Activities lined up for the 30th anniversary of the creation of Delta State kicked off on Monday with a pre – event press briefing by the Organizing Committee for the week – long occasion.
The Chairman of the Committee and Senior Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Kingsley Emu, who presided, said it would be a celebration of unity in diversity, noting that Delta had remained unique in the comity of Nigerian states.
Dr. Emu stated that the uniqueness of Delta dated back to the Midwest days, through Bendel to 1991 when the state was created, stressing that the strength of the state in culture, sports and natural resource endowment was still strong and even getting stronger.
He pointed out that Delta was now the highest oil producing state and accounted for 40% of gas reserves in the country, adding that the state was yet to lose its relevance, in comparison to other states, in many respects.
The Anniversary Committee Chairman added that the state had produced notable men and women who had done the country proud in their various fields of endeavour, disclosing that some of such personalities would be honoured in the course of the celebration, while those who had died would receive post humous awards.
The awards, according to him, would be in sports, academics, business, life time achievement, listing the likes of Dennis Osadebe, James Otobo, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo – Iweala, Tony Elumelu, Jajay Okocha, Blessing Okagbare, among others, as some of the would be awardees.
Other activities for the anniversary celebration are a stakeholders’ forum, children/youth sessions, thanksgiving service, gala/award night.
Members of the Organising Committee include Information Commissioner, Charles Aniagwu; his Youth Development counterpart, Ifeanyi Egwunyenga; Hon. (Princess) Pat. Ajudua; Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata; Communications Manager to the Governor, Jackson Ekugwum and Mrs kevwe Agas, who is the Secretary.
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