By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has underscored the indispensable requirement for visionary, competent and selfless leadership to consolidate Nigeria’s democratic foundations, insisting that robust institutions can only prosper under the guidance of leaders marked by integrity, character and patriotism.
He made the assertion on Thursday during the inaugural Professor Sam Oyovbaire Public Service Lecture at the main auditorium of Southern Delta University, Orerokpe Campus.
In a glowing tribute, the governor celebrated the distinguished political scientist and former Minister of Information for his exceptional scholarly contributions and service to national development.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Governor Oborevwori hailed the establishment of the annual lecture series as an appropriate acknowledgement of Professor Oyovbaire’s lasting imprint on academia and public life.
“I congratulate Southern Delta University for instituting this lecture series to celebrate a man whose scholarship and public service have enriched our democratic journey,” he declared.
He observed that Professor Oyovbaire had distinguished himself through intellectual excellence, integrity and an unyielding dedication to nation-building.
His body of work, the governor noted, had profoundly deepened national comprehension of democracy, governance and federalism while inspiring successive generations of scholars and public servants.
Oborevwori characterised the lecture theme, “Federal Statecraft without Crafters: The Nigerian Predicament,” as both timely and intellectually stimulating, emphasising that it highlights the decisive influence of leadership on the vitality of democratic institutions.
No system of government, he maintained, can succeed without capable and visionary leaders wholly devoted to the collective welfare of the citizenry.
“Strong institutions are important, but they can only flourish when guided by men and women of character, competence and patriotism,” he affirmed.
The governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to good governance, inclusive development and policies designed to enhance the well-being of Deltans through the consistent implementation of the M.O.R.E. Agenda.
He stressed that the state government continues to demonstrate that purposeful leadership, prudent stewardship of public resources and effective collaboration remain essential pillars of sustainable development and tangible progress.
Oborevwori further encouraged participants to engage vigorously in the deliberations and convert the ideas generated into concrete measures capable of reinforcing Nigeria’s democracy and propelling national advancement.
He congratulated Professor Oyovbaire on the honour conferred upon him and praised the management of Southern Delta University for inaugurating the lecture series, describing it as a commendable initiative that will foster rigorous intellectual discourse and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s democratic evolution.
The occasion drew attendance from members of the Delta State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, senior government officials, academics, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other eminent guests.
