LAST Thursday, May 29 to be precise, the 2025 Delta State Thanksgiving and Praise Day was held at the Event Centre in Asaba, the state capital. The occasion was uniquely symbolic as it coincided with the second anniversary of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in the state. The ceremony was heavily attended by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), National Assembly members from the state, members of the state legislature, traditional rulers and political leaders as well as leaders of faith-based organisations and opinion leaders in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assured Deltans and residents of the state that the remaining two years of his administration will be marked by continued transformational leadership and development across the state. He expressed optimism that the state’s strategic alliance with the Federal Government, being one of the top contributors to the nation’s revenue, would yield even greater dividends for Deltans.
He thanked Deltans for their support, unity, and commitment to the state’s peace and progress over the past two years, assuring that even greater development lies ahead.
“Fellow Deltans and residents of Delta State, it is with immense joy and gratitude to God that I address you today. To the glory of God, this administration has reached the halfway mark of its tenure. These past two years have been focused on consolidating previous achievements, breaking new ground, and creating fresh pathways for the socio-economic advancement of our beloved Delta State.
“It is our custom in Delta State to return all the glory to God for all He has done, and today, we are here to show our appreciation,” he said while highlighting the progress made so far, stating that the State has much to be thankful for.
“Yesterday, I presented our midterm report to the State House of Assembly. It is a catalogue of progress across all indices of socio-economic development. Indeed, God has been faithful to us.
“As you know, thanksgiving is an application for more. We need more, and that is why we have come here to give thanks. As we begin the third year of our administration with thanksgiving, I believe God will continue to increase us and grant us our collective desires as a people.
“I am delighted to see our federal lawmakers, federal appointees, and leaders of our great party, the APC, fully represented here today. This gathering reflects the diversity and unity of our state. I believe we are more united now than ever, and we shall continue in that unity in Jesus’ name. For the first time in 10 years, we are united. To God be the glory.”
Governor Oborevwori urged Deltans to continue praying for the state as it progresses on the path of peace and development, saying “We covet your prayers and continued support in our mission to advance Delta State through the MORE Agenda. I assure you all that we will do more, and we will listen to the people more.
“The remaining two years of this administration will be an exciting adventure in transformational leadership. As a major contributor to the national coffers, Delta State deserves and will receive more benefits from the centre” he said.
In his sermon titled “Giving Thanks and Enduring to Keep the Unity in the Bond of Peace,” based on Ephesians 4:3, the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Cyril Odutemu, congratulated Governor Oborevwori and the people of Delta State on the second anniversary of the administration.
He lauded the Governor for his remarkable achievements within two years, describing him as ‘a child of destiny,’ and noting that those who once doubted or underestimated Oborevwori’s leadership are now witnesses to his impressive performance. He cited the successful completion of the Ughelli-Asaba Highway as a project that had further endeared the Governor to the people.
Emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusiveness, Archbishop Odutemu warned that “when the mighty are far from you, your fall is not far,” even as he advised the Governor to maintain close relationships with key stakeholders across the state. The Archbishop also offered prayers for Governor Oborevwori, asking God to help him fulfil his mandate and for peace and unity to continue to reign.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme and his wife, Catherine; Senators Ned Nwoko, Ede Dafinone, and Joel- Onowakpo Thomas; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Also in attendance at the ceremony, were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; members of the House of Representatives; and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Omeni Sobotie as well as the immediate past governor of the state, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Edith among others.
Meanwhi le, Governor Oborevwor i said hi s administration had empowered a total of 266,737 Deltans under its various social intervention and empowerment programmes in the state. The Governor disclosed this while presenting a State of the State address to members of the Delta State House of Assembly at the hallow chamber of the Assembly Complex. He disclosed that his administration has remained deliberate, intentional, and proactive in providing a safety net for vulnerable groups through well-targeted social protection initiatives in the face of the prevailing economic challenges.
According to him, the 266,737 beneficiaries were empowered through the Delta CARES (D-CARES) Programme; Women Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (WESAP); Working Fingers Initiative; MORE Grants Scheme; MORE Biz-Up Programme and Widows Welfare Scheme. Under the D-CARES programme, he said, 247,000 Deltans have been empowered, in addition to the release of One Billion Naira counterpart funding for the Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA NEPAD), adding that the initiative had empowered 2,000 farmers for food production, livestock, and aquaculture.
The Governor further disclosed that 220 women were recently trained in fashion and design, hairdressing, catering, decoration and event management and make-up and gele tying under WESAP, pointing out that the gesture was also, extended to 91 people living with disabilities who were trained in ICT, confectionaries, fashion and design, and leather work.
“We, also, distributed fertilizers to farmers across the 25 local government areas of the state in support of our drive to ensure food security,” the Governor said.
He added that the state government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, trained and supported 2,000 women across the state in practical skills, mental health education, and entrepreneurship under the ‘Working Fingers Initiative’
Through the MORE Grants Scheme, he said, the state government empowered micro and small-scale businesses and supported low-income earners in the face of economic hardship, saying that the state government had provided direct financial support to 5,426 petty traders and small-scale business owners under the scheme. “Through the Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, we have supported 2,000 MSMEs with funding and business support packages under the MORE Biz-Up Programme. These programmes underscore our firm resolve to build a resilient and inclusive economy that uplifts the most vulnerable and promotes shared prosperity.
“This administration has our widows in mind, and we shall continue to do all within our power to make life easier and better for them under the widows’ welfare scheme. I have just approved the payment of N15,000.00 naira monthly stipend for 10,000 widows across the state,” the Governor added.
While appreciating the Speaker and members of the State Legislature for the excellent relationship between the House and Executive, the Governor noted that his administration could not have achieved the much it had achieved without the support and cooperation that exist between both arms of government.
“I consider myself blessed to have a legislature that is fully committed to partnering with the Executive to achieve its goals and objectives. The relationship between this House and my office has been characterized by trust, mutual understanding, transparency, and accountability.
“At this juncture, I want to briefly comment on the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS). As a former Speaker, I believe in the new salary scale but owing to the introduction of a new minimum wage, this administration needed to do its due diligence before taking a position.
“It is my pleasure to announce today that I have approved the payment of CONLESS with effect from June 2025. I appreciate the workers and their leaders for their patience, understanding, and support,” he added.
