Delta Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated a Nigerian Amanda Azubuike, on her promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General in the United States Army.

Azubuike, an African-American, was elevated from Colonel to the new rank at a ceremony at a military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  Born in UK, her father was originally from Nigeria while her mother hailed from Zimbabwe.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, said that Delta Government and the people were proud of the attainment of Azubuike, describing her as energetic, result-driven and a highly-motivated officer.

He said that Azubuike was an inestimable pride and immeasurable honour to Nigeria, and expressed appreciation to the US Army authorities for considering the illustrious Nigerian worthy of such exalted position of Brigadier-General.

According to the governor, Gen. Azubuike has the requisite experience for her new role having joined the US Army in 1994 and currently serves as a Deputy Commanding Officer at the US Army Cadet Command and previously served as a Chief of Staff/Senior Military Advisor at the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

He urged the officer to ensure that she continued to be a great ambassador of Nigeria as well as the black race.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate a fine military officer and pride of Nigeria, Amanda Azubuike, on her promotion as a Brigadier-General in the US Army.

“Over the years, Azubuike has by dint of hard work and discipline, established herself as a team-player which has endeared her to her colleagues in the US Army.

“As you assume your new role as Brigadier-General in the United States Army, your family and indeed, your colleagues in the military and admirers have cause to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments.

“We are proud of you and we know that you will continue to be a great ambassador of our great nation, and as your people, we will continue to pray for you for good health and greater attainments,” he stated.