...Donates Four Buses to Warri Wolves, Delta Queens
By Festus Ahon
As Nigeria marked her 65th Independence Anniversary, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to uphold unity, justice, fairness, and equity as pillars for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
Delivering his Independence message at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Asaba, the governor 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 hope and sacrifice; we must continue to build on the vision of our founding fathers,” Oborevwori said.
He noted that Nigeria remains a blessed nation with much to be thankful for, adding that without divine intervention and the resilience of her people, 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,” the governor affirmed.
The Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, who delivered the homily, emphasized the virtues of righteousness, love, and compassion, urging the wealthy to remember the poor, as “true wealth lies in what we share with others.”
The thanksgiving service was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, reflecting the unity message that Governor Oborevwori continues to promote.
“Avoid What Divides Us”
At the state-level Independence parade held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, called on Nigerians to shun divisions and recommit to the collective goal of national unity and prosperity.
“Our true strength lies in our people. As we mark Nigeria’s independence, let us embrace independence from ethnic division, rivalry, and despondency. Let us unite under the common banner of One Delta and One Nigeria,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to advance development under the M.O.R.E Agenda, highlighting ongoing investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He disclosed that major road, bridge, and flood control projects are linking communities and stimulating economic growth, while the state continues to provide free healthcare services for pregnant women, children, widows, and the elderly.
Fighting Erosion, Protecting the Environment
Delta is also making strides in environmental sustainability. The State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, announced that Governor Oborevwori had approved counterpart funding for the European Investment Bank (EIB)-Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB).
The project will address severe erosion at Amachai, Ogbeozoma, and the Vanguard area of Oshimili North Local Government, bringing relief to communities long threatened by environmental degradation.
“This is more than an intervention; it is a new beginning for our people,” Ejiro stated.
Driving Infrastructure and Investment Growth
On Friday, the governor inspected the ongoing Asaba Waterfront City project and expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of dredging. He commended progress on the access road, which he said is now about 85 percent complete, but urged the contractors—North China Construction Limited and Folkland Limited—to accelerate work.
“If they want to use local dredgers, even in 20 years they cannot achieve it. They need to bring in an English cutter dredger,” he advised.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the project’s Memorandum of Understanding, emphasizing that “government has paid full compensation and mobilized contractors.”
The governor also inspected the site of the five-star Hilton Hotel being developed by Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chairman of J.I. Ejison Group. He described the project as a major boost to Delta’s tourism and investment profile, saying the presence of a global brand like Hilton signals rising investor confidence.
“Anyone willing to invest billions here believes in Delta’s potential. We’ve ensured peace, stability, and returns on investment. That’s why investors keep coming,” Oborevwori said.
He further disclosed that the groundbreaking for the 11.7km Okpanam–Ugbolu Road project would take place next week, while the Oko Road and Nnebisi–Abraka junction road projects were nearing completion. Similar infrastructural developments, including the Uromi Junction flyover in Agbor and the Otovwodo flyover in Ughelli, are ongoing across the state.
Revolutionizing Healthcare
Delta State is breaking new ground in healthcare with the procurement of three Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines — one for each senatorial district. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, revealed that the machines would be installed at the Warri Central Hospital, DELSUTH Oghara, and the Asaba Specialist Hospital.
“Before now, many Deltans had to travel out of the state for MRI services. Governor Oborevwori has changed that narrative,” Onojaeme stated.
Supporting Sports and Empowering Youths
In furtherance of his administration’s youth development drive, Governor Oborevwori donated four new buses — two Toyota Coasters and two Toyota Hiace — to Warri Wolves and Delta Queens football clubs.
He said the gesture was aimed at boosting morale and supporting the teams in their local and international engagements. “Delta is doing very well in sports, but we must keep motivating our athletes to do even better,” the governor said.
Delta Queens’ captain, Owoeye Temitope, thanked the governor for the unprecedented support, pledging that the team would “repay the gesture with more trophies.”
Delta’s dominance in sports was reaffirmed as the state emerged national champion at the Basic Education School Sports Competition in Abuja and is set to represent Nigeria at the CAF U-15 tournament. The governor also approved the launch of a statewide Basic School Sports Programme to promote grassroots talent discovery.
A Call to Unity and Progress
From his Independence Day message to ongoing infrastructural, healthcare, and sports interventions, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori continues to underscore unity, resilience, and progress as central to Delta’s development.
“The journey ahead is 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 nationhood, Delta State’s message echoes clear — unity, sacrifice, and shared vision remain the surest path to a prosperous and inclusive future.