Delta Role Model Awards DREAMS 2024 in partnership with the African Child Foundation is set to host the 2024 edition of the Biannual event on November 7, 2024 at the Events Centre, in Asaba, the state capital.
The event which was established in 2005 has been considerably adjudged credible and consistent, having the best among Deltans celebrated in the past and it would be hosted by the state government through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism.
The Delta Role Model Awards, (DREAMS) is a value-driven project of the African Child Foundation with support by the Delta State Government in identifying, recognizing and rewarding Deltans, friends and well wishers of the state, brands, products, individuals and organizations who put Delta first for their demonstrated ability to innovate and invent for the social economic progress of the State.
Speaking with Journalists in Asaba, the Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Tourism, Olorogun Donaldson Onosakponome and Hon. Gloria Oborevwori stated that, leaving the success road map and giving Role Model status to ‘rogues’ by not setting the record straight through this medium of separating good from evil, is rather consciously or unconsciously putting the future of our society in a state of quagmire.
“Research carried out shows that the quickest and surest way of reducing the rate of crime and increase the reliance on hard work and honesty is by recognizing and rewarding individuals of exemplary qualities who, through hard work, passion for excellence, tenacity, doggedness, courage, resilience, and patriotism have left their mark in the indelible sands of time, upholding societal values, morals and norms.
“Young individuals always have an imaginary picture of their future and most times, these images comes as people who have succeeded in something, positively or negatively.
“In other words, are internet fraudsters, drug peddlers and other unwholesome elements fast becoming role models in our society? Evil succeed where noble men and women sit and do nothing.
“There is no sitting on the fence. Don’t we all pay the price when there is a breakdown of law and order in the society? We do! When a greedy road contractor constructs road with inferior quality materials with tax payers’ money, don’t children become orphans, wives become widows and men widowers, goods and property lost?
“These victims could be related to us, and when they are, don’t we share in their grief? It is common for thieves, rapists and other miscreants to ensconce themselves in bad portions of the roads where all vehicles virtually come to a halt.
“It is saddening to note that poor road infrastructure accounts for over N300bn on vehicle maintenance in Nigeria yearly.
“Let us for a minute consider the pain of parents losing their children to road accidents. Imagine the pain of a mother whose son is a drug addict, a robber, prostitute etc. Doesn’t drug abuse cost the society lives, diseases and crime? When our society is saturated with these social deviants, don’t we all pay the price of insecurity?, they queried.
The team further added that to salvage this, positive images need to be showcased to stimulate the minds of our teeming youths.
“The Delta role model laureates are notable persons and organizations with extra ordinary achievements derived from their determination, tenacity, doggedness, patriotism and passion for excellence in a morally decaying society where youths choose alternatives to hard work as a means of wealth acquisition.
“The likes of Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Nduka Obaigbena, Evelyn Oputu, Late Prof. Obi Chike Edozien, Sam Amuka, Prof. Grace Alele William, Alfred Temile, Pa Edwin Clark, Otega Emerhor, late Justice James Omo-Agege, RMD, Alibaba and others are amongst those who have been distinguished and celebrated in the past,” they added.
Olorogun Donaldson Onosakponome added that the State is towing a new part of massive development through the frantic and sincere initiative of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, adding that this years event is to bring all Deltans from all walks of life together in unity of purpose to support and develop the state.
