By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Warri South Council Boss, Dr Michael Tidi, has during the weekend, bagged an award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Energy Studies, with specialty in Oil & Gas Economics, from the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo state.
Dr Tidi, was among the 369 distinguished personalities that bagged PhD award from the Nigeria’s Premier Ivory Tower, University of Ibadan.
Dr Tidi and the others were decorated with the PhD when the prestigious institution celebrated her 70th Founders Day with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in attendance.
The Warri South Council boss whose thesis was: “Resources Dependence, Violent Conflict & Development in the Niger Delta,” was among four eminent scholars that attained the academic pinnacle in the Department of Centre for Petroluem Energy Economics in Law.
In a similar development, Dr Tidi in a message uptained from his facebook account by our correspondent, he thanked the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for supporting him throughout his scholarly journey.
He said Governor Okowa has been very instrumental in his welfare, future and progress in life.
“I am profoundly indebted to my boss, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State for investing a great deal in my welfare, future and progress in life,” Dr Tidi said.
He also thanked the Delta State Deputy governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro for helping him to sustain a positive atmosphere in which he undertook the research.
Bellow is the full text message, Dr Tidi wrote on his facebook wall:
“As the Sages says, “if we have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of the giants.”
“This voyage indisputably consumed a huge quantum of dedication, time and effort for such is the nature of research. I would not have been able to start, much less complete, this programme but for Divine Providence and indeed God’s infinite mercy and ever abiding grace. I therefore acknowledge Him, before and above all else.
“Having paid homage to the ultimate Spiritual Benefactor of mankind, I acknowledge the support and guidance of my supervisors, tutors, mentors and other benefactors during the course of the study and accordingly extend my most sincere gratitude to them all.
“I shall remain ever grateful to my thesis supervisors, Dr. Olugbenga Falode and Dr. Musibau Adetunji Babatunde who expertly guided me with sterling professionalism and admirable forthrightness through the course of my research work.
“While their unwavering enthusiasm for the development of the Niger Delta Region kept me constantly impressed, encouraged and engaged, their personal generosity helped make my time at the University of Ibadan enjoyable. I could not have imagined having better supervisors and mentors for my doctoral studies.
“My appreciation also extends to notable academics at the Center for Petroleum, Energy Economics, and Law, CPEEL. Emeritus Professor Akin Iwayemi’s mentoring and encouragement were especially valuable, while his early insights supplied the basis for much of the inspiration for this thesis.
“My heartfelt appreciation and thanks similarly go to Professor Adeola Festus Adenikinju, Dr. Peter Obute, Dr. Diji Chukwuma, Dr. Taofik Ibrahim both for their insightful comments and encouragement, as well as for the tough interrogatories from their end which incented me to widen my research into various perspectives.
“I thank the Program Officer of CPEEL, Mr. Daramola, Blessing Okonkwo of CPEEL and other staff of the center for their invaluable support just as I appreciate the support of all my colleagues at the University of Ibadan during the course of this study.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Mpi, N.J, Dr. Gbenga Ogunusi, Dr. (Engr.) Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, Emmanuel Ukpebor, E.K. Bekee who gave me access to NAOC, SHELL, NDDC and DPR research facilities.
“Without their kind support, it would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible for me to have progressed with this research.
“I am profoundly indebted to my boss, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State for investing a great deal in my welfare, future and progress in life.
“Likewise, the genuine kindness of His Excellency, Deacon (Barr.) Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor of Delta State, also helped to sustain a positive atmosphere in which to undertake this research
I must pay a special gratitude to His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri for his fatherly support and most admirable commitment to the educational advancement of his people.
I acknowledge my distinguished and incomparable benefactors.
“Elder James Omayone, and Hon. (Prince) Michael Diden. Their invaluable support through the years, right from my infancy, is deeply appreciated.
“I am also deeply grateful for the support of Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Prince Mode Akoma, Hon. Godwin Ebosa, Hon. Mofe Pirah, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju and Hon. (Barr.) Daniel Mayuku.
I similarly deeply appreciate Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa, who always showed an interest in the progress of my doctoral program whenever he met me throughout the course of this study, just as I remain tremendously grateful to Engr. Keston Pondi, and Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi for their unwavering support all through this endeavor.
“I am especially appreciative of my wife, Juliet, and my children, Tsoritselaju, and Oritsemisan. Their provision of a conducive atmosphere for my studies will remain unforgettable to me.
“Finally, the assistance of my father Mr. Joshua Tidi, is most appreciated just as I acknowledge my indebtedness to my late mother, Princess Roli Emiko, whose value to me only grows.”
