of a necessity make themselves available from time to time to help shape the moral and leadership skills of future leaders for the attainment of smooth and result oriented transmission of political powers from one generation to another.

The Smart Governor who have been receiving series of endorsements as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) in Delta State, further asserted that the responsibility of nation building is enormous and therefore cannot be left in the hands of mediocre and half baked leaders.

He observed that Delta State is blessed with great leaders like General Dominic Oneya who served in various capacities while in the military and as former Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA).

“General Oneya is our leader, mentor and elder statesman with exceptional moral, intellectual and leadership qualities. He wears warm smile at all times that endeared him to many people across board.

“He has made Delta State and all of us proud especially during his active days in the military where he served at various levels within and outside Nigeria, as military governor of Kano and Benue States, as Chairman of Nigerian Football Association and as President General of Agbarho Council of Chiefs, to mention a few.

“I want to emphasize the need for our elder statesmen to continue to help us in mentoring and shaping the character and leadership skills of future leaders; because a nation without well groomed leaders may never experience good governance and socioeconomic development.

“Onbehalf of my family and the good people of Delta State, I congratulate Gen Oneya on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration.

“I thank God for his love and mercies towards him and family and wish him many more years of prosperity, good health and increased wisdom.” Okowa prayed.

Gov Okowa was accompanied by his deputy, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom, Rt Hon Festus Ovie Agas, Secretary to Delta State Government.

Other top dignitaries present include; Honourable Commissioners for Information, Hon Patrick Ukah and his Works counterpart, Hon Aguoye, Desoadec Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chief Askia Ovie, House of Representatives member, Hon Solomon Awhinawhi aka Don Shizo, House of Assembly member, Prince Hon Eric Oharisi, Ethiope East PDP leader, Chief Bernard Edewor, Special Adviser to the Governor and Chairman, Gov Okowa 3rd Anniversary in Office as Governor of Delta State, Chief Agwhariavwodo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Waterway Security and 2019 Ethippe East House of Assembly aspirant, Barrister Arthur Akpowowo, Chief Security Officer to the Governor, Lawrence Asiegbu, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, et al.