The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Thursday congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

The congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri.

Igbuya praised Governor Okowa for adding value to the country’s democracy and making a difference in the lives of the people.

He also lauded the governor for his dynamism, hard work and thinking outside the box. The speaker wished him robust health and many more years of service to the state. “May God bless you with good health, happiness and many more years of dedicated service to Nigeria, particularly Delta State,” the statement said.

In another development, the Speaker on Thursday commiserated with the member representing Isoko South Constituency 11, Honourable Johnson Erijo over the death of Deaconess Johanna Emamoke Agabri. In a condolence message to the Erijo family and the people of Isoko South, Igbuya described Agabri’s death as a big loss.

“It is with grief and a deep sense of loss that I send you this message of condolence and encouragement following the death of your mother. Deaconess Johanna Emamoke Agabri lived a fruitful life in the service of God and humanity,” he said.

“I commiserate with the entire Erijo family and the entire Isoko race at this moment of physical separation and bereavement. I am confident that the memory of Deaconess Agabri’s legacy will build bridges of comfort for all,” he said.

Igbuya prayed God to grant the immediate family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Similarly, the Speaker also joined the good people of Aniocha South to mourn the death of Pa Gabriel Nwafor Nwaka, saying that the father of Hon. Angela Nwaka lived an exemplary and fulfilled life. Paying condolence at the home of Nwaka in Ogwashi-Uku on Tuesday, Igbuya said “Pa Nwaka’s death leaves a gap that will not be filled, certainly not by these few words of consolation”.

The speaker, who was accompanied on the condolence visit by Hon. Dennis Omovie, charged Hon. Nwaka to appreciate God for granting his father long life. “On behalf of the principal officers and other Honourable Members of the Delta State House of Assembly, we commiserate with the Nwaka family, his associates, admirers and the good people of Aniocha South,” the speaker said. “As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his achievements,” he added.