DELTA State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, will attend the 2021 edition of Maris Public Service Lecture which will focus on burning issues around tax administration in today’s economies bugged by compelling ‘new normal’.

Specifically, Governor Okowa will be the Chief Guest of Honour at this year’s annual Maris Public Service Lecture whose theme is “Effective Tax Administration For The Delivery Of Democratic Dividends”, with focus on the socio-economic ramifications of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary of Maris Trust Council, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, who disclosed this at the weekend in Asaba, noted that the choice of Okowa as the chief guest of honour was advised primarily by the governor’s reputation for “fiscal discipline vÍs-ä-vís judicious management of man and resources”.

The statement noted that the governor by the grace of God, will attend the lecture billed for Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Orchid Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

Egugbo, who is also, the media assistant to Okowa, said, “Delta is blessed with a Governor who is a true democrat, a man who believes in the power of the people, considering the fact that he has consistently executed people-oriented projects since assumption of office.

“We are all aware of the ravaging effects of COVID-19 on government and the people in general with economies around the world shrinking before the health monster.

“One can count on the finger tips the number of months some categories of civil servants went to work in 2020, and already, 2021 is witnessing the same trend. The implication is that government has continued to pay salaries of certain individuals not because of the services they rendered.

“In contrast, countless number of companies and businesses have laid off significant number of their workers while some have shut down, thereby forcing a significant reduction in the internally generated revenue of government.

“As we are aware, most countries went into recession in 2020 with unavoidable implications for the all-important tax administration in government. Therein lies the importance of Governor Okowa’s attendance of the 31st March Maris Public Service Lecture whose topic for discussion is timely with fiscal relevance.

“Chairman, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Chief Monday Onyeme, will deliver the lecture, which also parades eminent personages as discussants, viz: the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Peter Mrakpor (SAN); the Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Emeka Anthony Odo; Accountant-General of Lagos State, Dr. Shefiu Abiodun Muritala; the Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Development Agency (DEMSA), Hon. (Barr.) Orezi Esievo; and, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tony Elekeokwuri, while a renowned journalist and lecturer, Dr. Kemi Emina is Moderator.

“Also, an Abuja based Real Estate Consultant cum Developer, the Managing Director, Kanma Properties Development Company Limited, Chief Kennedy Kanma will be the Father of the Day while Dr (Mrs) Comfort Omon-Irabor, Managing Director, Hellyncom Eye Clinic, Warri and Very Rev. Fr. John Konyeke will be the Mother of the Day and the Spiritual Father of the Day respectively at the event.

“Policy makers in government and the organised private sector – Minister of Finance, governors, members of National Assembly, Chairmen of Internal Revenue Service of different states of the federation, among others, are expected to attend the lecture.

“Below is a brief profile of Governor Okowa, which stood him out as most appropriate for Chief Guest of Honour. Moreover, he has been practically part of previous editions of the lecture, which holds annually on the Wednesday preceeding Easter:-

“Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa was born on the 8th of July, 1959 at Owa-Alero in the present Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

He had his early education at the Iroro Primary School, Owa-Alero and later attended the famous Edo College, Benin-City, between 1970 and 1976.

He graduated with the second best result in the Higher School Certificate Examination in the then Bendel State in 1976.

Thereafter, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan to study Medicine and Surgery, where he graduated in 1981 with an MBBS, at the record age of 22.

Upon completion of the National Youth Service Corps duty in 1982; he worked briefly with the defunct Bendel State Hospitals Management Board as a Medical Officer before he went into private practice as Director, Victory Medical Centre, Igbanke in 1986. He proceeded to open a branch at Boji-Boji, Owa t11own.

Dr. Okowa’s legendry humanitarian and philanthropic disposition over the years simply struck a remarkable chord, endearing him to his people for he often rendered free medical services to the poor in his community.

He displays highly developed craftsmanship in his approach to work and challenges and this is evident in his constructive leadership and in his soaring political profile and stature.

Governor Okowa’s political profile:

1991 – Served as Secretary to Ika Local Government Area;

1993 – Served as Chairman Ika North-East Local Government Council;

1999 – Served as Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources;

2001 – Served as Honourable Commission for Water Resources Development;

2003 – Served as Honourable Commissioner for Health;

2007 – Served as Secretary to Delta State Government;

2011 – Served as a Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district;

2015 – Currently serving as the Executive Governor Of Delta State.”