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Lauds Deltans For Support
BY SUNNY EGEDE
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has felicitated with Deltans on the celebration of 2025 Christmas, calling on them to embrace love, unity and Christ-like living as the foundation for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the state.
Governor Oborevwori, in his Christmas message, issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Festus Ahon, urged Deltans and residents to use the season to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, compassion and selfless service exemplified by Jesus Christ, while renewing their commitment to building a more harmonious society.
Governor Oborevwori commended the people of Delta State for their resilience, unity and steadfast support, noting that their cooperation had been instrumental to the progress recorded so far.
He said the yuletide season offered an opportunity for thanksgiving and renewed hope, reassuring Deltans that his administration remained committed to delivering good governance and inclusive development in line with his administration’s MORE Agenda.
The governor highlighted notable achievements recorded in the last two years plus, particularly in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, youth empowerment, Agriculture and security. He cited the ongoing construction of major roads and flyovers across the state, improvements in primary and secondary healthcare facilities, and sustained investments in human capital development as clear demonstrations of his administration’s resolve to improve the well-being of the people.
Governor Oborevwori also acknowledged progress made in workers’ welfare, peacebuilding efforts and social intervention programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, including widows, women and youths, stressing that these initiatives have helped to promote stability and stimulate economic activities across the state.
Assuring the people of better days ahead, the governor disclosed that robust provisions had been made in the 2026 Delta State budget to further enhance their living conditions.
According to him, the budget prioritises infrastructure expansion, job creation, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment to drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
“The 2026 budget has been carefully designed to consolidate on our gains and address the pressing needs of our people. It reflects our commitment to improving the quality of life of Deltans and ensuring that development reaches every part of the state,” he stated.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his pledge to remain focused on people-oriented policies, programmes and projects, assuring that no community would be left behind in the State Government’s development efforts.
He urged Deltans to continue to support his administration and to uphold peace, tolerance and unity, noting that collective effort remained vital to achieving the state’s long-term development plans.
While wishing residents a joyful Christmas celebration, the governor prayed for a peaceful and prosperous New Year, expressing confidence that Delta State would witness greater progress and economic opportunities in the years ahead.
“Christmas reminds us of the power of hope and the triumph of light over darkness. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, let us work together to build a stronger and more prosperous Delta State for present and future generations,” the statement added.
…AS Pope Leo XIV Calls For Global Truce On Christmas Day
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has called for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing “great sadness” that “apparently Russia rejected a request” for one. “I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour,” Leo told reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.
“Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire saying it would only give a military advantage to Ukraine.
“Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the pope said.
Referring to conflicts in general, Leo said: “I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole world,” he added.
Ukraine on Tuesday pulled out troops from a town in the east of the country after fierce battles with Russian forces as relentless strikes by Moscow killed three civilians and cut power to thousands in freezing winter temperatures. There was no sign of an imminent breakthrough after top negotiators from both Russia and Ukraine were in Miami last weekend for separate meetings with US officials seeking a deal to end almost four years of fighting.
Pope Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month.
Asked if he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, Leo later said “I hope so”, but cautioned it was not possible to say when such a trip would be possible.
He also said that seeking peace in Ukraine without European diplomatic involvement was “unrealistic” and warned US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan risked a “huge change” in the transatlantic alliance.
