…Commends President Tinubu for prioritising competence, national cohesion

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Delta State Chapter, has congratulated former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on his appointment as National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the intervention platform championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In a statement issued in Warri and signed by the Delta State HOSTCOM Chairman, Chief Amb. Comrade Enujeke Ndidi Sunday (IJP), and the State Secretary, High Comrade Joseph Laminghan, the organisation described Okowa’s appointment as “a national asset strategically positioned where his experience, compassion and governance expertise will bring maximum value to the nation.”

Chief Amb. Enujeke said HOSTCOM received the news with immense excitement, noting that the oil-bearing communities of Delta State — many of which benefitted from Okowa’s inclusive, development-focused leadership — are confident that his new assignment will expand grassroots empowerment and deepen access to social intervention programmes nationwide.

According to the statement, “Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa remains a distinguished statesman and builder of people and institutions. His sterling achievements in the health sector, education reforms, technical and vocational capacity building, welfare expansion, as well as his landmark development of oil-producing communities through DESOPADEC, stand as lasting legacies of visionary leadership. The Renewed Hope Initiative will undoubtedly draw strength from his deep understanding of community needs and his compassion-driven approach to governance.”

HOSTCOM stressed that Okowa’s appointment goes beyond political balancing, describing it as a strategic national decision that places competence and experience at the centre of an intervention platform designed to reach vulnerable Nigerians.

“This appointment is beyond personal elevation; it is a call to national duty,” the organisation said. “Senator Okowa has consistently demonstrated leadership that is detribalized, strategic and rooted in service to humanity. We are confident that he will bring renewed structure, clarity and compassionate execution to the Renewed Hope Initiative across the federation.”

HOSTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Okowa in this crucial national role and assured him of the continuous backing and prayers of Delta’s oil-bearing communities.

The organisation also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing the appointment as “a bold demonstration of statesmanship, maturity and readiness to work with competent Nigerians across party lines for the collective good of the nation.”

According to HOSTCOM, “President Tinubu has shown that national development must take precedence over political differences. By choosing Senator Okowa, the President has placed merit, experience and compassion at the forefront of the Renewed Hope Initiative.”

The group reiterated its support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that national collaboration remains critical to advancing the wellbeing of host communities.

HOSTCOM concluded by pledging continued partnership with relevant agencies, stakeholders and national actors to deepen development, strengthen peace and promote inclusivity across all oil-producing communities in Delta State.