Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated, HRM Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor Kingdom on the occasion of his 42nd birthday anniversary today, Saturday, June 29, 2019.

The Governor said Dein has provided purposeful, courageous and tenacious leadership for the Agbor people over the years and deserves to be celebrated at 42.

Okowa in a statement in Asaba signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, commended the monarch for making Agbor kingdom peaceful and investor-friendly since he ascended the ageless throne of his forefathers.

He lauded the monarch’s contributions to addressing the issues of unemployment, social deviance and value orientation among youths which culminated in the establishment of the Agbor Youth Learning, Development and Empowerment Centre.

“His Majesty equally instituted cultural and traditional reforms to enhance the cohesion of the kingdom, hedge up its competitiveness, raised its visibility at the national and trans-national fora, and increased its strategic relevance in the increasingly relevant traditional institution in our dynamic polity.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate with HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu I, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom on the occasion of his 42nd birthday anniversary on Saturday 29th June, 2019,” Okowa said.

The Governor joined the people of Ika Nation, particularly the Agbor people, in celebrating His Royal Majesty with good health, wisdom and strength to continue ruling the people of Agbor Kingdom.

“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to give you good health and wisdom to pilot the traditional affairs of your kingdom and offer valuable contributions to the development of our dear Delta State and Nigeria in general,” the Governor said.

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon Emmanuel Egbabor, over the death of one of the Councillors, Hon. Kelvin Malaka.

Until his tragic death on Friday, Hon. Malaka was the Councillor representing Oyede Ward 1 in the Isoko North Legislative Arm.

A statement by Aniagwu said that Governor Okowa spoke to Egbabor on phone and expressed shock over the sad news of the untimely passing of the Councillor whom he described as “energetic and charismatic”.

Okowa said that it was particularly saddening that the council lawmaker was hale and hearty this morning (Friday morning) while leaving home for work before he met his untimely death in a vehicle accident.

In a message to the Chairman, the Isoko North Legislative Arm, the Malaka family and the people of Oyede community, the Governor said: “I received the sad news of Hon. Kelvin Malaka’s death with shock. He was a young man who distinguished himself in service to the students of the Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro.

“Upon his graduation and after years of diligent service to our great party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his people of Oyede community found him worthy to represent them as Councillor Oyede Ward 1 in the Isoko North Legislative Arm where he served diligently as Deputy Chief Whip and Chairman Finance and Appropriation Committee,” Okowa said.

He prayed God to accept the deceased soul, and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left behind to bear the loss.

The late Hon. Kelvin Malaka was a graduate of Agricultural Extension and Management from the Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro where he served as President of the Students Union Government during the 2007/2008 session.