Ifeanyi Okowa (Sen.)
Delta | Senator
Delta | Senator
Senator Ifeanyichukwu Arthur Okowa is a Nigerian medical doctor, politician, and public administrator who has served in several key leadership positions, including Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023 and Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015. Born on 8 July 1959 in Owa-Alero, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, he is widely recognized for his contributions to healthcare, governance, and public service in Nigeria.
Okowa received his early education at Iroro Primary School, Owa-Alero, before attending Edo College, Benin City, where he completed his secondary education. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in 1981. After completing his internship and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he worked as a Medical Officer with the Bendel State Hospitals Management Board before establishing Victory Medical Centre, a private medical practice, in 1986.
Dr. Okowa began his political career in 1991 as Secretary of the Ika Local Government Council and later became the first Executive Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Area. Following Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999, he held several strategic positions in the Delta State Government, including Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Commissioner for Water Resources Development, and Secretary to the Delta State Government. These roles provided him with extensive experience in public administration and policy implementation.
In 2011, Okowa was elected to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to represent Delta North Senatorial District. During his tenure, he served on several Senate committees and contributed to legislation relating to health, education, infrastructure, and national development. His performance in the Senate paved the way for his successful election as Governor of Delta State in 2015, making him the first person from the Anioma (Delta North) region to occupy the office. He was re-elected in 2019 for a second four-year term.
As Governor, Dr. Okowa implemented policies focused on economic diversification, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and job creation. His administration launched initiatives such as the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), which were designed to equip young people with vocational and entrepreneurial skills. His government also invested in road construction, healthcare facilities, and educational infrastructure across Delta State.
In 2022, Okowa was selected as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Atiku Abubakar for the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. Following the 2023 elections, he continued his involvement in national politics and, in 2025, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is currently seeking to return to the Senate as the representative of Delta North Senatorial District.
Beyond politics, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is respected for his background in medicine, public administration, and community development. He is married to Dame Edith Okowa, and they are blessed with children. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to promoting good governance, human capital development, and sustainable socio-economic growth, making him one of the most influential political figures from Delta State.