By Ernest Chinwo  in  Port Harcourt

President Goodluck Jonathan and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, have commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on  Domestic and Social Events, Hon  Waripamo- Owei Dudafa, on the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting by the University of Port Harcourt at its 29 Convocation ceremony, weekend.

Jonathan, in a congratulatory letter to Dudafa, noted that the doctorate degree would enhance his capacity to serve Nigeria.
The President's letter read in part: “It is my hope that your acquisition of a doctoral degree will not only inspire you to loftier aspirations but also further enhance your capacity to continue to render worthy service to our dear nation, especially at this point when the country is in dire need of the re-commitment of men and women of good will to our national transformation efforts.”
On her part, the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, also said the degree was an important achievement, adding that the feat would make him excel further in the discharge of his duties.

She also explained that with his (Dudafa’s) commitment to the pursuit of education, he has demonstrated that he is worthy to be in the prestigious class of erudite scholars.

Dickson, in his letter, stated that Dudafa in his relatively young life had served Bayelsa State with distinction and consummate industry in every capacity in which his worthy endowments had been required at both the legislative and executive arms of governance.
Dickson commended Dudafa for not losing sight of self improvement, despite his commitment to serve Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Dudafa, shortly after being conferred with his Ph.D degree expressed appreciation to all those that encouraged him during his academic pursuit, even as he prayed God for wisdom and promised to contribute to a better Nigeria.

The President’s aide, who was the only Ph.D graduating student in accounting, paid glowing tribute to Mr. Bestman Festus, his Further Mathematics teacher in secondary school, who he said laid the foundation and prepared him for the academic feat he has attained.  
Dudafa however said he was particularly inspired by late business mogul and philanthropist, Moshood Abiola, who like himself, was also a trained accountant, saying through determination and hard work he became who is today.
 
Dudafa, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, was made Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under former governor, Timipre Sylva.