BY BENSON OKOBI-ALLANAH/ LUCY EZELIORA
WHEN a farm along the footpath is well cultivated it is easily noticed, and so it is also equally observed when not properly cultivated. They both bear either commendation or condemnation as the case may be.
For those who do not perform well, especially contractors, they get the downing and wrong side of the tongues, and while those who do their contractual works accordingly, never fail to get Governor Oborevwori’s commendation.
This fact was better highlighted by one of the Governor’s political aides, the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization, Ambassador Mayor Chinedu Enujeko who is also the Organizing Secretary to Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) in Delta State.
The aid in appraising the work of his Principal, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, says the Governor has through his rare ingenuity in leadership, been able to transform the state with the many infrastructures he has put in place, and creating the enablement for people to be empowered through the many aides he appointed, most of whom are using their various positions to reach out to people at the grassroots level as the Governor cannot be everywhere at the same time.
Hon. Enujekor says one parameter for measuring a leader blessed with good leadership qualities is being at the spot of a project and not waiting until a report is brought on a particular project or waiting till the time of its commissioning before such a leader concerned with such project appears.
He says that is why Governor Oborevwori remains outstanding and distinguished among others because of willingness to see things done the way it is conceptualized, and how it is being carried out through on the spot inspection as the project is on-going.
The political aide says because the Governor believes in accountability, and prudence, that he always likes to see that every project that is on-going receive the best of government’s attention they deserve.
While seeing the celebration of Democracy Day as a welcome development, he emphasized that the country, particularly Delta State where there are many projects and dividends of democracy to show, and left for the people to be enjoying , there was the un-mistaken need for Deltans to celebrate Democracy Day billed to take place in May 29.
While saying that there is no comparison to be drawn when it comes to who delivers better between government and the military in terms of the masses needs, he says when it comes to that, that civilian administration has no rival as politicians are closer to the masses than the military.
Enujeko, who is the Odogwu (war-lord) of Ubulu-unor, said governments under political system, is more inclined to the masses welfare than the military because of their grassroots connection to the masses, saying that under Governor Oborevwori’s administration, Deltans have had the opportunity to enjoy true democratic dividends.
The Odogwu, on behalf of his people passed a vote of confidence on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commending his enviable mile-stone projects like the on-going construction and completed sections of the Asaba-Ughelli Expressway, the completed bridges in some parts of the riverine areas, the on-going construction of three fly-overs at Effurun and Warri, and the commencement of the Asaba Front-water City initiated by the immediate past administration of Governor Okowa, that is to light up the State, through having an additional city within the city.
He said the various projects that are on-going in the state are clear indicators that the government of Oborevwori is interested in the welfare of the masses, and the state.
Enujeko while commending the Governor for the various appointments given to Deltans and non- Deltans, said it was a good pointer to the type of person the man Governor Oborevwori, a man who likes carrying the led along, and appreciating them in his own way, saying he is a politician many have known to be resourceful, dynamic in leadership and well-focused in carrying out the state’s functions.
He said Nigeria will one day level up in her approach to coming of age politically, noting that advanced countries of the world like United States of America, United Kingdom and others on the same latitude, did not just evolve overnight, but took off gradually before they were able to achieve their present day feat.
He urged Deltans to continue to garner more support for the Governor as the number one citizen was ever-ready to bring in more democracy dividends to the masses. ‘In his words, ‘every one, particularly political appointees should go back to their various wards, comb it thoroughly for them to be able to deliver their wards to APC, the ruling party in Delta State.
On the defection to All Progressive Party by former Peoples Democratic Party members led by the Governor of the state, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the political aide says that there is no smoke without fire, and that rat does not run in the day time for nothing, and when that happens, you know that there is something after its life.
He described Oborevwori as a “detribalised leader” and commended his administration’s developmental strides across all three senatorial districts in the state.
Onujeko reaffirmed the support of the Anioma people for the governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, emphasising that the people of Aniocha South would continue to be a platform for promoting unity among Delta’s various ethnic nationalities.
Of a truth, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration in Delta State has emerged as a defining force in Nigeria’s evolving narrative of leadership and governance. This year has been marked by significant strides, and transformative policies that reflect Oborevwori’s grassroots origins and his bold vision for advancing Delta State. He began the year by reaffirming his commitment to the “MORE Agenda,” an acronym representing Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
Staying true to this vision, his administration launched a range of initiatives aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits, empowering the youths, women, and fostering economic growth across the state’s 25 local government areas.
One of the highlights of his projects was the massive investment in rural infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and drainage systems were upgraded and new ones constructed in underserved communities, hence ensuring better access to urban centres and markets.
On Education and Human Capital Development Onujeko said, the governor’s focus on education was another mile stone. Aware of the challenges facing the sector, the administration prioritized the renovation of dilapidated schools, the recruitment of qualified teaching and non-teaching staff and the provision of learning materials. Accreditation of programmes was also sponsored for higher educational institutions in the state, while numerous youths were trained and equipped with skills in technology, agriculture, commerce and the creative arts, thereby reducing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship. Additionally, tertiary schools in Delta State received increased funding for research and infrastructure, with Delta State University emerging as a hub for innovation in technology and renewable energy.
On Health and Social Welfare, He said, Governor Oborevwori administration placed significant emphasis on healthcare, with a focus on the primary healthcare system, which remains the cornerstone of any robust health system. Substantial investments were made to renovate and equip primary healthcare centres across the 25 local government areas of Delta State. These efforts have brought functional healthcare facilities closer to under-served communities, ensuring basic medical services are readily available. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State made significant strides in infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare.
Delta State is becoming an attractive destination for healthcare professionals, reversing the trend of talent migration.
Governor Oborevwori’s vision for an integrated healthcare and education system has led to the establishment of two landmark institutions: the College of Health Technology in Ovrode, and the College of Health Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state. These colleges aim to address the critical shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, while positioning Delta State as a hub for medical education and services.
Social welfare programmes also gained momentum during the year, with the D-CARES programme providing financial assistance to 250,000 Deltans, including the elderly, people living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The government distributed ₦500 million to over 5,000 traders and artisans, aiming to boost small businesses and improve livelihoods.
Another 5,426 persons received cash grants under the MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs, while 6,000 farmers were empowered with agricultural inputs to boost agricultural production in the state.
Fertilizers were also distributed to farmers across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state in support of the state government’s drive to grow the family economy and ensure food security for Deltans.
The Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration also introduced the MORE Biz-Up programme to assist a minimum of 2,000 fledgling entrepreneurs who were finding it hard to cope under the harsh effects of the economy.
For security and governance, Delta State stood out for its relatively stable security environment. This can be attributed to Governor Oborevwori’s collaborative approach to governance. By working closely with community leaders, traditional institutions, and security agencies, the administration fostered a unified front against insecurity.
The establishment of “Operation Delta Sweep”, a state-wide security network, and investment in technology-driven surveillance, further enhanced public safety.
