DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has been conferred with the “2013 Man of the Year Award” as he stated that the greatest asset of the state lies in its human resources.
Besides, he said that his administration’s policy of ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ was real, working and yielding results in the State.
Speaking at an impressive ceremony where the award was conferred on him by The Sun Newspapers in Lagos, Governor Uduaghan observed that human resources as the greatest asset of Delta State was evident in the fact that out of sixteen persons that bagged award at the ceremony, seven were Deltans.
Governor Uduaghan who was flanked by his wife and children was presented with the award by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Godswill Akpabio; former Governor of Ogun State, Olesegun Osoba and Mr Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of Thisday Newspapers.
According to him, “the greatest resources we have in Delta State is not oil but, human resources,” adding that, “our economic agenda of Delta Beyond Oil is a reality.”
“We are now talking about Nigeria Beyond Oil,” the Governor said, reiterating that it was important for Nigeria to use revenue from oil to develop an economy that will be sustainable without oil.
He commended management and staff of The Sun Newspapers for choosing him as the Man of the Year 2013, stating, “This award is not only for me and my family, but the entire people of Delta State.”
The Publisher of The Sun Newspapers, Dr Orji Uzo Kalu described the award as “the most valuable award in Nigeria,” while the managing director of the newspaper, Mr Femi Adeshina said the award ceremony which was the 11th edition was to celebrate distinguished Nigerians and “those who have rekindled our hope in Nigeria.”
Some of those who bagged awards at the ceremony includes, Mr Tony Elumelu (Investor Of The Year); Chief Edwin Clark (Lifetime Achievement); Mr Sam Amuka (Lifetime Achievement); Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya (Lifetime Achievement)Achievement); Stephen Keshi (Sportsman Of The Year); Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso (Man Of The Year); Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio (Most Supportive First Lady); Mr Reginald Ihehiahi (Banker Of The Year); Chief Michael Ade Ojo (Lifetime Achievement); Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko (Public Service); Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Business Person Of The Year); Alhaji Sayyu Dantata (Business Person Of The Year); among others.
Eminent Deltans including Delta State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Barr Peter Nwaoboshi; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei; members of the State House of Assembly; the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay; members of the State executive council; traditional rulers; party elders attended the ceremony
