- As IGCC Invests Governor Grand Patron
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was weekend invested as Grand Patron of the Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Asaba during the closing ceremony of the Governor’s Invitational Golf Tournament held in Asaba, where he declared his commitment to sports and business development in the state.
The event, which drew top golfers and dignitaries from across the country, was organised in celebration of Governor Oborevwori’s 62nd birth anniversary.
It featured competitive rounds of golf and a ceremonial reception in recognition of the Governor’s support for sports and community development. In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori expressed deep appreciation for the honour, stating that he was humbled by the gesture and proud to be associated with the prestigious golf club.
“Indeed, I am deeply humbled by this kind gesture, especially considering the calibre of individuals who are members of this club,” he said.
Oborevwori praised the organisers, sponsors, and volunteers for the success of the tournament and congratulated all participants, saying “you are all winners.”
He described golf as a sport of passion that connects people across boundaries, adding that; “true golfers will travel anywhere just to play. They don’t mind the distance”.
Reaffirming the state’s security and openness to investors, the Governor invited guests and participants to explore the numerous opportunities Delta offers in tourism, hospitality and commerce.
He emphasized that Delta remained a safe destination for both business and leisure, with an enabling environment and efficient governance that supports investment.
He proudly noted that Delta is currently the only state in Nigeria where contractors are not owed. “Thanks to prudent financial management.
“When your payment is due and you bring your certificate, we pay you. We don’t wait for FAAC. Delta is a massive construction site” owing to ongoing development projects across the state”.
On sports, Governor Oborevwori highlighted Delta’s recent achievements, including winning the highest number of gold medals at the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
He also celebrated the state’s continued dominance in the National Youth Games, “which Delta hosted and won in both 2023 and 2024, and is set to host again this year and next.
“I can confidently say that our economy is one of the largest in the country and we remain committed to growth and social investment,” he said.
Earlier, Captain of the Ibori Golf and Country Club, Chief Patrick Ukah, commended Governor Oborevwori for his consistent support and contributions to the club.
He said the tournament was organised to celebrate the Governor’s 62nd birthday and honour him with the title of Grand Patron, describing the recognition as well deserved.
. . .Reaf f irms Commi tment To Sustainable Devt
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to engaging with both Deltans and people of different ethnic nationalities resident in the state in its drive aimed at advancing sustainable development across the state.
Governor Oborevwori, who was speaking at the inauguration of the Executive Committee of Delta State Middle Belt Forum held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, said his administration does not believe in segregation, pointing out that everybody is one in the state.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, High Chief Edwin Uzor, the Governor congratulated members of the newly inaugurated executive committee of the Middle Belt Forum in the state on their successful election.
He said “in Delta State, we do not differentiate among ourselves because we see everyone as one. This has been our tradition where unity and inclusiveness have been long upheld.
“To my people from the Middle Belt, I bring a message of hope and alignment with the current administration. This government is guided by the principles of the MORE Agenda which stands for Meaningful Development; Opportunities for All; Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
According to him, peace and security are fundamental to any meaningful progress, adding that without peace, development cannot take place, even as he said that his administration places great emphasis on maintaining peace across the state.
“I am pleased to be here today, and I want to acknowledge that the person recently elected as your chairman is someone we know well.
“He is someone who is working very hard and with great dedication. I encourage all of you to support him and to stand by him in his efforts, the Governor added, just as he urged youths in the state to avoid actions that are counterproductive or harmful to the collective progress of the state.
As leaders of today, not just tomorrow, Governor Oborevwori said, it is their responsibility to guide their peers and discourage behaviour that threatens shared future.
In her remarks, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, congratulated members of the Forum for conducting a hitch-free election, and implored them to always abide by the laws of the state as well as those of the federal government of Nigeria.
“If you find the environment supportive and enabling, then it becomes even more important to work collaboratively with the state government and the local communities where you live and do your legitimate businesses. Together, we must ensure that peace and mutual respect continue to thrive in every corner of Delta State,” she added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, who was represented by Prof. Leroy Edozien, enjoined the leadership of the Forum to broaden their network by engaging with other non-indigenous groups across the state so that Delta will truly become a microcosm of Nigeria, where all groups feel seen, heard, and valued.
“As we strive for inclusion and unity, let us continue to offer our full support to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori as he leads the charge for good governance, effective governance, and inclusive governance in our beloved state.
“As your host, we remain committed to ensuring that Asaba remains not only welcoming, but one of the most habitable places on the planet,” the Asagba of Asaba said.
In his inaugural speech, the Chairman of Delta State Middle Belt Forum, Hon. Jimoh Ibrahim described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to inclusive development as inspiring.
He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting Governor Oborevwori administration, saying that they are ready to contribute positively to his vision for Delta State.
Comrade Jimoh, who is also, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Non-Indigenes, said they were inspired by the government commitment to development and peace building.
“We are inspired by your commitment to development and peace building across all communities. You have shown in both words and actions that no group or people will be left behind in the progress of this State,” he added.
According to him, his appointment marked a historic milestone, as the first son of the Middle Belt to serve in the government of Delta State, adding that the development was a testament to Governor Oborevwori’s commitment in advancing Delta State by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in his government.
