By Sunday Apah
Asaba, Delta State – Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Tuesday emphatically reiterated his unwavering commitment to serving all citizens with fairness and dedication, transcending ethnic, religious, or political divides.
He declared that his administration is resolutely focused on inclusive governance, responsible resource management, and fostering sustainable development throughout the state.
The governor’s powerful statement came during a meeting at Government House, Asaba, with a delegation of Catholic priests from the Warri, Issele-Uku, and Bomadi dioceses, led by Rev. Monsignor John Ike Aduba.
Governor Oborevwori expressed profound gratitude to the clergy for their consistent prayers, support, and invaluable guidance, acknowledging their significant role in promoting peace and good governance.
He attributed the successes of his administration, in part, to the fervent prayers of the faithful.
“The Holy Bible instructs us to pray for those in authority so they may govern effectively,” Governor Oborevwori stated. “If people commend my performance today, it is undoubtedly due to the prayers offered on my behalf. God has bestowed upon us the strength and wisdom necessary to serve the people of Delta State.”
He lauded the Catholic Church for its dignified and responsible engagement with public affairs, noting that the clergy consistently offers constructive advice through appropriate channels.
The governor affirmed that his administration operates with a profound reverence for God and an unwavering determination to ensure that all Deltans benefit from the dividends of democracy.
This commitment is evidenced through robust infrastructural development, human capital advancement, empowering programs, and enhanced security measures.
Governor Oborevwori further revealed his administration’s steadfast adherence to fiscal discipline, highlighting the timely payment of workers’ salaries and contractors without resorting to external borrowing.
“Every project we undertake is fully financially backed,” he explained. “From the very beginning of my tenure, I made it unequivocally clear that any contractor engaged by this administration would receive payment for duly executed work. We have successfully paid workers and contractors without borrowing, a testament to divine grace.”
Addressing recent tensions concerning the Warri Federal Constituency delineation, the governor disclosed that he had convened a crucial meeting with leaders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to avert any potential breakdown of law and order.
“We have experienced past crises in Warri, and we are determined to prevent a return to those challenging times,” he asserted. “There is no justification for conflict. We must continue to embrace peaceful coexistence, and I am pleased that all parties have demonstrated understanding.”
Reaffirming his dedication to inclusive governance, Governor Oborevwori stressed that he serves as governor for all Deltans, not for any specific ethnic group.
“Delta State is blessed with diverse ethnic nationalities, and the only path to successful governance is to ensure every group feels a sense of belonging,” he emphasized. “A government that lacks inclusivity cannot earn the trust and support of its people. I am not a governor for any particular ethnic group; I am the governor for all Deltans. Every action we have taken has been guided by the principle of inclusiveness.”
The governor also assured the delegation of continued state government support for mission-owned educational institutions and other initiatives contributing to the state’s overall development.
In response to requests from the clergy, Governor Oborevwori indicated that the government would explore the possibility of supporting the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri in Udu Local Government Area, including considering the construction of an access road to the facility.
Reflecting on his own Catholic upbringing, Governor Oborevwori shared that his late father remained a devoted member of the Church throughout his life.
“I did not become governor to enrich myself,” he declared passionately. “I became governor to serve. I am already comfortable. My passion lies in the work and in improving the lives of our people. By God’s grace, when I leave office in 2031, there will be tangible achievements to showcase.”
Earlier, Very Rev. Prof. Jude Obiunu, speaking on behalf of the delegation, commended the governor for his unwavering commitment to equitable development and inclusive governance across the state.
He assured the governor of the Church’s continued prayers and support, noting that the Catholic community is encouraged by the administration’s efforts to extend development projects to all corners of Delta State.
“The Church desires good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to all citizens,” Professor Obiunu stated. “From what we have observed, you are not a sectional or tribal-minded governor. Your projects and programs have positively impacted every part of Delta State.”
He appealed to the governor to maintain support for mission schools throughout the state, highlighting that many of these institutions still require infrastructure and government assistance to provide quality education.
The cleric also requested government intervention for the access road and security lighting leading to the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri, emphasizing that improved infrastructure would enhance accessibility and promote spiritual activities at the center.
Professor Obiunu urged the governor to remain focused and continue to engage all Deltans, irrespective of their political or ethnic affiliations.
The visit concluded with special prayers offered by the priests for Governor Oborevwori, Delta State, and Nigeria.
