Long long time ago, I had grown to understand the import of this African proverb; “When Spiders unite, they can tie up a lion”
The above proverb, believed to have its origin from Ethiopia, demonstrates how even the weakest individuals can achieve great things when they cooperate and work together, just as small threads woven together can become a powerful rope strong enough to restrain a mighty lion.
To say that Africa is rich in Proverb, is indeed, stating the obvious. African proverbs are like wisdom nuggets; they convey deep meanings, cultural values, and life lessons. For example, “A single tree cannot make a forest” (Yoruba proverb) highlights the power of teamwork.
Also, other African proverbs such as; “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Another proverb that emphasizes community is, “A person is a person because of other people”.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This proverb suggests that while individual effort can lead to quick results, it is collaboration and teamwork that enable long-term success and allow one to go much further.
“A person is a person because of other people.” This proverb, often associated with the Ubuntu philosophy, highlights the fundamental importance of community and interconnectedness in African cultures.
While I do not intend to bore you with loads of African proverbs as I do know that you have hundreds of them in your kitty, the above proverbs as canvassed, underscore the importance of teamwork in an institution.
Teamwork is like oxygen for institutions! It boosts productivity, fosters innovation, and builds a sense of belonging. When individuals collaborate, they share strengths, compensate for weaknesses, and achieve more together. Teamwork drives development and excellence.
In the contemporary space, one individual who understands the import of teamwork is the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Denis Guwor. As part of his inaugural speech over two years ago, precisely June 13, 2023 soon after assuming the position of Speaker of the State’s Eight Assembly, he did say that his leadership would ensure that all stakeholders in the legislative business of the State were carried along.
This, no doubting the facts, he has pursued vigorously by ensuring that the State Assembly under his watch remained a united legislative force. More to this is the fact that the State Assembly under his leadership has wiped out opposition as all members of the State Assembly, currently belong to a single-party; the All Progressives Congress.
Beyond this, only recently, the Speaker widened the hand of fellowship to accommodate the hundreds of former lawmakers in the State beginning from the First Assembly to the present Eight Assembly.
Venue was Vinmilan Hotel and Suites, Marble Hill Road, Okpanam. And the date was Thursday, November 13, 2025. Hundreds of former and current legislators in the State House of Assembly, including Speakers from the First Assembly to the current Assembly, save the Sixth and Seventh Assembly Speaker and current Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori were present.
The ambien at the large capacity hall of the hotel, suited for the event was gloriously electrified as guest began strolling in in their numbers. It was indeed a moment of reunion, fence mending, reconnection and political rejuvenation as both the young and the elderly in the State’s legislative institution gathered.
While it was not entirely a moment of legislative lectures and proceedings, the twin themes “Building harmonious consensus in the face of diverse, complex, and competing interests in the Legislature for inclusive governance”, and,, “Managing the banana peels and booby traps in the Legislature”, were indeed timely and Instructive.
Addressing the congregants at the event, the initiator of the event and current Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor called for a robust and sustained collaboration between the past and present legislators in the State House of Assembly
This, he said, would help in strengthening the State’s legislative institution as well as deepen its socio-cultural cohesion, economic and infrastructural development.
Underscoring the import of the session which he tagged; “Speaker’s Annual Leadership Series (First Edition), Rt Hon Guwor, said that the session had become necessary as Governance and law-making can only thrive when institutional memory is preserved and transferred.
He said, “This event is more than a reunion. It is a forum for reflection, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.
“We, the 8th Assembly, recognize that the wisdom and experience of those who came before us are invaluable. Governance and lawmaking thrive when institutional memory is preserved and transferred.
“By hosting you, we seek to renew the bond of fellowship among legislators past and present and to draw inspiration from your experiences in navigating the complex and sometimes turbulent waters of legislative practice.
“The first theme of the day: “Building harmonious consensus in the face of diverse, complex, and competing interests in the Legislature for inclusive governance”, speaks directly to the heart of our democracy.
“In a House made up of people from diverse backgrounds and personal convictions, harmony does not happen by accident. It is built through dialogue, respect, tolerance, and a shared commitment to the greater good.
“Our duty as legislators is not to see differences as divisions but as strengths that enrich our deliberations. Consensus building is not a sign of weakness. It is the highest form of democratic maturity.
“When we act in unity, we give our people confidence that their voices are heard, and that governance is indeed inclusive.
In their remarks, some of the former lawmakers who included, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, as well as the Chairman, Forum of Non-sitting Members of the State Assembly, Hon. Sunny Akpodiogaga Emeyese commended the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and, the current Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor for initiating the session which they described as a formidable unifying factor.
High point of the event was the adoption of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State as sole candidates for the 2027 Presidential and Governorship elections respectively.
Motion for the adoption and confidence votes was moved by a member of the 1st Assembly, and former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Halims Agoda, seconded by a member of the 2nd Assembly and former Majority Leader of the House, Hon Kris Njokwuemeni.
