The Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun John Obukohwo Nani, has felicitated former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Rollands Igbakpa, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Nani, in a congratulatory message to mark Igbakpa’s milestone birthday on Friday, described the former federal lawmaker as a committed public servant and political leader whose career has been defined by service, courage and a strong connection with his people.
Born on August 28, 1966, Igbakpa, from Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, has had a political career spanning the Delta State House of Assembly and the National Assembly.
He represented Ethiope West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly before serving as Commissioner for Transport in the state and subsequently winning election in 2019 to represent Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He served in the Ninth National Assembly, which ran from 2019 to 2023.
Nani said Igbakpa’s 60th birthday was not merely a celebration of age but an opportunity to reflect on a public career that, in his view, has contributed to the political and developmental conversation in Delta State.
“Sixty years is a remarkable milestone and a moment to give thanks to God for a life of purpose, service and impact. On behalf of my family, the management and staff of DESOPADEC, and indeed the people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Hon. Ben Rollands Igbakpa on attaining this significant age,” Nani said.
He described Igbakpa as a politician who had demonstrated the importance of perseverance and consistency in public life, noting that his journey from the state legislature to the federal parliament reflected years of political engagement and service.
According to Nani, Igbakpa’s legislative years were particularly notable for his willingness to raise issues affecting his constituents and the wider Nigerian society.
“Ben Igbakpa has always shown that representation is not simply about occupying a seat; it is about giving voice to the concerns of the people and pursuing solutions to the challenges confronting them. His interventions on the floor of the National Assembly reflected that understanding of representation,” he said
During his time in the Ninth National Assembly, Igbakpa sponsored and supported legislative initiatives on issues including electricity regulation, tertiary education, public accountability and other matters of national development.
National Assembly records, for instance, list him as the sponsor of a bill seeking to amend the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act and another bill relating to the establishment of a Federal Institute of Vocational and Technical Education in Abak, Akwa Ibom State.
He also sponsored a bill seeking amendments to the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which reached second reading in the House in 2023.
Nani said such legislative engagements formed part of the broader record by which Igbakpa should be assessed, while urging him to remain committed to the service of humanity as he enters what he described as another important chapter of his life.
“At 60, the journey is not over. Rather, it is another opportunity to deploy experience, wisdom and relationships for the greater good of our people. I urge you to continue to make your wealth of experience available to Delta State and Nigeria,” Nani stated.
The DESOPADEC chairman further commended Igbakpa’s contribution to the political development of the Ethiope axis and his continued relevance in Delta’s public affairs.
He prayed God to grant the celebrant good health, wisdom, strength and many more years of purposeful service.
“May the Almighty God bless you with sound health, renewed strength, greater wisdom and many more fruitful years. May the years ahead bring you greater fulfilment and provide even more opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear Delta State and Nigeria,” Nani said.
