Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Red Chambers clocked 55 on Tuesday, 8 July 2014. Senator Okowa, who is fondly called 'Ekwueme' which literally means “A man who keeps promises” is a grass-root politician, a subject in humility, a devout Christian and a dedicated family man. He is from Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Council of Delta State.
At 22, he had graduated as a medical doctor from the prestigious University of Ibadan. Since then, his unflinching commitment to issues affecting the common people knew no bound.
During his private medical practice, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa demonstrated deep affection to those in the lower rung of the society. Often times, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa offered medical services free of charge to indigent dwellers in Igbanke community where he started his medical practice, and its environs and many were allowed to go home inspite of their inability to settle their medical bills.
Evidently, his unassuming and simple approach to issues has emitted into his political life. Today, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa stands tall as one of the few foundation members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) who have remained with the party in good and bad times. His deep belief that power comes from God as demonstrated in his virtue of patience has won him many friends, within and outside the state and the country.
A perfect gentleman and accommodative listener, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has never ascribed to himself the monopoly of knowledge. At conversations, Senator Okowa will pay due attention to all, and makes his points without hurting the ego of others, as he believes that all men must be treated with respect regardless of their social status.
A politician of simple carriage, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has excelled in various capacities. As the Delta State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, he worked assiduously to ensure that farmers in the state enjoyed hugely from the Agricultural Micro-Credit Guarantee Scheme put together by the Ministry of Agriculture for food sufficiency in the State. He facilitated the establishment of the Delta Agricultural Procurement Agency and Tractor Hire Unit, while encouraging the growth and development of small holder oil palm scheme across the state.
As the pioneer Commissioner of Water Resources, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa vigorously pursued the provision of portable water through solar powered water schemes to rural communities in the state. While at the Ministry of Health, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa showed strong commitment to Primary Health-Care Delivery. To his credit, many primary and comprehensive health care centres were constructed, renovated and equipped to boost health care delivery in Urban and Rural communities. He also introduced the rural health scheme to address the health gaps, bringing health care to the poor and neglected.
In 2007, when he was appointed Secretary to State Government, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa brought his wealth of experience to bear. His high level of political maturity and administrative exposure enabled him to effectively assist his boss, Governor Uduaghan to efficiently coordinate the activities of the various Ministries and Agencies.
Now just 36 months in the Senate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has surpassed the achievements of many. Today, Senator Okowa has sponsored twelve (12) bills. The National Health Bill has been passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly. The HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Bill haven been read a 3rd time in both Houses of the National Assembly, awaiting adoption of the conference committee report. The National Health Insurance Commission Bill, a bill for the Prevention and Management of Sickle Cell Disorder and a bill for the amendment of “The Privatisation and Commercialization of Public Enterprise Act” are awaiting third reading in the Senate.
So far, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has empowered the people of Delta State. In 2012, as Senator, he held his first empowerment programme that created shock waves in the length and breath of the country. His second empowerment programme was an improvement on the first. His sheer donation of ten (10) ambulances to boost primary health care delivery in the State was remarkable, among several other empowerment items, which included 150 tricycles and cash grants to hundreds of women.
Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is a recipient of several awards. He is a member of the Nigeria Medical Association, a Paul Harris fellow of Rotary Club International, and has been honoured by several bodies including the University of Ibadan as worthy ambassador 2011, for his contribution to the development of health care in Delta State.
As Senator Ifeanyi Okowa clocked 55 years last Tuesday 8 July, it is the yearning of his teeming supporters, that God in His Infinite Mercy grants him stable health for yet another higher responsibility. After all, it is said that when a child washes his hands clean, he dines with elders.
Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas former Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly writes from Asaba.
Source: Deltans Diaspora
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