By Joe Ogbodu
As the immediate past Governor of Delta State and former Senator, Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa celebrated his 67th birthday on July 8, an extraordinary wave of tributes from political leaders, associates, admirers and ordinary citizens underscored a legacy built not merely on public office, but on enduring service, humility and impactful leadership.
While many political figures pass through history as fleeting stars, a select few leave lasting footprints that continue to inspire generations. For many of those who honoured Okowa on his birthday, he belongs firmly in the latter category.
Fondly known as “Ekwueme”—the one who speaks and fulfils his promises, Okowa’s remarkable journey from his hometown of Owa-Alero to the highest levels of public service has become a compelling story of discipline, compassion and purposeful leadership.
A Journey Rooted in Service
For many of those who paid glowing tributes, Okowa’s accomplishments did not begin at Government House, Asaba. Rather, they were shaped through decades of grassroots service and steady administrative progression.
His Principal Secretary, Hilary Ibegbulem, recalled that Okowa first served as Secretary of the former Ika Local Government Council before becoming the pioneer Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Council.
According to him, those formative roles laid the foundation for a career that later saw Okowa serve as Commissioner for Agriculture, Water Resources and Health, Secretary to the State Government, Senator of the Federal Republic and eventually Governor of Delta State.
His rise through public service, observers noted, reflected a leadership style anchored on competence, consistency and merit rather than political expediency.
Echoing similar sentiments, Olomu Onyiye described Okowa’s political journey as possessing a “Davidic aura,” saying his emergence into national prominence was the product of years of preparation, resilience and capacity building.
The Architect of the SMART Agenda
Much of the birthday reflections centred on Okowa’s eight-year administration as Governor of Delta State, during which he introduced the SMART Agenda, a development blueprint focused on strategic wealth creation, human capital development, infrastructure, peace and security.
Supporters credited his administration with extensive road and bridge construction, expansion of educational institutions, healthcare improvements and youth empowerment initiatives that transformed thousands of lives across the state.
Members of the Delta North Media Team described him as far more than a former governor.
“To us, you are a mentor, a reference point and a shining example of what Anioma leadership represents—intelligence, industry and integrity,” they stated.
A Symbol of Peace and Consensus
Perhaps the most recurring theme throughout the numerous goodwill messages was Okowa’s reputation as a bridge-builder and consensus-driven leader.
In a political environment often characterised by confrontation and division, many contributors praised his calm disposition, inclusive leadership style and unwavering commitment to peace.
Delta State Director of Protocol, Sunday Onoriode, described Okowa’s administration as one defined by consensus-building, peace and people-centred governance.
He also commended the former governor’s smooth transfer of power and his continued support for his successor, **Sheriff Oborevwori>, describing it as a worthy example of statesmanship.
Governor Oborevwori, in a congratulatory message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, praised Okowa’s years of sacrifice and commitment to Delta State.
He noted that the former governor’s tenure left enduring developmental footprints while his continued commitment to peace, unity and progress remains commendable.
Similarly, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas described Okowa as a distinguished statesman whose dedication to public service has continued to inspire confidence and admiration across the country.
He said the former governor’s legacy of purposeful governance, integrity and commitment to national development would remain a reference point for future generations.
Senator Ede Dafinone also celebrated Okowa’s impactful leadership, noting that his style of governance continues to inspire many serving in public office.
Mentor to a New Generation
Beyond infrastructure and governance, many tributes highlighted Okowa’s role as a mentor who deliberately nurtured younger leaders.
Youth leaders including Edwin Usifo and Hessington Okolo described him as a cerebral manager of people who consistently created opportunities for young professionals to participate in governance.
At the local government level, Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Area, Monday Odigwe, celebrated what he called “the gift of life and exemplary leadership” that Okowa represents.
Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, affectionately described the former governor as his “Oga Kpatakpata” (ultimate boss), expressing confidence that Okowa’s experience and fatherly guidance would continue to shape Delta politics in the years ahead.
Legacy Beyond Public Office
Writer Jude Bruno Amamosa perhaps captured the emotional essence of the tributes most poignantly.
He portrayed Okowa as a leader who refuses to respond to hostility with bitterness, choosing instead humility, patience and quiet strength.
For many, that disposition has become one of the defining qualities of the man affectionately called Ekwueme.
As congratulatory messages continued from respected figures including Nkem Okwuofu and Friday Okoh Hero, the overwhelming sentiment was unmistakable: Okowa’s public service journey remains far from over.
At 67, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa stands not simply as a former governor or former senator, but as a respected statesman whose influence extends beyond political office.
His enduring legacy, built on service, consensus, humility and purposeful leadership, continues to inspire confidence across Delta State and Nigeria.
For many who celebrated him, the title Ekwueme remains more than a nickname. It is a fitting description of a leader whose words have consistently been matched by action, and whose contributions will continue to resonate long after the celebrations have ended.
