Two years after completing his tenure as Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa remains one of the most respected figures in the state’s political landscape.
His enduring influence is a product of visionary leadership, people-centered governance, and a political style built on inclusiveness, humility, and service.
Legacy of Performance
Okowa’s eight-year administration left a visible imprint across Delta State, from landmark infrastructure projects to human capital development initiatives.
Signature projects such as the Asaba Specialist Hospital, the Stephen Keshi Stadium upgrade, and multiple road networks across the three senatorial districts stand as enduring testaments to his developmental drive.
His Stronger Delta Agenda focused on job creation, healthcare, and educational reforms. Through programs like the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP), thousands of young Deltans were empowered with sustainable skills, reducing unemployment and building a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Politics of Inclusiveness
Okowa is widely regarded as a bridge-builder in Delta politics. His leadership style prioritised consultation and accommodation, ensuring that all ethnic nationalities, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, and Anioma, had a sense of belonging in governance.
This inclusiveness helped stabilize the political climate of the state during his administration and continues to strengthen his standing as a respected elder statesman whose voice carries weight in critical political discussions.
National Recognition and Statesmanship
Beyond Delta, Okowa has established himself as a respected voice in national politics.
His role as the Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections elevated his profile, positioning him as a unifying figure within the party and a statesman committed to national progress.
Despite leaving office, he has continued to contribute to policy conversations on healthcare, youth development, and good governance, further cementing his image as a leader whose relevance extends beyond elective office.
Personal Attributes that Inspire Loyalty
Perhaps one of the strongest reasons Okowa continues to command respect is his personal humility and accessibility.
Known for his soft-spoken but firm disposition, he has maintained close ties with political associates, party loyalists, and the grassroots.
For many Deltans, he embodies a rare blend of political maturity and humaneness that inspires loyalty and admiration, even outside the corridors of power.
The Okowa Factor in Today’s Politics
In Delta politics, influence is measured not only by titles held but by the ability to shape conversations and inspire unity.
Two years after leaving office,
Okowa’s opinions still matter, his counsel still sought, and his political network remains vibrant.
Okowa’s Enduring Relevance Ahead of 2027
As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, Okowa’s influence has become even more pronounced.
His reputation as a stabilizing force in Delta politics positions him as a key figure in shaping the direction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he has pitched tent with in the state, aligning with the center.
Analysts note that his legacy of performance and his bridge-building credentials make him a rallying point for both old and emerging political actors seeking guidance and endorsement.
In recent weeks, Okowa has held strategic meetings across Delta North, where he hails from, engaging grassroots leaders, opinion shapers, and political stakeholders.
These consultations, though low-key, have generated significant interest within the state’s political circles, sparking conversations about his continued role as a power broker.
For many, these moves underscore his commitment to ensuring that Delta North and indeed the entire state remain strongly positioned in the unfolding 2027 political equation.
As the state navigates its political and developmental future, the “Okowa Factor” continues to play a stabilizing role, reminding both leaders and the electorate that true political relevance is sustained not merely by power, but by performance, integrity, and service to the people.
