THE MAN IFEANYI A OKOWA - BY PRECIOUS O EJENAKE 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 came out tops, 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. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa graduated in 1981 with MBBS, BS at the record age of 22. Upon his completion of the National Youth Service Corps 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. Believing later that charity should begin at home, Dr. Okowa later set up the Victory Medical Centre, at Boji-Boji, Owa. He endeared himself to his people through his humanitarian disposition as he often rendered free service to the very poor in his community. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa displays a highly developed craftsmanship in his work. Evidence of his constructive leadership can be seen in his growing political profile. He took interest in the public service and between 1991 and 1993 served with great diligence and outstanding success as the (i) Secretary to the Ika Local Government and (ii) Pioneer Chairman, Ika North-East Local Government Council (1991-1993). In preparation for the return of the country to democratic rule, he pitched his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party in 1998. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, however, first served as a leader and the Delta North Coordinator of the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM); Delta North Coordinator of the James Ibori campaign organization in 1998 and Secretary of the Transition Committee, which ushered in the James Ibori administration in 1999. Since then, there has not been any turning back for this medical Doctor turned politician and statesman. It was not surprising therefore that in recognition of his hard work, loyalty, honesty and dedication, Dr. Okowa belongs to the Special Grade of Commissioners who had eight years of unbroken service as Members of the Governor James Ibori-led Delta State Executive Council. During the period he served with diligence and outstanding result in the following positions: (i) Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources (July 1999 to April 2001); (ii) Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources Development (April 2001 – May 2003) and (iii) Hon. Commissioner for Health (September 2003 – October 2006) Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa resigned honourably to contest the 2007 Gubernatorial election in Delta State. Sir! We salute you, because during the campaigns, you demonstrated beyond doubt, your clinical understanding of Delta State and politics as you mounted one of the most focused and issues-oriented campaign in the state. After the Ogwashi-Uku episode, like the tactful achiever that he is, Dr. Okowa did not sit back at home to sulk over the turn out of events at the PDP Primaries. After the primaries, Dr. Okowa served as the Director General of the PDP Campaign Organization in Delta State and later the Secretary of the 34- member Transition Committee which prepared the blueprint for the take-off of the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan administration in Delta State. He has been honoured by the Anglican Communion as a Knight of St. Christopher and also bestowed Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club International. He is also a recipient of the Award of Excellence by NANS, Rotaract Club of Asaba and Vice-Chancellor Award of the Delta State University. He was also last year, decorated by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as an Achiever; recognized as one of the five best Health Commissioners in the Federation. He has been variously acknowledged by the Tell Magazine in 2005 and Newswatch Magazine for his outstanding leadership in the Health sector which placed the Delta State Ministry of Health, under his management, as among the best ten Health Ministries in Nigeria. Today, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has to show for his efforts in the health sector, the magnificent Delta State Teaching Hospital, Oghara, which dream he saw to fruition. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, an ideal family man is happily married to Dame (Mrs.) Edith Okowa and the union is blessed with four brilliant children.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 16:43:41 +0000
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