Owie At 81: Bibi Celebrates Veteran Statesman’s Legacy Of Service, Democracy, Leadership

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Edo South Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Sunny “Bibi” Aguebor, has felicitated former Senate Chief Whip, Distinguished Senator Roland Stephen Owie, KSJI, on his 81st birthday, describing him as a pillar of democracy and one of Edo State’s enduring voices in public service.

In a birthday tribute, Aguebor celebrated Senator Owie’s decades of political and legislative engagement, describing his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development as a legacy worthy of recognition and emulation by younger generations.

Senator Owie, who represented Edo South Senatorial District in the Senate from 1999 to 2003, served as the pioneer Chief Whip of the Senate at the beginning of the Fourth Republic. Before returning to the National Assembly in 1999, he had also served in the House of Representatives during the Second Republic.

Aguebor noted that Owie’s return to national politics at the dawn of the Fourth Republic placed him among the political actors who participated in the early institutional development of Nigeria’s current democratic era.

He particularly recalled Owie’s working relationship with the late Senate President, Senator Chuba Okadigbo, during the early years of the Fourth Republic, describing the period as significant in the development of legislative leadership and parliamentary democracy.

As a senator, Owie served on several committees, including Selection, Senate Services, Power and Steel, Agriculture, Water Resources, and Drug and Narcotics. His years in the National Assembly also saw him participate in legislative debates and initiatives addressing national development and the challenges confronting the Niger Delta.

Aguebor also highlighted Owie’s contribution to discussions surrounding the establishment and development of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), describing the commission as an important institution created to address the developmental needs of the Niger Delta region.

Beyond his years in elective office, Aguebor said Owie has remained active in national discourse, particularly on democratic governance, electoral reforms, security, political development and the future of the Niger Delta.

He noted that the former senator’s continued interventions on matters of national importance demonstrate that his commitment to public service has extended beyond the period he occupied elective office.

Aguebor also commended Owie for his contributions to discussions concerning the unity, development and cultural values of the Benin people.

He recalled the former senator’s participation in the Benin Unity Summit, where prominent leaders advocated unity, honesty, love and the restoration of positive moral values among the people.

According to Aguebor, such interventions demonstrate that Owie’s influence has not been limited to partisan politics but has continued to encompass community development, responsible leadership and the preservation of cultural values.

The NDC Edo South candidate described Senator Owie as an elder statesman whose wealth of experience provides valuable guidance for younger politicians entering public service.

“Your journey in public service is one that inspires generations. You have remained a guiding light and a pillar of strength for younger politicians who draw inspiration from your principled and patriotic approach to leadership,” Aguebor said.

He further commended Owie’s commitment to Edo South and Edo State, noting that his voice and experience continue to contribute to political and developmental conversations in the state and beyond.

Aguebor said Owie’s 81st birthday was not merely a celebration of longevity but also an opportunity to reflect on a remarkable journey of public service, sacrifice, democratic participation and leadership.

He prayed that Almighty God would continue to grant the former senator good health, wisdom and strength to contribute to the development of Edo State and Nigeria.

“On behalf of my family, my supporters and the good people of Edo South Senatorial District, I celebrate Your Excellency at 81. May Almighty God continue to preserve you, strengthen you and grant you many more years in good health and fulfilment,” Aguebor stated.

As Senator Roland Owie marks 81, Aguebor said his life and political career remain a reminder of the importance of experience, integrity, sacrifice and responsible leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He added that the legacy of elder statesmen such as Owie should inspire younger generations to approach public service as a responsibility to the people rather than merely an avenue for political office.

The tribute comes as Edo South prepares for another political season ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Aguebor positioning his campaign around people-centred representation, accountability, democratic reforms and improved legislative service to constituents.