Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says his administration is committed to building a state that is more peaceful, prosperous, secure, inclusive and competitive, and better prepared for the opportunities of the future.
The governor made the pledge at a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, to mark the 35 years of creation of the state in Aug. 27, 1991.
He described the 35th anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate Delta’s achievements, reflect on its journey and renew the collective commitment to building a greater state.
He attributed the state’s progress over the past years to God’s grace, while commending the people for sustaining peace and acknowledging those, who have contributed to the state’s growth and development.
“Let me first give thanks to Almighty God for His grace and for keeping Delta State for 35.
“It has been 35 years of a remarkable journey, and by God’s grace, we will continue to play our part to ensure that the achievements of our state are sustained and improved upon”.
Oborevwori paid tribute to political leaders, past and present, for their contributions to Delta’s stability and democratic development.
He noted that their wisdom, sacrifices, dialogue and commitment had helped the state maintain peace and achieve progress.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former military administrators and civilian governors, stressing that each administration had played a role in shaping present-day Delta.
“Each administration has contributed a chapter to the history of our state, and we will not forget them,” the governor said.
He said the 35th anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities, religious communities and non-indigenes, who had made Delta their home.
According to him, the state’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and a critical factor in its continued peace and development.
The governor said his administration had a responsibility to build on the foundations laid by previous governments rather than take past achievements for granted.
“Gratitude for the past must be accompanied by responsibility for the future”.
He added that his administration would continue to consolidate the gains of its predecessors, while doing more for the people.
He listed infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, agriculture and technology as the administration’s priority areas.
He also added that it would also continue strengthening institutions, creating an environment where businesses could thrive and enabling young people to realise their potential.
Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness.
He said the government would continue to collaborate with religious and traditional leaders, political stakeholders, civil society organisations, organised labour, the private sector, women and communities across the state.
He praised the people of the state for maintaining peace, describing it as a major driver of the development recorded across the state.
“The peace we are enjoying today has brought development. If there were crisis in the state, I don’t think we would be talking about the level of development we are witnessing today.
“I know that by the time we turn 40, Delta will still look better,” he said.
In his sermon titled: “The Uniqueness of the Christian Faith,” Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Asaba, Ven. Charles Osemenam, urged the people to deepen their relationship with God and place unwavering faith and trust in Him.
Osemenam described Delta’s 35th anniversary as a time for thanksgiving and sober reflection.
He urged the people to acknowledge God’s role in the state’s journey and continue to seek His guidance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thanksgiving service was attended by the governor’s Wife, Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; and other senior government officials
