A former gubernatorial aspirant and two-time member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Efe Ofobruku, has congratulated Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on his emergence as Outstanding Independent Governor and Best Independent Governor in Urban Renewal of the Year 2025.
The awards were conferred at the 25th anniversary ceremony of Independent Newspapers, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, where the governor was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Reacting to the development, Ofobruku described the double recognition as “well-earned validation of purposeful leadership,” noting that the governor’s performance since assuming office in 2023 has been both visible and impactful.
According to him, “These awards are not ceremonial decorations; they are reflections of measurable progress. When independent institutions recognise a leader twice in critical areas like governance and urban renewal, it confirms that something tangible is happening on the ground.”
Ofobruku, who also served as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, said the Oborevwori administration has demonstrated a clear understanding of the developmental needs of a modern and rapidly urbanising state like Delta.
“Urban renewal is not just about infrastructure; it is about improving how people live, move, and do business. What we are seeing across Warri, Effurun, Ughelli, and other key areas is a coordinated effort to redefine the urban experience in Delta State,” he stated.
He commended the scale of infrastructure development under the current administration, particularly the construction of flyovers and expansion of road networks, describing them as “projects that directly touch the lives of ordinary citizens.”
“Infrastructure is the most visible face of governance, and in Delta today, the results are difficult to ignore. Roads are opening up communities, traffic bottlenecks are easing, and economic activities are being stimulated. That is the true meaning of governance,” Ofobruku added.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the awards, the Uvwie-born politician noted that such recognitions go beyond individual achievement and project the state positively at the national level.
“When a governor from Delta State is honoured on a national platform for excellence, it elevates the profile of the entire state. It sends a message that Delta is not just participating in governance, but setting standards,” he said.
Ofobruku further urged the governor to sustain the current momentum, emphasising that consistency in delivery would consolidate public trust and deepen the impact of ongoing reforms.
“Recognition is important, but continuity is even more critical. The people of Delta are already seeing the difference, and sustaining that trajectory will ensure that these gains are not temporary but enduring,” he noted.
He also called on political stakeholders across the state to support policies and programmes that prioritise development, stressing that progress should remain a collective responsibility beyond partisan lines.
“This is a moment for all well-meaning Deltans to rally behind progress. Development should not be politicised; it should be protected and encouraged,” Ofobruku said.
Governor Oborevwori’s double honour at the Independent Newspapers Awards, themed “Game Changers: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Tomorrow,” has continued to draw commendations from political leaders and stakeholders, with many describing it as a reflection of the administration’s growing impact on infrastructure and urban transformation across the state.
