– By Ewere Okonta
Dr. Donald Peterson
Listeners of Sleek 101.9 FM were treated to an engaging, thought-provoking and deeply human conversation as Dr. Donald Peterson made a memorable appearance on Dissection, the flagship programme anchored by Mr. Iwemdi Nwaham.
The programme kicked off in classic Dissection style, with the host asking Dr. Peterson to introduce himself. What followed was not just a résumé, but a story of grit, purpose and uncommon drive. Dr. Peterson calmly reeled out his academic journey: two first degrees, four master’s degrees, two PhDs, with a third doctorate currently in progress. Yet, rather than sounding boastful, his tone was reflective, almost restrained, as if the degrees were milestones on a much longer road rather than trophies.
When asked whether he came from a wealthy background, Dr. Peterson’s response shifted the mood of the studio. He disclosed that he came from an average family, noting with emotion that his late father never had the opportunity to go to school. According to him, his father, now of blessed memory, once advised him to “go to school and study for both of us.” That single instruction, he said, became a lifelong mandate. Many of his academic pursuits, he revealed, are in fulfilment of that dream, a son carrying his father along every classroom, every lecture hall, every convocation.
On mentorship, Dr. Peterson acknowledged two towering figures: business mogul Jim Ovia and former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. He described mentorship not as casual association, but as learning by observation, watching how values, discipline and vision translate into impact.
Asked about what truly inspires him, Dr. Peterson did not hesitate. “The love I have for my father is one,” he said, adding that the fear of disappointing his father even in death, remains a powerful driving force. It was one of the most emotional moments of the interview, one that resonated strongly with listeners.
Turning to wealth creation, Dr. Peterson offered a philosophy that cuts against the grain of get-rich-quick thinking. Entrepreneurs, he said, should never start a business with money as the primary goal. Instead, they should focus on providing solutions and solving problems. According to him, wealth is a by-product of value, not the starting point.
Mr. Nwaham also probed his consistent partnership with the University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL). Dr. Peterson explained that his motivation is simple but strategic: bringing human capital development closer to young people. Universities, he noted, are communities with the highest concentration of youths, and catching them early through mentorship and career pathways is critical. He highlighted the Techpreneurship Programme at UNIDEL, which runs across seven modules, including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Design School, Web Design and Web Programming, a deliberate effort to prepare students for the modern digital economy.
On the funding of his wide-ranging philanthropic activities, Dr. Peterson was clear: every intervention is solely funded from the proceeds of his businesses. No shortcuts, no external props, just reinvesting success back into society.
As Special Adviser to the Delta State Government on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Peterson clarified the core mandate of his office. Entrepreneurship development, he said, is essentially business development. The task is to identify the entrepreneurial potentials of Delta State and convert them into productive use; ideas into enterprises, talents into industries.
Speaking on the future of the D-Peterson Foundation, his words were firm and almost philosophical: as long as the world exists, the foundation will remain. It was a statement rooted in continuity, not ambition.
On his political future, Dr. Peterson maintained his trademark caution. “When the right time comes, I will decide,” he said, leaving the door open without rushing destiny.
Assessing the performance of the present Delta State Government led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Dr. Peterson rated the administration 9.5 out of 10, praising its developmental strides. He specifically commended the recent flag-off of the Agbor flyover at Uromi Junction, describing it as a wonderful project that speaks to purposeful governance.
Reflecting on his recent career conversation at UNIDEL, he described the engagement as robust and highly interactive, applauding the university management for creating such an interface. He stressed that every idea, before becoming reality, is first born as a social construct; nurtured through dialogue and exposure.
By the time Dissection wrapped up, one thing was clear: beyond the titles, degrees and offices, Dr. Donald Peterson is driven by something far deeper; a promise made to a father, a commitment to youths, and a belief that impact, not applause, is the true measure of success.
Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB media. He is a member of #TeamPeterson. He writes from the Department of Business administration, University of Delta, Agbor.
He can be reached on: 08037383019
His email is: eobnewsmedia@gmail.com
His website is: www.ewereokontablog.org.ng