AGBARHO/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been inducted into the prestigious Urhobo Hall of Fame in recognition of his exceptional governance and contributions to the development of the state. The induction was part of the 93rd Urhobo National Day Celebration and Grand Reception held on Saturday at Urhobo House, Uvwiamuge, Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori used the occasion to condole with the people of Okuama in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, over the demise of their President-General, Pa James Oghorokor. The late leader reportedly passed away in military custody amidst the Okuama crisis.
“As a government, we are saddened by this unfortunate development and extend our profound condolences to the deceased’s family and the entire Okuama community,” Oborevwori said. He assured the community that the state government is in touch with military authorities to ensure an autopsy is conducted, promising that the report would be made public.
The Governor was also conferred with the title Omorotomo of Urhoboland by the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, led by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1. In his remarks, Oborevwori commended the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for the event’s theme, Repositioning the Urhobo Nation for More Prosperity, which aligns with his administration’s MORE Agenda focused on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic growth.
Highlighting achievements under his administration, the Governor noted that over 203,000 individuals have benefited from the Delta Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program. He also announced cash grants to 5,426 petty traders and artisans under the MORE Grant Scheme, empowerment of 6,000 farmers with agricultural inputs, and the distribution of fertilizers across all local governments to ensure food security.
Oborevwori further unveiled initiatives like the MORE Biz-Up program, aimed at supporting 2,000 struggling entrepreneurs, and disclosed the release of ₦1 billion in counterpart funding for the Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) to empower farmers.
The Governor thanked the Anioma, Ijaw, Isoko, and Itsekiri nations for their support during his election and called on the Urhobo people to unite for the socio-economic and political development of Delta State.
“As individuals, we may have political differences, but we must prioritize the interests of our people and the state,” he said, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and tolerance across party lines.
He urged parents to guide their children and instill values that counteract the “get-rich-quick” mentality prevalent among youths, while appealing to Urhobos in the diaspora to invest in the state to create jobs and drive economic growth.
Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun John Oguma, lauded Governor Oborevwori’s accomplishments and urged support for his re-election in 2027. Similarly, UPU President-General, Olorogun Ese Gam Owe, commended the Governor’s efforts in health care, infrastructure, and ongoing development projects across the state.
Representatives of the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Isoko nations, including Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Professor Chris Akpotu, and Professor Ben Okaba, praised the Governor for his unprecedented performance and pledged continued support for his administration.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Hon. Francis Waive; Deputy Speaker Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo; and leaders of ethnic nationalities in the state.
