Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has felicitated with former President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, as he clocks 60 on May 1.

Okowa said that Ogba had made remarkable contributions to the development of sports and politics in Delta, Nigeria and in Africa since he became entrenched in sports administration more than two decades ago.

Ogba was Sole Administrator for Sports and later Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development during the administration of Chief James Ibori from 1999 to 2007.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor commended Ogba for his tremendous and outstanding accomplishments in the service of Delta and Nigeria and described him as “a consummate sportsman and politician of repute”.

He said that sports sector in Delta witnessed enormous boost and innovation while Ogba served as Commissioner in charge of sports in the state, and therefore, not surprised with the feats he attained as President of AFN.

The governor particularly remarked that Delta was able to host the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships (Asaba 2018) because of the astute and ingenious contributions of Ogba as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

He also recalled Ogba’s intellectual and outstanding contributions in politics while he served as Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta and leader of Isoko South political caucus. 

“Ogba’s leadership at the AFN was largely characterized by outstanding vision and personal sacrifices in tackling issues of sports administration amid inadequate funding.

“His knowledge of sports and politics is worthy of emulation and commendation. Under his tutelage, Delta continued to dominate the National Sports Festival and the National Youth Games.

“As a veteran in sports administration and politics, Ogba has produced outstanding leaders both in politics and sports administration and has grown and mentored many world-class talents.

“He made Nigeria and Africa proud in various sports endeavours. 

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, Chief Solomon Omamoezi Ogba, former President of AFN on the occasion of your 60th birth anniversary. 

“I join your family, the Isoko nation, global partners and associates, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by outstanding accomplishments and enduring fulfillment. 

“As you deservedly celebrate this diamond anniversary, it is my prayer that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness and contributions to nation building,” Okowa said.