BY SAM DUVWODE
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has observed that sustainable development requires more than infrastructure and economic empowerment, saying that sustainable development demands peace, unity and collaboration.
Governor Oborevwori made the observation, yesterday, during the 6th edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, noted that sustainable development is not achieved by chance, but is the product of consistent and people-focused governance.
He highlighted that as a government, it is leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Governor Oborevwori thanked organizers of the Maris Public Service Lecture for the annual think-tank that challenges leaders to think deeply and act boldly.
H noted that the topic of the lecture, “Local Governance And Sustainable Development, speaks directly to the soul of this administration and its vision for Delta State.
According to him; “Local Governance is not mainly the lowest rank of the political leader, it is the closest to the people and arguably the most impactful.
“When local government function well, communities strive, roads are maintained, schools function, health care becomes accessible and our youths find purpose.”
“In Delta State we have anchored our more agenda on the foundation of inclusiveness, physical responsibility and grassroots development. We believe that the sustainable development is not just a slogan; it must be felt in every ward, villages and towns.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted further that “sustainable development demands that we meet the needs of today without compromising the future. This begins at the grassroots where local government must be empowered to drive inclusive growth.
“Since assuming office, we have prioritize effective local governance structure by ensuring transparency, accountability and community participation.
We have invented over 2 Billion each in road projects across all 25 local government areas causing productivity and economic activity.
“Our approach is simple but deliberate, invest in infrastructure especially in neglected riverine communities to connect our people and open up economic opportunity, promote human capital development through quality education and accessable health care.”
“Strengthen local institutions, because good governance begins where the people live and work and above all, listen to the people because the most effective policies are borne from the realities from those that it affects.”
“Sustainable Development is not achieved by chance, it is the product of consistence, people focus governance and it our duty to ensure that even as we pursue growth,who do not leave behind the vulnerable or destroy the environment that sustain us.”
“However, sustainable development requires more than infrastructure and economic empowerment, it demands peace, unity, collaboration.” “I have consistently told community leaders including president generals and traditional Rulers to prioritize dialogue and mediation in resolving dispute. Peace is the foundation upon which development strive.”
“Let me end by reminding us, that no nation rises above the strength of its sub national units. The future of Nigeria depends not only on decisions made in Abuja but on what we all do in our wards, local government and States.
“As we look to the future, let us recommit to building Delta State where every community strives, where resources are managed wisely, where our children inherit a prosperous and peaceful land.
“Today, we can make Delta a model of local governance and sustainable development, let us therefore rise together not as politicians but as patriots, let us govern with conscience and develop with foresight. Let us ensure that our children inherit not just roads and bridges, but the society that works sustainably for all”, Governor Oborevwori stated
In a welcome address, the Chairman, Maris Trust Council, Chief Kenneth Olise, represented by Pharm. Paul Enebeli, former Chairman, Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), observed that the siting of Maris School in an obscure part of the state capital has led to the development of the area, stressing that the school offers quality education at very affordable rate.
According to Chief Olise; “through the passing of Stella-Maris, an obscure part of the state capital described seven years ago as ‘forest’ where Maris Schools comprising Nursery, Primary and Secondary classes is located is also witnessing attention from this administration. Governor Oborevwori is only tackling the erosion challenges of the area but also constructing access roads”.
Delivering a lecture with the theme; ‘Local Governance And Sustainable Development, Sir Patrick Ejidoh highlighted that the objective was focus on empowering individuals and communities to contribute to achieving the SDGs through effective local governance.
He noted that securing funding and financing for SDG initiatives could pose serious challenge for local governance and sustainable development.
He concluded that “with the required synergy, we could ensure that local governments have the resources, capacity and expertise needed to achieve the SDGs and pave way for a prosperous future for all”.
In a robust panel discussion. the discussants, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Comrade Vincent Oyibode, Chairman Udu Local Government Area and Mabel Magbulu, an Entrepreneur contented that sustainable development at the local government level was very desirous in order to meet the needs of the people at the grassroots.
