Ifeanyi Okowa

**Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa: Biography** **Early Life and Education** Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa was born on July 8, 1959, in Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. He attended Iroro Primary School, Owa-Alero, and later Edo College, Benin City, before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he studied medicine and surgery. He earned his MBBS degree in 1981 at the age of 22. **Career Progression and Political Ascent** Okowa began his professional career in the medical field, working with the Bendel State Hospitals Management Board. His political career commenced when he served as Secretary to the Ika Local Government Area (now Ika North East Local Government Area) in 1987. Between 1991 and 1993, he served as the Chairman of the Ika North East Local Government Council. Following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Okowa held several key state-level appointments in Delta State, including Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Commissioner for Water Resources Development, and Commissioner for Health. In 2007, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing the Delta North Senatorial District. During his tenure in the Senate, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and was instrumental in sponsoring and advocating for key legislative initiatives, particularly in the health sector. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Okowa transitioned to executive leadership in 2015 when he was elected as the Governor of Delta State. He was re-elected for a second term in 2019, serving until May 29, 2023. His administration focused on an agenda encapsulated by the S.M.A.R.T (Strategic Wealth Creation and Employment Generation, Meaningful Peace Building and Social Harmony, Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated Industrialization, Relevant Education and Health Services, and Transformed Environment through Urban Renewal) agenda. Key achievements include significant infrastructural development, particularly in road construction across the three senatorial districts, and expansion of educational and health facilities. A notable initiative was the establishment of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, which expanded health insurance coverage across the state. He is also noted for his focus on youth employment and empowerment through vocational training and entrepreneurship programs. **Current Status** Since completing his two terms as Governor of Delta State in May 2023, Ifeanyi Okowa remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. In the 2023 Nigerian general election, he was the running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. He continues to be an active elder statesman within the PDP and an influential voice on regional and national issues.