63 Garlands For Dr. Emmanuel Okoro, A Quintessential and Indefatigable Leader

By Oku Ozieoghene Victory

Monday, October 2, 2023

Indeed, greatness lies not in ruling a people, but in leading them right and being the cause of happiness in their lives.

Today (October 2nd, 2023), the Pioneer Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Emmanuel Oghenero Okoro is 63 years old, and all attention is focused on a man who has given his all to create peace, happiness and progress for his people.

No doubt, our dear leader is gradually stepping into the elders league. As he ages, I must note that it is never a dull moment for him, a man who has spent the greater part of his life to rendering selfless services to humanity.

It's worthy of note that Rt. Hon. (Dr) Emmanuel Okoro is a child of great destiny. It is often said that some were born great, while others achieved greatness. For my father and boss, Dr. Okoro, it is a combination of being born great and working hard to achieve greatness.

Oh Yes, the ideal celebration would not be to organize an elaborate feast, to bring friends and well-wishers together, as doing so has never been in the character of Bro. Dr. Emmanuel Okoro. character. Therefore, It's only appropriate to seize this occasion of his 63rd birth  anniversary to examine his relentless work schedule that has benefited Delta State and Nigeria at large.

At 63, Dr. Emmanuel Okoro has garnered in that relatively old age, a record of achievements that is the envy of his peers, as he remains an iconic political pathfinder and a master strategist with fear of God. No wonder King Solomon in Proverbs 9:10 admonished us that "The Fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom".

Born on October 2, 1960 into the families of Agbaga (Ofagbe) and Eteke of Akarai Etiti in Isoko North and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas of Delta State, Emmanuel Oghenero Okoro worked his way to success, as he attended Oria-Ovo Primary School Ofagbe and Uro Grammar School. He later obtained National Certificate of Education (NCE) from College of Education, Abraka, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Education from Bendel State University, Ekpoma. He also bagged a Master of Science degree in Political Science/Public Administration from the University of Benin, as well as a Doctorate degree in same institution, University of Benin.

He taught at the Federal School of Arts and Science, Uyo, as a corps member and also worked briefly as a Bursar at the Notre Dame College, Ozoro.

At a record age of 32, Emmanuel Oghenero Okoro became the Pioneer Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly in 1992. Under his watch, the State Assembly was adjudged the most peaceful and vibrant of the Third Republic. There can be no better evidence for this assessment than the fact that he was among the few Speakers who escaped the gale of impeachment that characterized that era. Remarkably, bills for the establishment of Delta State University; the Customary Court of Appeal; Delta State Women Commission and Delta State Traditional Council of Chiefs were passed by the House under his watch as Speaker, among other legacies.

He has attended several local and international seminars and trainings on lawmaking, including "Leadership and Power of Legislation" at Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, USA; "Aspects of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs" at International Centre for Parliamentary Studies, London, among

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Emmanuel Okoro was honoured for "Distinguished Legislative Service" as pioneer Speaker aside several other prestigious awards.

In 2010, he was appointed Director of Delta Waterways Limited. He has also served as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Executive Assistant (Political) and Special Adviser (Rural & Community Development) to the Immediate Past Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. Currently, Dr. Emmanuel Okoro is the Chairman of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA).

A man of great faith, enviable impacts and of flawless reputation, Dr. Okoro remains a distinguished patriot and man of legendary fidelity, who had through his nationally-acknowledged integrity and strong drive for an equitable, just and egalitarian society, became Delta First Speaker and Nigeria's youngest Speaker in his time, hence becoming a respectable voice in Nigeria’s polity.

Looking back the past 63 years, his family, political associates, christian brothers and sisters, friends and  indeed his admirers do have cause to be grateful to the Almighty God for having granted him a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfilment.

Today, as he clocks 63 years, his track records in politics and in the leadership of Delta State sure sets him apart as a selfless  and passionate leader who burns to put his Family, Community and State on the world developmental map.

Dr. Okoro, a father, a man of impeccable character and unassailable integrity is married to his adorable wife and Managing Director of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank, Mrs Ruby Okoro. Their union is blessed with three children.

As this noble and astute administrator celebrates 63 years of God's faithfulness today, I join the entire nation to wish him many more fruitful years and pray God Almighty continue to grant you good health, wisdom and grace in your avowed commitment to the well-being of your people.

Congratulations Sir!