Asaba – In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and professional admiration, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Urban Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Emetulu Aniagwu, has warmly felicitated the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Sir Festus Ahon, as he marks another year of life.
The commendation, contained in a personally signed statement issued on Monday in Asaba, highlighted Ahon’s exemplary role as a bridge-builder between the state government and the people of Delta State through truthful, timely, and effective communication.
Aniagwu, a former Commissioner for Information in the immediate past administration of Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, described the celebrant as “a thoroughbred journalist and seasoned media manager whose wealth of experience continues to add immense value to the MORE Agenda of the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori administration.”
The Commissioner particularly praised Ahon’s humility, loyalty, and unwavering diligence, qualities he said have earned the CPS the respect and trust of both the Governor and members of the State Executive Council.
“Sir Festus Ahon has demonstrated uncommon professionalism in the discharge of his duties. His ability to manage information flow with accuracy, clarity, and fairness has significantly enhanced public understanding and acceptance of government policies and programmes,” Aniagwu stated.
He noted that in an era where misinformation and fake news pose serious threats to governance, Ahon’s commitment to ethical journalism and transparent communication has remained a stabilizing factor in the state’s information ecosystem.
“On behalf of my family, the entire staff of the Ministry of Works (Rural and Urban Roads) and Public Information, and indeed my humble self, I rejoice with an illustrious son of Delta State, a knight of the Anglican Communion, and a dependable ally in the task of building a stronger, more prosperous Delta,” the statement read in part.
Aniagwu prayed earnestly for renewed strength, divine wisdom, robust health, and greater accomplishments for the Chief Press Secretary in the years ahead, expressing confidence that Ahon still has many more milestones to achieve in service to Delta State and humanity.
The birthday felicitations from the Works Commissioner were among dozens of goodwill messages that flooded social media platforms, telephone lines, and official channels as news of Sir Festus Ahon’s birthday spread across the state.
Colleagues in the Government House Press Crew, senior government officials, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council, the Correspondents’ Chapel, and the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) all took turns to celebrate a man widely regarded as one of the most accessible and hardworking media aides in the current administration.
Many described him as “a journalist’s journalist” who, despite rising to the exalted position of Chief Press Secretary, has never lost touch with the ethics and rigours of the profession.
A former colleague at Vanguard Newspapers, where Ahon served for many years as the newspaper’s Delta State Correspondent before his appointment in June 2023, recounted how the celebrant was known for meticulous fact-checking, balanced reporting, and fearless coverage of developmental issues long before he crossed over to the government side.
“Even as CPS, Festus has refused to become a praise-singing megaphone. He still believes in constructive engagement with the media and ensures that journalists have access to accurate information,” one senior editor wrote in a widely shared tribute.
Inside Government House, Asaba, the birthday added a refreshing moment of joy amid the usual rigorous schedule of governance. Staff members, security operatives, and visitors joined in singing birthday songs and exchanging pleasantries with the ever-smiling CPS, who was visibly elated by the outpouring of love.
Sir Festus Ahon, a knight of the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Asaba, and recipient of several journalism awards, has in the last two and a half years coordinated Governor Oborevwori’s media engagements with remarkable finesse, ensuring that the governor’s messages on the MORE Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security — resonate clearly with Deltans at home and in the diaspora.
His office has also facilitated numerous press briefings, town hall meetings, and digital media engagements that have helped project the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment, and security.
As tributes continued to pour in late into the evening, it was evident that Sir Festus Ahon’s birthday was not just a personal milestone but a celebration of professionalism, humility, and dedicated public service — qualities that colleagues say have made him an indispensable asset to the Oborevwori administration.
In a brief response to the avalanche of messages, the celebrant expressed profound gratitude to God, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the privilege to serve, his family for their support, and everyone who took time to celebrate with him.
“I am humbled and deeply touched by the deluge of love shown to me today. I do not take it for granted. My prayer is that God will reward each and every one of you abundantly,” Ahon said.
As Delta State continues its steady march towards greater development under the MORE Agenda, the birthday of Sir Festus Ahon served as a reminder that behind every successful administration are dedicated individuals who work tirelessly, often away from the limelight, to ensure that the story of progress is accurately and inspiringly told.
