Prominent Nigerian figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and others, recently paid tribute to a distinguished statesman, Melford Okilo. Their eulogies highlighted Okilo’s significant contributions to the development of Rivers and Bayelsa States, as well as his dedication to public service. The leaders praised his legacy of leadership and commitment to improving the lives of the people in the
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has extolled the leadership qualities and sacrifice of the first civilian Governor of the state, Late Chief Melford Obiene Okilo.
He described the late Okilo as a great statesman, a bridge builder, a grassroots leader and a developmental giant of the Niger Delta as well as a countryman governor—which he was known for.
Fubara spoke at the 16th memorial anniversary and launching of the Chief Melford Okilo Endowment Fund held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday.
The governor who was represented by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, said the history of Niger Delta and indeed that of Rivers and Bayelsa states will be grossly inadequate without mentioning Okilo’s selfless service.
He disclosed that the memorial programme of the late Nigerian politician will become a yearly activity, adding that “we will always gather to reflect on the giant strides of yesteryears and look forward to further giant strides of the future.”
While expressing the commitment of the state government to the immortalization of the ex-governor, the Rivers helmsman promised that it would now be a yearly memorial programme.
Fubara, who was the Guest of Honour and Host of the programme, also pledged to support the launching of the Chief Okilo Endowment Fund with N80 million.
Later, Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime, former president of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) in his keynote address, lauded the late Okilo’s willpower to succeed despite being born into a humble background.
According to him, “Okilo was born into a financially challenged family and environment, but he did not allow that environment to determine his future.”
According to him, Okilo made relationships with different Nigerians and also wielded political power to develop his environment.
He urged guests, particularly leaders, to make good use of their political power and privilege to better a great number of the masses, just like Okilo did during his time.
“We must begin to reassert and reassess our position. Government is not only about road maintenance, it is not only about building houses and infrastructures. Government is about developing people and making sure they have a better life,”
The Chairman of the Occasion, H.E Chief Rufus Ada George, while narrating the political history of the late Okilo, averred that Okilo’s specific political goal or concern was the emancipation and unity of the Niger Delta region.
He said: “Immediately when late Chief Melford Okilo went to the parliament in 1959, he sensitized his colleagues to ensure the creation of Niger Delta as a region and after several debates, in 1960, he succeeded in securing a status for the Niger Delta area becoming a federal ministry and also a development center which has continued to this day to be what we know as NDDC.”
Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan, speaking as Special Guest of Honour, said the political structure Okilo laid during his time is relevant not only in Rivers state but also in Bayelsa.
Represented by the former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Denmark and Norway, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, Jonathan described Okilo as his political mentor and father in whose feat he has learnt the act of governance.
“Okilo’s life should be an inspiration to all of us to make our lives available for service, for service of the Niger Delta, to the Ijaw nation and Nigeria at large,” he urged.
Also speaking, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom, stated pointedly that he could not miss Okilo’s memorial for anything.
Diete-Spiff—the first military Governor of old Rivers state—recounted how the late Okilo helped him in his quest to study abroad as a young man.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the need for past Niger Delta leaders like the late Okilo to be immortalised with literature.
In the words of Ogbuku: “Immortalizing Melford Okilo is not all about celebrating memorial or delivering lectures.
“For those of us who are academics, let us write literature about Okilo: his good works, his sacrifices, his philosophy, and his principles; so that the younger generation will also be guided by the philosophy and principles of Chief Melford Okilo.”
The NDDC boss promised that the commission will partner with the organisers of the memorial discourse to support the programme for continuity.
Also Read: Kinsmen pay tributes to Melford Okilo, 14 years after demise
Earlier, Chairman of the Okilo memorial organizing committee, Dr. Kennedy Tonjo-West, in his opening speech expressed gratitude for dignitaries including traditional rulers and other key stakeholders who played significant roles in making the event a reality as well as for their presence.
He said the occasion holds great significance to reflect the enduring legacy of a man whose visionary leadership shaped the cause of Rivers and Bayelsa states’ history.
The programme, which also featured a remarkable cultural display and detailed documentary of the late sage, was sponsored by the Rivers state government and significantly supported by the NDDC.
