…As Amuka, Obaigbena, Ikpeba, 47 others get honours at 20th anniversary

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Austin Ogwuda, Asaba

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday declared that the vision of the founding fathers of  Delta  State was on  course towards realization of one big family with a united heart. Speaking at an award ceremony where 50 indigenes of the state were honoured, Uduaghan declared that despite different languages and culture, Delta  was now more united.

The award ceremony, held amidst pomp, was a fitting recognition of some of the state’s most distinguished persons in the arts, business, academia, royalty and the professions.

Among those recognized for the honour brought to the state were Nigeria’s first female vice-chancellor, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams; first civilian governor of the state, Olorogun Felix Ibru; Vanguard publisher, Sam Amuka; the thespian, Justice Esiri; former footballer known as the Prince of Monaco, Victor Ikpeba and Thisday publisher and Chairman of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria,  Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

Yesterday’s impressive ceremony at the Grand Hotel, Asaba was graced by some of the former military administrators of Delta.

The state was carved out of the former Bendel State on August 27, 1991.

Noting the progress made by the state thus far, Uduaghan, who is the third elected  governor of the state, said: “We commend our founding fathers for their visionary foresight and their needful sacrifices which have all helped to uplift the state because of the solid foundations they laid for us.

“We are laying more blocks on the structure they left for us and we are determined to succeed even though, we have passed through several challenges, which have made us stronger and wiser.”

Noting the contribution of his predecessors, he said:
”Permit me to use this medium to thank my predecessors for their contributions to making Delta State what it has become. We are resolved to continue to steady march to sustainable development. We will improve infrastructure, rehabilitate some of the ailing industries, improve road air and sea transport to create jobs and improve local and foreign investment drives.”

“This administration”, he went on, ”is committed to bringing sustained peace, security and development to our State. Our efforts to resuscitate the Warri Ports are yielding tremendous results. It is expected that the Delta Ports will be boosted with the completion of work on the Asaba-Ughelli road dualization project. The Asaba airport has commenced operation to help alleviate the difficulties of our people transiting from Abuja and Lagos to Delta State.”

While stressing the relevance  of Asaba airport in his vision of using mega jobs to remove dependence on statutory allocations, he announced that the nation’s biggest domestic airline would start operations from the airport this week. “It is also encouraging that the Koko Export Processing Zone has received several serious commitments from foreign investors and tremendous support from the Federal Government. Let me just say that we are on course to having a State that is not solely dependent on oil in the next few years”, he added.

Also in attendance at the occasion were the Editor in Chief of Vanguard, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye; the Editor, Mr. Mideno Bayagbon; erstwhile military administrators of the state: Brig-Gen. J. Yeri, Bassey Asuquo, and Ibraham Kefas; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Engr. Victor Ochei; commissioners; and former deputy governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, among many other dignitaries.

Uduaghan stressed  that the awardees were chosen by Vanguard as a way to deflect criticism of bias even as he affirmed that many more indigenes of the state had also brought glory to the state.

His words: “Let me clearly state that the Delta State Government did not nominate anybody for the awards. It was handled independent of government interference and we agree with the result of the researches.

Recipients of today’s awards have been selected based on their contributions to their professions, the progress and development of the State and nation in general. I am particularly impressed by the enterprising disposition of the recipients, because they have shown their commitment and determination to continuously and positively contribute to society.  “This award is an initiative meant to recognize these deserving Deltans who have selflessly served the State and country in their various endeavours and whose efforts have helped to transform our society.”

Roll call of the awardees

1.     Prof. Grace Alele-Williams

2    Mr. Sam Amuka

3.       Chief Philip Asiodu

4.       Chief Allison Ayida

5.       Alaowei Bozimo

6.       Ambassador A. Clark

7.       Chief Edwin Clark

8.       Prof. J.P. Clark

9.       Senator David Dafinone

10.       Air Marshal Paul Dike

11.       General David Ejoor

12.       Mr. Tony Elumelu

13.       Mr. Justus Esiri

14.       Comrade Angodeme Joseph Evah

15.      Chief Hope Harriman

16.       Mr. Alex Ibru

17.      Olorogun Felix Ibru

18.      Olorogun Michael Ibru

19.      Prof. B.I.C. Ijomah

20.       Prof. Obaro Ikime

21.       Mr. Victor Ikpeba

22.       Chief Isaac Jemide

23.       Chief Newton Jibunoh

24.       Chief Sylvester Moemeke

25.       Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze

26.       Ar. Demas Nwoko

27.       Mr. Nduka Obaigbena

28.       Chief Sonny Odogwu
29.       Chief Mrs. Ritalori Ogbebor

30.       Gen. Alexander Ogomudia

31.       Dr. Emmanuel Ojei

32.       Miss Blessing Okagbare

33.       Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

34.       Chief Wellington Okirika

35.       Chief Benjamin Okumagba

36.       Vice Adm. Dan Preston Enitor Omatsola

37.       General Paul Omu

38.       Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya

39.       Deacon Gamaliel Onosode

40.       Dr. Evelyn Oputu

41.       Engr. Guy Otobo

42.       Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

43.       Brig. General Oviemo Ovadje

44.       Mr. Jim  Ovia

45.       Prof Sam Oyovbaire

46.       Dr. Abel Ubeku

47.       Prof. Pat Utomi

48.       HRM, Asaba of Asaba

49.       HRM, Orodje of Okpe

50.       HRM, Olu of Warri