By Yemisi Suleiman

It was a week of festivity and fun, as the government of Delta State rolled out the drums last week, in celebration of the State’s 30years of existence.

The week-long festivities which kicked off August 23 featured a stakeholders’ Interactive Forum, Children Talent Display, Youth Variety Show, and an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, Asaba on Friday.

This was followed by a Gala and Award Night held at Event Centre in the state capital Asaba, to mark the grand finale of a weeklong celebration.

The event saw the recognition of some distinguished Deltans who were honoured for their contributions to the development of the state and country in general. Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu,  Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr Tony Elumelu, Director-General of World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Pa Ayo Oritsejafor, Chief Charles Majoroh and Chief Edwin kiagbodo Clark received Lifetime Achievement Awards. While Prof Alele Williams, Prof Emmanuel Nwanze, Prof Joy Ogwu and Prof Obaro Ikime received in the academia category.

Other awardees were Michael  Ajeare (Don Jazzy) and Atunyota Akpobome ( Alibaba) for Entertainment, while Timipamere Akiayefa and Ese Brume were awarded for the achievements in Sports.

Post Humus Awards were given to Chief Mukoro Mowoe, Chief James Otobo and Chief Dennis Osadebay.

Speaking at the event, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, noted that the celebration of this milestone would not be complete without recognising Deltans who have made the state proud in their various fields of endeavour. Okowa stressed that the list of prominent sons and daughters is by no means exhaustive and there are many Deltans making waves in various aspects of life and across the nations of the world, adding: “As a government, we thought this is a good starting point, and we are deeply grateful that the awardees considered it worthwhile to be here today, and we thank you for giving us that honour.”

He expressed gratitude to the civil servants serving, retired or late, who made huge sacrifices to ensure the successful take-off of the State, and assured that on-going projects and programmes would be concluded, while premium would continue to be attached to well-being of citizens.