Recently, the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, assured Deltans that no ethnic nationality in the state would be left behind under his administration, reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, peace, and even development across all communities. The Governor gave the assurance at Obotebe I community, during the 20th coronation anniversary celebration of the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM, Capt. King Joseph Timiyan, Torububou I, in Burutu Local Government Area of the state.
Congratulating the monarch, who is the Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, on the milestone, the Governor described the event as “a historic celebration of two decades of visionary and dignified leadership,” noting that the Ogulagha Kingdom has witnessed renewed cohesion, cultural pride, and stronger engagement in governance under the King’s stewardship.
“Two decades on the throne represent not merely the passage of time, but the steady consolidation of vision, stability, and progress. Your Majesty has carried the responsibility of leadership with grace and dignity matched by a profound sense of duty to your people,” Oborevwori said.
The Governor commended the monarch for his consistent advocacy for equity and fairness in matters affecting oil-producing communities, acknowledging that such dedication had strengthened the bond between traditional authority and modern governance in the region.
Describing Ogulagha as one of the most productive oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta, Oborevwori stressed that his government recognised the vital role of the area in the state’s economy and remained committed to addressing the needs of riverine and rural communities.
“Ogulagha Kingdom and other Ijaw communities are key to Delta’s prosperity. The government cannot overlook their contributions. Under my watch, no ethnic nationality will be neglected. Every group will be carried along in our development plans,” he assured.
The Governor, who recalled his previous engagements with the monarch and his people, said he had visited the community thrice since assuming office, describing the gesture as a reflection of his inclusive leadership style. He lauded Torububou I for his integrity and forthrightness, recalling the monarch’s support during the 2023 general elections.
“This is not just an official visit; it is personal. I know this man. He is courageous and speaks the truth always. During the last elections, he stood firm and supported me, and I will never forget that. God will continue to bless you,” the Governor said, emphasising that his administration’s development philosophy transcends urban projects and prioritises communities that contribute to national wealth.
He said, “Governance is not about building flyovers or roads only in the cities while neglecting the areas that produce the oil. That kind of neglect creates unrest. I am happy that since I became governor, we have had no crisis or attacks on oil installations. This is because we maintain a good working relationship with all communities.
“Delta is one state in Nigeria today where no contractor is being owed, and we have not borrowed a dime. That shows good governance and fiscal discipline,” the Governor stressed, even as he underscored the importance of maintaining peace and aligning with the Federal Government for the benefit of Deltans.
According to him, peace is the only foundation for development, saying “that is why we are working closely with the Federal Government. Mr President loves Delta State, and our cooperation with the center ensures that we attract more development,” the Governor said, even as he expressed gratitude to the people of Ogulagha Kingdom for their loyalty, hospitality, and commitment to peace and progress.
In another development, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, has reaffirmed his confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, saying the governor has demonstrated clear readiness and capacity for leadership despite the intense opposition that greeted his nomination in 2022.
Sen Okowa spoke recently at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Delta Special Economic Zone (Kwale Free Trade Zone), Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, where he served as Chairman at the ceremony. He noted that Governor Oborevwori has continued to prove critics wrong through purposeful leadership, project continuity, initiation of new projects, and policy stability, describing the administration’s performance as deeply reassuring.
“We have a governor who was prepared for the job and is doing it the way it ought to be done. I congratulate and thank him sincerely for the steps he has taken,” Okowa said while particularly praising Oborevwori for sustaining and completing projects initiated before his administration, rather than abandoning them, adding that such continuity reflects maturity and long-term vision in governance.
According to him, the foundations being laid through initiatives such as the Special Economic Zone will spur economic growth, create jobs and reposition Ndokwa and Delta State for future industrial development, saying “people may not immediately appreciate what is being done here today. But in another five to 10 years, the people of Ndokwa and Delta State will look back and thank you for laying a solid foundation for economic growth,” he said.
Reflecting on the political controversies of 2022, Okowa recalled that Oborevwori’s emergence as PDP governorship candidate faced resistance, but he remained convinced that the governor was the right choice, stressing that “when people objected and felt I had made a wrong choice, I told them I had studied him since 2001 and knew he would deliver. And I tell the truth, God confirmed to me twice that he was the man for the job.”
He expressed satisfaction that his judgment has now been vindicated by Oborevwori’s performance index in office as governor of the state, saying, “Two years down the line, I do not flatter you, Mr Governor, I am impressed with the way you are going. Delta people must support and continue to pray for you because you are laying the groundwork for a stronger future.”
Okowa also called on Ndokwa communities to support the economic zone project, cautioning against attempts to reclaim already allocated lands and urging, instead, further cooperation for wider development benefits. He commended the management team led by Brigadier-General Mike Ndubisi (Rtd.) and Pastor Gordon Akpovie, reassuring that the project would attract multiple industries, unlock gas resources, create jobs and expand Delta’s economic landscape.
