By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe
Frontline governorship aspirant and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, March 17, 2022, had fruitful and robust interface and cross fertilization of ideas with the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Worldwide.
Oborecwori, who is the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom, commended the Olorogun Moses Taiga led Union, saying the UPU’s 90th anniversary was a huge success because of the quality of leaders currently piloting the affairs of the apex Urhobo socio-cultural organisation.
He assured UPU of a brighter future for Delta State, Deltans and Urhobo nation, urging PG Worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga and the union to support his governorship aspiration so as to win the 2023 governorship election with a wide margin.
Oborevwori, who is also the Deputy Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, said under his leadership the state legislative arm of government became more productive, vibrant, focused and result oriented.
He further posited that the entire state legislators are convinced that the SMART and Stronger Delta agenda of Okowa administration has opened multifaceted windows of socioeconomic and infrastructure development in the state, and had to pass several Executive Bills signed into Law by the governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, to further facilitate socioeconomic and infrastructure development.
He noted that the various Laws made in the past five years impacted positively on the overall development of the state, especially in the areas of security, peace building, education, job and wealth creation, sports, health/social insurance schemes, massive infrastructure development and so on.
Mr Speaker went further to say that Delta State has been making steady and tremendous progress under governor Okowa, which he hope to build upon and expand the scope of job and wealth creation for our teeming youths, women, to make life better for all Deltans.
Oborevwori promise to partner with UPU and sociocultural organisations of all ethnic nationalities in the state if elected governor, saying that he will follow the strategic steps taken by the incumbent governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to partner with past governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, community leaders, student groups, women, youth and all stakeholders to facilitate development.
The Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom told UPU executives that peaceful coexistence, responsive/responsible leadership, rapid economic growth, security, social welfare programmes, infrastructure development, quality healthcare, qualitative education, job and wealth creation shall be given priority attention, as well as sound economic policies that would attract local and foreign investments to the state under his administration when he becomes the governor of the state in 2023.
He said the monumental achievements of governor Okowa speaks for itself across the three senatorial districts, describing the incumbent governor and leader of the state as a well focused, prudent, transparent, resourceful, intelligent and God fearing leader.
Mr Speaker disclosed that as the longest serving Speaker since the creation of Delta State, he had the uncommon privilege of working closely with the governor, and in the process learnt leadership skills in the act of good governance, excellent human relations, long hours of work and other result oriented strategies; which he shall deploy to effectively and efficiently govern the state if elected governor in the forthcoming election.
“I am humbled by this invitation to interact and cross fertilize ideas with the leadership of UPU worldwide represented by the executives of the union.
“I am your loyal and humble son and I have enormous respect for our Urhobo leaders and this great Union. You sent me to the House of Assembly in 2015 where I became Speaker of the House with your recommendation and influence.
“In the past five years and still counting, I have systematically discharged my duties and responsibilities without blemish, and in the process I made Delta State, Deltans and Urhobo nation proud and I will strive harder to serve Deltans better.
“I am here today to also receive your blessings so that as our father, leader, brother and governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, finishes strong on May 28, 2023, he would gladly handover governance of the state to me, your humble son, so as to continue from where the governor will stop in 2023, to build on his enviable and remarkable achievements.
“The policies and programmes of Okowa administration cannot be faulted by any right thinking Deltans, and I shall build on Gov Okowa’s legacies, expand the frontiers of development, do the needful to keep Delta and Deltans secured, safe, progressive, prosperous and stronger economically.
“The resources of Delta state shall be used to develop the three senatorial districts and improve the living standard of all Deltans under my watch if elected governor in 2023. Not a kobo of the state money will be missing or misappropriated. This is my firm promise to UPU, to all ethnic nationalities, to all unions and to the good people of Delta State.
“I have learnt leadership skills over the years, and I have also been privileged to work closely with past and present governors of our state, as well as the Executive and Judiciary arms of government as the head of the legislature. This is a big plus for me and my experience over the years shall be deployed to serve Deltans in a higher capacity.
“I know the yearnings of Deltsns. I will not disappoint UPU, I will not disappoint any ethnic union, I will not disappoint Deltans and above all, I will not disappoint God. Here I am, send me please,” Oborevwori added.
In his remarks, President General of UPU Worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga, commended the uncommon humility of Rt Hon Oborevwori and his enviable achievements as the longest serving Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
He said UPU is father to all sons and daughters of Urhobo nation across political divide, adding that the union will always be apolitical, neutral in political affairs but want the best among equals to govern the state, and as such the union will do the needful by scrutinizing the presentations and pedigree of all aspirants with open heart and mind.
He commended Oborevwori for his detribalised posture, tact, wisdom, humility, loyalty and other leadership qualities which had endeared him to the heart of Deltans, noting that the union appreciates his enviable service to the state, as the longest serving Speaker, particularly the robust partnership between the legislature and the other two arms of government without rancour.
“UPU is father to all Urhobo sons and daughters worldwide and across political divide. We want the best for Delta State, the best from Urhobo nation to govern Delta in this dispensation.
“We have no doubts in our minds that you will excel if elected governor. You are one of the finest and best breeds of Urhobo nation in leadership position and we wish you well in your laudable ambition,” Taiga prayed.
The meeting was well attended by UPU Executives including the first Deputy President General Worldwide, Chief Capt Anthony Onoharigho.
