Governor’s Diary: Oborevwori working to protect interest of Deltans

The primary responsibility of every elected or appointed public official is to serve the collective interests of the people. In a developing country like Nigeria, where infrastructural deficits pose significant challenges, governments at all levels must prioritize substantial investments in critical sectors.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the welfare of Deltans, through his MORE agenda –Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security— he continues to drive impactful governance.

His administration’s key initiatives include: Infrastructure Development: Construction of roads, bridges, and urban renewal projects; Education and Healthcare; Investments in schools, hospitals, and social welfare programmes; Economic Growth: Support for businesses, agriculture, and job creation; and Security and Peacebuilding: Strengthening security measures to ensure a safer environment for residents .

Speaking while hosting members of the newly elected executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Delta State Chapter, led by Bishop Abos Willie, at Government House, Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urged elected and appointed public office holders in the state to prioritize the interests of the people above personal gains in the discharge of their duties. The governor attributed the tendency of some public officials to place themselves above the collective good to a lack of reverence for God.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements over the past 19 months, he credited divine guidance and God’s providence for the progress made so far. He reaffirmed his commitment to putting God first in the governance of Delta State.

He congratulated members of the new PFN executive in the state on their successful election, even as he promised to synergise with them in advancing the MORE Agenda of his administration.

He implored the body and the church to continue to pray for the state and the nation, affirming that God was needed to reverse the ugly trend in the country.

… Tasks Political Appointees On Whistle Blowing Policy
ALSO, Governor Oborevwori has charged political appointees in the state to champion the whistle blowing policy of his administration by reporting poorly executed projects in their areas for prompt action.

Governor Oborevwori gave the charge, Wednesday, while swearing-in Senator Ighoyota Amori as his Chief Adviser at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. He said video recordings and information on any poorly executed project would help the government in blacklisting erring contractors, in addition to putting an end to the abandonment of projects and execution of jobs against the terms of contractual agreements .

“Last week, during an interactive session with the top level public/civil servants, I announced my intention to open a hotline for residents to report cases of sub-standard jobs by contractors, to my office.

“This is an initiative that will assist the government to ensure that the government gets full value for the money spent on projects. Political appointees must take the lead in this by monitoring projects in their localities and advise the government accordingly.

“Governance is all about teamwork and all hands must be on deck to achieve our goal of giving our people the best and making Delta State the envy of other states in the federation,” he said.

… Woos Swedish Investors To Delta
GOVERNOR Oborevwori, on Tuesday, urged Swedish investors to explore investment opportunities by taking advantage of the state’s peaceful environment, strategic location and abundant natural resources for high investment returns engagement. He made the call when he received the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, and her delegation at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday.

The Governor noted that the state was blessed with abundant crude oil and gas deposits, and assured that there would be high returns on investments in the state. He said: “Delta State is a peaceful place and it is one of the places in Nigeria that produces the crude oil that serves this nation. And we are open to business because it’s a place that is very peaceful.

“It will interest you to know that, in Delta State, we have three airports; the Asaba International Cargo Airport, the Osubi/Warri airport and the Escravos airport which serves the coastal oil terminal.

“Your visit today will also consolidate our relationship with the Swedish government. I am also aware that since 1961, Nigeria has had a relationship with the Swedish government.”

Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his award of Governor of The Year by ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television, adding that she had been longing to visit Delta. Hahn-Englund said Sweden and Nigeria have diplomatic relations dating back to 1961, adding that her visit was to promote trade and investment.

“We have some Swedish companies in Nigeria which are mainly into ICT, infrastructure, Telecom, Energy and Transportation. We meet with them regularly and we know where they are interested in terms of investments.”

… Gets PDP Governors’ Endorsement On Infrastructural Development
THE Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the massive infrastructural development across the state.

Governor Mohammed gave the commendation, Thursday night, during a state banquet organised for members of the PDP Governors’ Forum, ahead of the forum’s meeting held last Friday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba.

He also commended other state governors elected on the ticket of the party for their various contributions to the development of their states, insisting that despite the internal challenges plaguing the party, the PDP remained the party of prime choice for Nigerians.

He thanked Governor Oborevwori and the people of the state for their hospitality and reception, assuring that the party would come out of its present challenges stronger.

Earlier, Governor Oborevwori thanked his brother Governors for coming, and assured that the party would come out with resolutions that would unite it and the country.

… Commences 2023/2024 Bursary Payment To 32,028 Students
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori has given approval for the commencement of payment of 2023/2024 Students Special Assistance Scheme (Bursary Award) to eligible Deltans in higher schools across the country.

The Executive Secretary, Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Dr. Godfrey Enita, who disclosed this in a statement in Asaba on Saturday, said the payment would commence on February 3, 2025. Enita, while commending Governor Oborevwori for the approval, said 32,028 students would benefit from the bursary scheme.