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…Donates Four Buses To Warri Wolves, Delta Queens

As Nigeria marked her 65th Independence Anniversary, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, fairness, and equity as the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous nation.

From the pulpit of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Asaba to the ceremonial ground at the Cenotaph, the governor’s message resonated with clarity — Nigeria’s journey, despite its trials, remains a testament to divine grace and the resilience of her people.

Speaking at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held in Asaba, Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the country through decades of political, economic, and security challenges.

“Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the Nigeria of our dreams. Independence was born out of a vision of hope, and we must continue to build on the sacrifices of our founding fathers,” he said.

The governor noted that Nigeria remains a proud nation with much to be thankful for, emphasizing that without the prayers of the Church and the resilience of her citizens, the country might have disintegrated.

“This country will not be rebuilt by foreigners. It is we, Nigerians, who will rebuild it. Let us make the necessary sacrifices for the brighter future that awaits us. Nigeria is God’s own country,” Oborevwori affirmed.

Most Rev. Michael Elue, Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, who delivered the homily, reminded Nigerians of the virtues of righteousness, love, endurance and godliness. He also urged the wealthy to remember the poor, stressing that “true wealth lies” in what is shared with others.

The thanksgiving service was graced by top political leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders, reflecting the spirit of unity that the governor continues to preach.

“Avoid What Divides Us”

The anniversary celebrations moved to the Cenotaph, Asaba, where Governor Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, urged Nigerians to avoid divisions and commit to building a prosperous future. He likened Independence Day to a time of remembrance, reflection and renewal, urging Deltans and Nigerians at large to move beyond ethnic and political rivalries.

“Our true strength lies in our people. As we mark Nigeria’s independence, let us embrace independence from ethnic division and rivalry, from despondency, and from forces that divide us. Let us unite under the common banner of One Delta and One Nigeria,” he said.

The governor emphasized his administration’s focus on development under the MORE Agenda, highlighting massive investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education. Roads, bridges, flood control of projects and urban renewal schemes, he said, were connecting communities and opening new economic opportunities. In healthcare, he noted, pregnant women, children, widows and the elderly now enjoy free medical services, while modern diagnostic machines like Computerised Tomography (CT) scanners and dialysis units are already operational.

In education, Delta is investing in ICT hubs and training centres to prepare young people for the digital age, while also creating job opportunities and supporting vulnerable groups. “Here in Delta State, we are determined that nobody will be left behind,” Oborevwori assured.

Fighting Erosion, Protecting the Environment

Beyond Independence Day speeches, the state is also taking bold steps to tackle long-standing ecological challenges. At the European Investment Bank (EIB)-Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB) induction in Abuja, Delta’s Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, revealed that the state had unlocked international funding for erosion control.

Thanks to Governor Oborevwori’s approval of counterpart funding, erosion sites at Amachai, Ogbeozoma and the Vanguard area of Oshimili North will soon be remediated.

For communities that have lived in fear of collapsing farmlands, schools and homes, this intervention is a lifeline. “This is more than an intervention; it is a new beginning for our people,” Ejiro said, noting that Delta’s commitment places it at the forefront of Nigeria’s climate adaptation efforts.

Governor Oborevwori on Friday, inspected the Asaba Waterfront City project, where he frowned at the pace of work and charged those handling the project to increase the tempo of work.

Speaking during the inspection, the Governor who was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, disclosed that the road component is now about 85 percent complete.

He said: “When I came in, this project had already been awarded to North China Construction Limited, but there was no mobilization. That delay affected progress. We had to mobilize them, and I personally came for inspection on January 16 this year.”

According to him, the road infrastructure is critical for unlocking the economic potential of the waterfront, as it would open up access for investors.

“We have done our part. We awarded the contract, fulfilled our obligations under the MOU, and paid full compensation. We are not owing anyone, contractors or the community,” he said.

However, Governor Oborevwori expressed disappointment that dredging, the core of the waterfront development, is yet to commence.

He warned that reliance on small-scale local dredgers would be grossly inadequate for the scope of work, saying; “if they want to use local dredgers, even in 20 years they cannot achieve it. They need to bring in an English cutter dredger. That’s my advice.

“Asaba is now a busy city and people are ready to invest. Once this place is completed, it will look like Eko Atlantic. We are all eager to see the end of it, a place where people can own beautiful properties and do business.”

