Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (right), interacting with Rev. Fr. John Aduba (3rd right) and other members of the Catholic clergy after a courtesy visit by priests from the three Catholic Dioceses in Delta State at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday. Photo: Samuel Jibunor.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday stressed that his duty is to serve all Deltans with dedication and fairness, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
He said his administration remains focused on inclusive governance, prudent management of resources, and sustainable development across the state.
The governor made the declaration while receiving a delegation of Catholic priests from the Warri, Issele-Uku, and Bomadi dioceses, led by Rev. Monsignor John Ike Aduba, at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the clergy for their prayers, support, and guidance, describing their role in fostering peace and good governance as invaluable.
According to him, the prayers of the faithful have contributed significantly to the successes recorded by his administration.
“The Bible enjoins us to pray for those in authority so that they may govern well. If people say today that I am doing well, it is because of the prayers being offered on my behalf. God has given us the strength and wisdom to serve the people of Delta State,” he said.
The governor commended the Catholic Church for maintaining a dignified and responsible approach to public issues, noting that the clergy had consistently offered constructive counsel through appropriate channels.
He said his administration was guided by the fear of God and a determination to ensure that all Deltans enjoy the dividends of democracy through infrastructural development, human capital advancement, empowerment programmes, and enhanced security.
Oborevwori disclosed that his administration had continued to maintain fiscal discipline, ensuring prompt payment of workers’ salaries and contractors without resorting to borrowing.
“Every project we award has financial backing. From the day I assumed office, I made it clear that any contractor engaged by this administration would be paid for work duly executed. We have been able to pay workers and contractors without borrowing, and that is by the grace of God,” he stated.
The governor also spoke on recent tensions surrounding the Warri Federal Constituency delineation issue, revealing that he had convened a meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“We have witnessed crises in Warri in the past, and we do not want a return to those difficult days. There is no reason for conflict. We must continue to embrace peacefull coexistence, and I am glad that all parties have shown understanding,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment to inclusive governance, Oborevwori emphasized that he remained governor for every Deltan and not for any particular ethnic group.
“Delta State is blessed with diverse ethnic nationalities, and the only way to govern successfully is to ensure that every group have a sense of belonging. If a government is not inclusive, it cannot enjoy the trust and support of the people.
“I am not governor for any particular ethnic group; I am governor for all Deltans. Everything we have done has been guided by the principle of inclusiveness,” he added.
The governor further assured the delegation that the state government would continue to support mission-owned educational institutions and other initiatives that contribute to the development of the state.
Responding to requests by the clergy, Oborevwori said the government would examine the possibility of supporting the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri in Udu Local Government Area, including consideration for the construction of the access road to the facility.
Oborevwori also reflected on his Catholic upbringing, recalling that his late father remained a devoted member of the Church throughout his lifetime.
“I did not become governor to enrich myself. I became governor to serve. I am already comfortable. My passion is the work and improve the lives of our people. By God’s grace, when I leave office in 2031, there will be tangible achievements to point to,” he said.
Very Rev. Prof. Jude Obiunu who spoke earlier on behalf of the delegation, commended the governor for his commitment to equitable development and inclusive governance across the state.
He assured the governor of the Church’s continued prayers and support, noting that the Catholic community remained encouraged by the administration’s efforts to spread development projects across all parts of Delta State.
“The Church desires good governance and the delivery of the dividends of democracy to all people. From what we have seen, you are not a sectional or tribal-minded governor. Your projects and programmes have touched every nook and cranny of Delta State,” Obiunu said.
He appealed to the governor to sustain support for mission schools across the state, noting that many of the institutions still require infrastructure and government assistance to provide quality education.
The cleric also requested government intervention on the access road and security lighting leading to the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri, saying improved infrastructure would enhance accessibility and promote spiritual activities at the centre.
He urged the governor to remain focused and continue carrying all Deltans along, irrespective of political or ethnic affiliation.
The visit ended with special prayers offered by the priests for Governor Oborevwori, Delta State, and Nigeria.
