By Festus Ahon

ASABA—DELTA State governor, Dr  Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that the late South African President, Dr Nelson Mandela, was a gift to Africa and the entire world, saying he was strongly opposed to any form of discrimination.

Speaking during the 100 years post humus birthday of the late Dr Nelson Mandela with the theme Be the Legacy, held at the Mandela Park, Asaba, Okowa noted that “Mandela stood for everything that is good to humanity and the world.”

Noting that Mandela stood for good governance, accountability and transparency in government, he said Mandela equally believed in the unity of Africa.

Okowa said: “Mandela believed that the child of the poor could be well educated and become a president of any country. He advocated peace and security, he talked about education and freedom for the entire world. He left a legacy and Delta State is proud to identify with his values.

“Like Mandela, we believe that public service should be used for the good of society. I pay a lot of premium to peace and security of our people. I  believe that our youth and women should be gainfully employed.”

Also speaking, the South African Ambassador in Lagos, Darkey Africa, said the South African government has declared the whole year a centenary for the late president.