Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has described Prof. Pat Utomi as a good role model from the state. Governor Okowa stated this in Lagos at the weekend during the grand finale of activities to mark the 60th birthday celebration of the Ibusa, Delta State-born academic, entrepreneur and politician.

Speaking with newsmen at the venue, Delta State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Patrick Ukah, who represented Governor Okowa, said that Utomi represents all the good virtues the present administration and the state preach.

His words: “Prof. Pat Utomi by all standards represents what Delta State stands for. He is an epitome of intellectualism; he is a good role model of what the current administration of His Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, and Delta state in general preach: hard work, passion for integrity and honesty, entrepreneurship, wealth creation and impacting our world positively.

“The S.M.A.R.T agenda of Governor Okowa’s administration is basically centered on entrepreneurship and wealth creation. Now, oil is no longer what it used to be and the economy is dwindling and, therefore, we must empower the youths by enabling them acquire skills that are relevant to the extent of providing jobs for them and they, in turn, creating jobs. Professor Utomi stands for that. Professor Utomi is not just a respected Deltan, he is a respected Nigerian and a respected citizen of the world.”

“Like the governor said of him, he probably hasn’t achieved what he hoped for in terms of elective position but nobody can take it away from Prof. Utomi that he has shaped public opinion in Nigeria and Africa today. So a man like that should not be looked at only at the level of politics. He should be looked at as somebody who is sent from heaven to change the society. The government and people of Delta State share the joy of today with him.”

The celebration took place at the MUSON Centre, Onikan in Lagos. It was graced by many dignitaries from across all fields of endeavours. They include Oba of Lagos, Kabiyesi Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, who was chairman of the occasion; human rights activist, Chief Femi Falana, SAN; Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; and captains of industry; entrepreneurs; academics; politicians and a host of others.

•Photo shows Delta State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Patrick Ukah, representing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd Left), and his wife, Mrs Ukah (left), presenting a Special Birthday Card and a Special Letter from the Governor to Prof. Pat Utomi (2nd right) and his wife, Ifeoma, during the Professor's 60th birthday celebration in Lagos at the weekend.