By Mokobia Rita.
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has credited the peace and stability enjoyed in the state with helping to sustain its development, while calling for renewed efforts to build on the achievements of previous administrations.
Oborevwori spoke on Thursday during a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, organised to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Delta State.
Unlike his earlier anniversary message congratulating Deltans, the Governor used the thanksgiving service to reflect on the state’s development journey, acknowledge past administrations and outline areas his government intends to prioritise as Delta moves into another phase of its history.
He said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the state’s achievements but also to reflect on the contributions of those who had helped shape Delta since its creation in 1991.
The Governor attributed the state’s survival and progress over the past 35 years to God’s grace and commended Deltans for maintaining the peace necessary for development.
He particularly acknowledged political leaders, both past and present, saying their sacrifices, dialogue and commitment to democratic governance had contributed to the state’s stability.
According to him, former military administrators and successive civilian governors had each contributed to the development of Delta State and deserved recognition for their roles in its history.
“Each administration has contributed a chapter to the history of our state, and we will not forget them,” Oborevwori said.
He also recognised the contributions of Delta’s various ethnic nationalities, religious communities and non-indigenes, describing the state’s diversity as an important strength.
The Governor said his administration’s responsibility was to build on the foundations inherited from previous governments while ensuring that more progress was achieved.
He said the state’s 35th anniversary should therefore be viewed as both a moment of thanksgiving and a call to greater responsibility.
“Gratitude for the past must be accompanied by responsibility for the future,” he said.
Oborevwori listed infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, agriculture and technology among the sectors his administration would continue to prioritise.
He said the government would also focus on strengthening institutions, creating a business-friendly environment and providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills and contribute to the state’s economy.
The Governor further pledged continued engagement with traditional and religious leaders, political stakeholders, civil society groups, organised labour, the private sector, women and communities across Delta in pursuing the state’s development objectives.
He said maintaining peace remained critical to sustaining economic and social progress.
“The peace we are enjoying today has brought development. If there were crises in the state, I don’t think we would be talking about the level of development we are witnessing today,” he said.
Oborevwori expressed confidence that Delta would record further progress before reaching its 40th anniversary.
He said the state’s future development should be anchored on greater peace, prosperity, security, inclusion and competitiveness.
In his sermon, titled “The Uniqueness of the Christian Faith,” the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Ven. Charles Osemenam, urged Deltans to strengthen their relationship with God and maintain faith in Him.
Osemenam described the anniversary as an occasion for thanksgiving and reflection, urging residents to recognise God’s role in the state’s journey while seeking divine guidance for the future.
He encouraged the people to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to values that would promote peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other senior government officials.
