Patrick Ukah @ 60, A Refreshing Example of Professional in Politics
By Barth Ozah
Astrologers and philosophers have posited that month in which one is born has great influence in the character traits of an individual.
This postulation has led me into examining the character traits of those born in April and i have come to the conclusion that indeed Chief Patrick Ukah is an April child.
The people who are all born in April are energetic and active in nature. They have huge enthusiasm and passion for service, science, books, and travel. Apart from this, they pay more attention to actions more than words.
Chief Ukah, a communication and public relations expert, an astute marketer, renowned Nigerian athlete and sports administrator was brought into limelight in the politics of Delta state by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who appointed him as the state commissioner for information in 2015.
He held the position for four years where he successfully propagated the famous SMART agenda of that administration to admiration of all Deltans especially journalists within and outside the state. It was in this office as a commissioner, Chief Ukah’s professionalism was brought to the fore.
He was passionate and eloquent and displayed a high level of professionalism in the job to the extent that he was honoured with a SMART ambassador award by the practicing journalists in the state. He regarded sports and politics as his natural hobbies.
Ukah is a practical example of people who have their birthdays in April, inbuilt with the spirit of independent and passionate about their works. Their magnetic personality will play a lead role in achieving their goals. The passion for their work will grab the attention of others. The way of approach and their independent personalities bring excitement into other people’s lives. He is an embodiment of professionalism.
However, following his successful outing as information commissioner, he was redeployed to the ministry of Basic and Secondary Education where he equally brought some level of sanity and discipline in the primary and secondary schools across the state.
In the primary and secondary education ministry, Chief Ukah introduced resumption tests for students to assess their retentive memories, reintroduced the principal cup competitions for all secondary schools in the state and as well as introduction of online and electronics tutorials for students at that level in the state.
Again, he was subsequently appointed as the Secretary to the State Government SSG, by the then governor Okowa who noted that Ukah’s appointment was based on loyalty and capacity.
Ukah’s success in leadership and politics at 60 years reminds one of the popular injunction by the former president of the country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who stressed the needs for a politician to have second address, as it was only way they can contribute meaningfully in governance.
On 10th of April, 2024 day he celebrated his 60th birthday, the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the thanksgiving reception held at the Events Centre, Asaba, lauded Ukah, for his indelible contributions to the growth and development of the state.
He particularly lauded the celebrant who is the Director-General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, for his role in the transition that led to the emergence of his administration, describing him as “a good man.”
Governor Oborevwori said: “I am very happy to join you today as God has taken you to the sixth level of life because it is not easy to attain that age for which we thank God you have reached in your life.
“We thank God for the big achievements you have attained in life and, as a very loyal person, we thank God for your life which has been marked by great accomplishments.
“I know the role you played at the tough time of our political journey and I thank God for all the visitors who came from all over the country to celebrate with you.
“Let me thank your wife and your children for all their contributions to making you the great man you are today. I must also thank you for taking the thanksgiving to Okpanam, your community.
“We congratulate you and pray that God will continue to bless you with more wisdom, good health and many more accomplishments.”
Chairman of the occasion and immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, at the event, described Ukah as a focused and resilient man with a great sense of commitment to duty.
Okowa commended Ukah for his love for God, his community and for his contributions to his administration’s success, saying, “I must thank God for this day because God has made it possible for my friend and brother to turn 60 today. It is only God that makes it possible to turn 60, because it is not easy.
“Chief Ukah is a man who radiates love, and, by the grace of God, he has attained several positions both in the state and nationally.
“He became very close to me when he became Commissioner for Information and, later, Basic and Secondary Education, a greater task he did excellently well and had to be given a greater task again as Secretary to the State Government.”
Patrick Ukah was born on April 10, 1964 in Jos, Plateau State, to Ogbueshi Albert Ukah of Umuomake Village, Obodogwugwu Quarters in Okpanam and Veronica Ukah (nee Elueze) of Ogbe Owelle in Ibusa, both of Oshimili North LGA; Chief Patrick Ogoegbunam Ukah, former president, Nigerian Hockey Federation, holds the traditional title of the Akakakpo-Enyi of Okpanam.
Hon. Barth, is a journalist and immediate past Councillor representing ward 7, Ndokwa West LGA.