By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing bold economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
According to the governor, these measures were essential for achieving long-term economic recovery.
Oborevwori made these remarks on Wednesday during a lecture titled “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a More United Nigeria,” delivered at the annual lecture series of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos.
He argued that stronger financial capacity at the state and local government levels has made it possible to carry out impactful development projects, thereby promoting inclusive growth.
The governor called for the adoption of inclusive governance throughout Nigeria, describing it as a vital route to strengthening national unity and sustainable development.
He noted that Nigeria’s diversity requires a governance model that guarantees representation, fairness, and participation for all groups, especially marginalized communities.
Oborevwori highlighted Delta State’s governance approach as a workable example, rooted in his administration’s MORE Agenda, which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
He explained that inclusive governance in the state has resulted in equitable infrastructure development, improved access to healthcare, and balanced educational investments across the three senatorial districts.
The governor pointed out that more than 2.7 million residents are currently enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme. He also noted that major infrastructure projects, such as the Effurun-Warri flyovers and rural road networks, are designed to encourage economic integration beyond ethnic lines.
Oborevwori further emphasized youth empowerment and social inclusion, revealing that over 300,000 people have benefited from various state programs focused on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and employment.
He added that policies such as the Widows Welfare Scheme and support for vulnerable groups reflect the administration’s commitment to socio-economic inclusivity. He stressed that opportunities in Delta State are available to both indigenes and non-indigenes alike.
Addressing national issues, the governor called for deliberate efforts to build a shared national identity through education, media, and youth-oriented initiatives. He urged stakeholders to view Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a unifying strength rather than a source of division.
Oborevwori proposed the institutionalization of a national conference every ten years, involving government officials, traditional rulers, civil society, and other stakeholders, to review progress on inclusivity and national cohesion.
He concluded that national unity must be built from the grassroots through inclusive policies at the state and local government levels.
He emphasized that equitable development and social cohesion across Nigeria’s federating units would significantly reduce tensions and strengthen the country’s collective identity.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, described the centenary celebration of the Yoruba Tennis Club as a remarkable achievement, noting that maintaining relevance for 100 years is no small accomplishment for any institution.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his developmental efforts in Delta State and welcomed all guests from Delta State. He expressed confidence that their contributions to discussions on inclusive governance and national unity would be valuable.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, thanked the organizers for the opportunity to attend the gathering and expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for honoring the club’s invitation.
The Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawunmi Gasper, welcomed guests with respect and a deep appreciation for history as the club marks the milestones leading to its centenary.