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) guiding the project, he maintained that government has kept its side of the bargain.

“We are on track because we have kept our promise. It’s now up to the investors—North China Construction Limited and Folkland Limited to keep theirs. You know, I’m a promise keeper,” he declared.

The Governor also on Friday, inspected the ongoing construction of a five-star Hilton Hotel owned by Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chairman of J.I. Ejison Group.

The governor, who was conducted round the site by the hotel’s proprietor, alongside the project’s Technical Manager, Mr. Daniel Marais, described the development as a major milestone in the state’s tourism and economic drive.

Speaking during the visit, Oborevwori said that the presence of an international brand like Hilton in Asaba was a strong vote of confidence in Delta’s investment potential.

“When the owner of this hotel approached me and said he was bringing a five-star hotel to Asaba, I asked what brand. He said Hilton. I said, ‘Ah, Hilton?’ That means something big is coming,” the governor said.

He explained that the state government had provided access roads to support the project, adding that such infrastructure investments were essential in attracting and sustaining business ventures.

According to him, Delta State has consistently proven to offer attractive returns on investments.

Oborevwori said: “If someone can come from across the Niger and invest billions here, it means there is value. There is nobody who has come to invest in Delta State who hasn’t seen a return on investment. If that wasn’t the case, they wouldn’t be here.”

He attributed the increasing flow of investments into the state to the prevailing peace and security, stressing that stability is a key driver of economic development.

The governor also used the opportunity to highlight other ongoing infrastructural projects across the state, noting that the government’s development agenda is in full motion.

He announced that the groundbreaking for the Ugbolu/Okpanam Road project will take place next week, while the first phase of the Oko Road has been completed and will soon be inaugurated, with the second phase set to begin.

Similarly, the Nnebisi Road to Abraka junction project has been awarded, with the contractor already mobilized to site.

He said the state is working to install additional drainage infrastructure from the Abraka axis to ensure proper road resurfacing during the dry season.

Governor Oborevwori further mentioned major projects in other parts of the state, including the Uromi Junction flyover in Agbor and the Otovwodo flyover, in Ughelli affirming that more developments are in the pipeline.

“This government is about more,” he said. “With our ‘Renewed Hope for More agenda, we are committed to doing much more for Delta State.”

Revolutionizing Healthcare

In healthcare, Delta is making history as the first state in Nigeria to procure three Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, one for each senatorial district.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed that the equipment would be installed at Warri Central Hospital, DELSUTH Oghara, and Asaba Specialist Hospital.

“Before now, many Deltans were forced to travel outside the state to access MRI services. Governor Oborevwori saw this gap and directed immediate procurement,” Onojaeme said. Experts have hailed the move as a game-changer that will improve early diagnosis and treatment across the state.

Supporting Sports and Nurturing Talents

In line with his commitment to youth development, Oborevwori also boosted sports by donating four brand-new buses to Warri Wolves and Delta Queens football clubs. Each team received a Toyota Coaster and a Toyota Hiace bus to ease their transportation needs.

The governor said the gesture was aimed at motivating the teams to excel in their domestic and international competitions. “Delta State is doing very well in sports across Nigeria. But we must continue to motivate our players to do even better,” he noted.

Players and officials of both clubs described the donation as unprecedented support that would spur them to more victories.

Delta Queens’ captain, Owoeye Temitope, promised that the team would repay the governor’s gesture with trophies.

Delta’s dominance in sports was further underscored when the state emerged national champion at the Basic Education School Sports Competition held in Abuja. Delta would now represent Nigeria at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) under-15 competition.

Meanwhile, the governor has approved a statewide Basic School Sports initiative to ensure discovery from the grassroots and nurtured for future competitions.

A Governor’s Call to Unity

From his Independence Day message to his ongoing interventions in healthcare, environmental protection, and sports development, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership continues to underscore the values of unity, resilience, and progress.

For him, the task of building a stronger Delta and a greater Nigeria rests not only on the shoulders of the government but also on the collective resolve of the people. “The journey ahead is still long, but together we are moving toward sustainable progress. Our future is bright, and with unity and determination, we will achieve it,” he affirmed.

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, Delta State’s message rings clear and strong: unity, sacrifice, and vision remain the surest path to a prosperous future.

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