Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday commemorated the state’s 35th anniversary, commending successive administrations and the people of Delta State for their contributions to its peace, stability and development.
Oborevwori spoke at a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, to mark the anniversary of Delta State’s creation.
The governor described the 35th anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate Delta State’s achievements, reflect on its journey and renew the collective commitment to building a greater state.
He attributed Delta’s progress over the past 35 years to God’s grace, while commending Deltans 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 years. 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,” he said.
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 State.
“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 said, adding that his administration would continue to consolidate the gains of its predecessors while doing more for the people.
Oborevwori said the administration’s vision was to build a Delta State that is “more peaceful, prosperous, secure, inclusive and competitive, and better prepared for the opportunities of the future.”
He listed infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, agriculture and technology as the administration’s priority areas, adding that it would also continue strengthening institutions, creating an environment where businesses could thrive and enabling young people to realise their potential.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, saying 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.
The governor particularly praised Deltans 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 crises 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 Deltans to deepen their relationship with God and place unwavering faith and trust in Him.
Osemenam described Delta State’s 35th anniversary as a time for thanksgiving and sober reflection, urging the people to acknowledge God’s role in the state’s journey and continue to seek His guidance.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; and other senior government officials.
