Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of the Commissioner representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe local government areas on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Mr Joyce Overah.

Overah reportedly died on Tuesday in Sapele after a brief illness. He was 59.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Wednesday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Sapele Local Government Area and Elume community in particular, over the demise of the renowned politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

He noted that the departed Overah was a grassroots politician and administrator, who excelled as Education Secretary, member House of Representatives and as commissioner for Science and Technology from 2015 to 2019.

According to the governor, the deceased was a thoroughbred politician whose love for his people led him to contest, and won election to represent them in the lower chamber of the federal parliament.

He said, “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and grassroots-oriented politician, who passed on in Sapele on Tuesday.

“The news of his death came to me as a terrible shock.

“He was a gentleman-politician, who distinguished himself in the service of his people, first, as Education Secretary; member, House of Representatives, and later as Commissioner for Science and Technology and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

“As a member of the state‘s Executive Council, in our first term, Overah’s demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the state was infectious and it was little wonder that he was the Dean, College of Commissioners during the period, and he served diligently.

“Due to his outstanding performance as Secretary, Local Education Authority in Sapele LGA and his clear passion for his people, he was found worthy to represent them in the House of Representatives, where he served diligently between 2007 and 2011.

“Until his death, he was the Commissioner representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe local government areas on the board of DESOPADEC.”

Okowa regretted that the deceased former federal lawmaker and cabinet member in the state passed when his services were needed more, adding that the state government and the people would miss him sorely.

He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.

The deceased hailed from Elume in Sapele Local Government Area. He began his political career as Secretary of Sapele Local Education Authority from 2001 to 2006 and was elected President of Education Secretaries in Delta.

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