By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, received two distinguished accolades on Saturday evening—Outstanding Independent Governor and Best Independent Governor in Urban Renewal for the year 2025.
The honours were conferred during the Independent Newspapers Silver Jubilee Awards, an event celebrating the publication’s 25th anniversary under the theme “Game Changers: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Tomorrow.”
The ceremony took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
Represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori characterized the awards as a strong endorsement of his administration’s accomplishments and the effective implementation of the state’s development plans.
In a post-event discussion with reporters, Onyeme remarked, “It is clear to all Nigerians, and particularly to the people of Delta State, that Governor Oborevwori has markedly shifted the trajectory of governance since his inauguration in 2023.
“He is now widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading governors in the sphere of urban renewal. The evidence of progress is plain for all to see.”
Onyeme detailed the extensive urban revitalization underway across Delta State, emphasizing that as one of Nigeria’s most urbanized states, it has experienced swift infrastructure development in a relatively short time.
He pointed to several flyover constructions in critical areas like Ughelli, Warri, Effurun, and Enerhen Junction, which have alleviated traffic congestion while modernizing the appearance and utility of these urban hubs.
The deputy governor also revealed that the state government has completed nearly 300 kilometers of road projects in the past year alone—a substantial move toward addressing historical infrastructure gaps.
“When independent bodies evaluate our work and choose to recognize it, we are not taken aback. The achievements are tangible,” Onyeme stated.
He added that the awards would act as both an acknowledgement and an incentive for the administration to redouble its efforts in bringing the benefits of democracy to residents.
“Our work is continuous. We were chosen to serve the citizens of Delta State, and we are dedicated to fulfilling that mandate. Greater trust in us will only yield greater results,” he affirmed.
Onyeme credited the governor’s dedication to his profound commitment to public service and his deep-rooted ties to the state, noting that Oborevwori is focused on establishing an enduring positive legacy.
“His goal is to ensure that by the conclusion of his second term, the transformation he has brought about will be unmistakable. He intends to establish a benchmark for subsequent administrations to follow or exceed,” Onyeme explained.
Earlier in the program, Steve Omanufeme, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, extended congratulations to all honorees.
He clarified that recipients were chosen through a combination of public votes and careful evaluation by an independent jury and the newspaper’s editorial board.
Omanufeme also shared that additional events to mark the silver jubilee would be held in October, featuring a gathering of stakeholders and special guests.
