The wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ogechi Lokpobiri, has been honoured with commendation for her humanitarian spirit, compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others.
The commendation came from the Vice President of Boardwalk Group, an Abuja-based real estate developer and philanthropist, Chief Mrs Obiageli Okwubanego, following the 30th anniversary celebration of Bayelsa State.
The celebration, tagged, “Bayelsa @ 30: Celebrating Legacies,” featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Senator Heineken Lokpobiri by Governor Douye Diri.
Speaking with journalists in Asokoro, Abuja, Okwubanego described Senator Lokpobiri and his wife as “two perfect persons” whose commitment, she said, was focused on making Nigeria better and improving the lives of those around them.
While commending the minister for his contributions to the oil and gas sector and his role in projecting Bayelsa positively at the federal level, Okwubanego said Dr Ogechi deserved special recognition for her values and impact.
She described the minister’s wife as a “pillar” and an “icon,” saying she exemplifies the biblical woman who builds her home while also making meaningful contributions to society.
According to her, the success of a man in public service is often strengthened by the character, sacrifice and support of the woman beside him.
Okwubanego said Dr Ogechi’s influence extends beyond her role as the wife of a serving minister, noting that her caring, hardworking and productive disposition has enabled her to touch the lives of others through compassion and service.
“Behind every successful man, there is a productive, caring and hardworking wife,” she said, adding that Dr Ogechi had demonstrated these qualities in remarkable ways.
She noted that public office comes with enormous responsibilities and pressures, making the support and encouragement of spouses important to the ability of public officials to remain focused on service.
Okwubanego urged Nigerians to recognise people whose contributions may not always attract public attention but whose acts of kindness, encouragement and humanitarian intervention make a difference in the lives of others.
She said Dr Ogechi’s contribution should be viewed not merely from the perspective of being the wife of a minister, but as that of a woman who has chosen to deploy her influence and relationships to positively impact humanity.
The commendation, she added, offered another perspective to the recognition of Senator Lokpobiri during the Bayelsa @ 30 celebration, highlighting the supportive role Dr Ogechi has played in his public service journey.