APOSTLE Francis Utomi is proud to be identified as a farmer. The community leader, cleric and public affairs analyst, in a frank chat with Ifeanyi Omenogor, spoke on his expectations in 2026, ongoing developmental strides in Delta State, among sundry issues. Excerpts…
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I’m from Isah-Ogwashi, in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, where I’m an opinion and community leader.
What are your expectations in 2026?
First of all, I want to commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State for his giant strides across sectors and I know he has more in store for Deltans and will take the state to greater heights in 2026.
My expectations from Governor Oborevwori in 2026 is that he will do even more for the people. We thank God that he has not borrowed a dime from anywhere since inception of his administration, yet he is doing wonderfully well. I expect that he will do much more for the people and this will speak for him during the 2027 election and beyond.
What Governor Oborevwori is doing in the state shows that he knows the sufferings of the people. We are very happy with the flyover bridges in Warri and other places and the general development in the state.
However, he should intensify efforts in security and one or two other areas. He has been supporting the security agencies, but he can do more, so as to totally eliminate crime because it is often said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
Do you think that the Federal Government is also doing well?
I have said it several times that the government of Delta State, led by Governor Oborevwori is doing well, as well as the Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu. It has reduced fuel price, insecurity and poverty, I will not say the Federal Government has done it all, but it will interest you to know that the economy is doing better, although unfortunately, many farmers cannot go to the farms due to herdsmen attacks. So I’m appealing to President Tinubu to do more to stem the tide of rampage by herdsmen.
So has government generally impacted the lives of the people?
Some state governments, like Delta State, are affecting the lives of the people positively, but the Federal Government has alot of work to do, especially with rising insecurity in the country. Nigerians need protection; so the Federal Government should make more efforts to address insecurity because a country where people live in fear cannot be said to be doing well, governments at all levels should make life more comfortable for their people.
What’s your view of the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori?
As I said it before, Governor Oborevwori has brought transformation which is unprecedented, with so many completed and ongoing projects in the state, his MORE agenda is working and is better with its renaming to Renewed Hope for MORE. Oborevwori ranks among the best governors in the country; he is indeed a promise keeper.
In 2026, he should also think of making Warri and Sapele seaports to work again in collaboration with the FG as this will expand the economy and revenue base of the state. I want to thank the governor for giving approval for the Ubulu- Uku/Obior road. He is a leader that has the interest of the state at heart, while I appeal to him to look into Ashama, Adonte, Abah-Unor, Uku-Oba, Otulu/Akwukwu Igbo roads. These are agrarian communities and are vital to the state and nation.
What is your message to the public in 2026?
Let me wish Deltans and Nigerians a happy New Year. The Yuletide was a period of love, people should continue to show love to one another like Jesus Christ who came to save us from our sins. I call on Deltans and Nigerians at large to embrace God so that any sufferings we may be passing through will not extend to the New Year.
