ABUJA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence in Leadership by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in recognition of his visionary leadership and notable contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The award was presented on Wednesday during the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST), held at the PTDF Towers, Abuja.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a collective tribute to the resilience and enterprise of the people of Delta State, whose land and waters have sustained Nigeria’s energy wealth for decades.
“To be recognised by an institution of PTI’s stature, the foremost centre for human capacity development in the hydrocarbon sector, is not just a personal honour but a collective one. I accept this award on behalf of our resilient people whose sacrifice and faith continue to drive our development agenda,” he said.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment, and Governance,” Governor Oborevwori stressed that the paradox of wealth and deprivation in the Niger Delta must give way to inclusive growth, environmental justice, and institutional reform.
He reaffirmed that his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda—which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—was designed to address historical injustices and promote sustainable development across the state.
“Peace and security have been prioritised as the foundation for sustainable investment. Through continuous engagement with community leaders and industry operators, we have fostered stability, trust, and shared responsibility,” Oborevwori said.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and institutions like PTI to empower Deltans with skills needed to participate meaningfully in the oil and gas value chain.
“We are ensuring that Deltans are not bystanders but active participants in the oil and gas industry. By equipping our people with the right skills, we are positioning them to seize emerging opportunities in the evolving energy landscape,” he added.
On environmental issues, Governor Oborevwori maintained that his government remained firm on enforcing global best practices in oil operations to protect the state’s fragile ecosystems.
“A healthy environment is essential to the survival of both our people and the industry,” he said. “PTI is not just our neighbour; it is a strategic partner in building a responsible and inclusive hydrocarbon economy.”
The governor thanked the PTI Governing Council and management for the honour, describing it as an encouragement to further deepen cooperation with institutions advancing sustainable energy and environmental responsibility.
“This recognition strengthens our resolve to deepen collaboration with PTI and all regulatory agencies to build a sector that powers today’s economy while securing a diversified energy future for Nigeria and Africa,” Oborevwori concluded.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, said the conference served as a critical platform for dialogue on Africa’s energy future amid the ongoing global transition toward cleaner energy.
He reaffirmed PTI’s position as the continent’s leading centre for research, training, and technical capacity development, having produced over 55,000 professionals since its establishment.
Dr. Onoji commended Governor Oborevwori for his consistent support to the Institute, noting that the Delta State Government had recently donated operational vehicles to strengthen PTI’s logistics and field operations.
Observers at the event noted that the recognition by PTI further underscores Governor Oborevwori’s rising national profile as a leader committed to responsible governance, environmental protection, and inclusive growth in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector.
