Ofoni, Ighrakpata Call for Stronger Public Support to Improve Living Standards in Delta

The Delta State Government has called on corporate organisations, institutions and well-meaning individuals across the state to complement government efforts aimed at improving the welfare, safety and living conditions of citizens.
The call was made by the Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, alongside the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Hon. Anthony Ofoni, during a surprise birthday celebration organised in honour of the Chairman of the Ofugara Give Back Initiative and Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament, Mr. Silva Ofugara.
The colourful event, which drew football stakeholders, community leaders, friends and associates from different parts of the state, was organised by chairmen of All-Stars football clubs in Delta Central and Delta South in recognition of Ofugara’s humanitarian services and contributions to grassroots sports development.
Speaking at the gathering, Chief Ighrakpata commended Mr. Ofugara for consistently using his personal resources to impact lives positively through empowerment programmes, youth development initiatives and sponsorship of sporting activities.
According to him, government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of building a better society, stressing that individuals blessed with resources and influence must support initiatives capable of uplifting communities.
“People like Silva Ofugara deserve to be celebrated because he has shown uncommon commitment towards humanity. Beyond football, he has touched lives through empowerment, mentorship and community support. Government at all levels needs partners like him to make society safer, healthier and more prosperous,” Ighrakpata stated.
He urged corporate bodies and successful individuals in Delta State to embrace social responsibility by investing in youth development, education, healthcare and community-based programmes capable of reducing hardship among the people.
Also speaking, Hon. Anthony Ofoni described the celebrant as a bridge-builder whose passion for peace, unity and grassroots football development has continued to inspire many across the state.
The Uvwie council boss noted that the Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament has become a major platform for fostering friendship, discovering talents and promoting peaceful coexistence among youths.
“Government cannot do everything alone. This is why we encourage public-spirited individuals and organisations to support programmes that unite our people and create opportunities for the younger generation. Silva Ofugara has distinguished himself in this regard and deserves every honour being accorded to him today,” Ofoni said.
He further praised the organisers of the surprise birthday celebration for recognising individuals who are making meaningful contributions to society outside political offices.
Several speakers at the event took turns to extol the virtues of the celebrant, describing him as humble, generous and deeply committed to the welfare of others.
His wife, while speaking emotionally, thanked God for preserving her husband and prayed for greater strength and wisdom for him to continue impacting humanity positively.
She described Mr. Ofugara as a compassionate family man and a committed philanthropist whose greatest joy lies in putting smiles on the faces of people.
Close associates and friends of the celebrant also recounted his contributions towards supporting youths, promoting peace and assisting the less privileged, noting that many beneficiaries of his kindness may never publicly speak about the help they received from him.
Chairmen of the various All-Stars football clubs present at the event said the celebration was their little way of appreciating a man who has continued to sustain grassroots football and unity among veteran footballers in Delta State.
Responding, Mr. Silva Ofugara expressed gratitude to everyone who honoured him with the surprise celebration, describing the gesture as overwhelming and deeply humbling.
The celebrant thanked God for the gift of life and appreciated his family, friends, football stakeholders and associates for their unwavering support over the years.
“I am sincerely grateful to everyone who came here today to celebrate with me. I never expected this kind of honour. Whatever little support I have given to people is simply my own way of contributing to society.
“My prayer is that God will continue to bless everyone in one way or another so that together we can build a better society where people can live happily, peacefully and safely,” Ofugara said.
The event featured goodwill messages, entertainment and moments of celebration as guests applauded the celebrant for his enduring commitment to humanity and grassroots sports development in Delta State.