From left: Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, Chairman, NUJ, Delta chapter and Dr Henry Ofa.

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has so far committed over N5 billion in the administration of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The Second Member of the State Post-Primary Education Board, Dr Henry Ofa, made the revelation today in Asaba when he paid an advocacy visit on the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, led by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu.

Dr Ofa who is a former Secretary of SUBEB, said that the commitment of Governor Okowa in providing the needed infrastructure in schools had brought a lot to the sector, adding that promotion and postings were now carried out on merit in accordance with due process.

He noted that he had been involved in research of documenting the activities of the Okowa administration in the last three and half years, saying the achievements recorded so were a vindication for the massive call for the reelection of Governor Okowa for a second term.

According to him, “The government of His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has spent more than N5 billion in SUBEB, promotion and postings are done through due process and this means it is now on merit and you don’t need to know anybody before you have your due. As for the O5 Initiative, over 26,000 less privileged in the state benefited from the medical outreach of Her Excellency, Dame Edith Okowa.”

Dr Ofa who was also a former Commissioner in the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and that of DBS Warri remarked “We felt it is necessary to visit you to assist in propagating the achievements on the governor which I have documented in a publication titled, ‘The Lasting Legacies of Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa: The Smart Agenda is on Course’. I have also updated another publication, ‘Senator Ifeanyi Okowa: The Man, His Achievements’ and produced a DVD titled, Testimonies of Service, 2nd Edition.

“Through you as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and Watch Dog of Society, the world will come to know of the achievements of the Government of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and even the hardened critic will be convinced of the good works of His Excellency.”

Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Delta State, Comrade Michael Ikeogwudescribed the advocacy visit as a mark of respect for the council and commended the pains put in to come up with the different publications.

Comrade Ikeogwu noted the works of Dr Ofa had positioned his principal, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ahead of others, explaining that although the NUJ was an apolitical body, it would not hesitate to propagate the interest of those that identify with it.

Identifying with us is a mark of humility and respect for our vantage position as the watchdog of society. The pains you have put in to document these show you are taking a step further to push your principal ahead of others. We are apolitical but whoever recognizes us, we will also recognize. We will help you to propagate the works you have documented in line with our core mandate,” Comrade Ikeogwu who was accompanied on the visit by members of the his executive stated.