How Oborevwori’s People-Centred Governance Is Sustaining Peace In Delta
GOVERNANCE, SECURITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY
Peace as a Product of Policy, Not Coincidence
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been commended for sustaining relative peace and stability across the state through deliberate governance strategies anchored on inclusive development, youth engagement and security investment.
The commendation came from the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, during an interview on Niger Delta Today, a current affairs programme aired on ADBN Television.
According to Ifeajika, the prevailing peace in Delta State is the outcome of intentional government actions rather than accidental circumstances. He noted that the administration’s people-focused policies have helped foster harmonious coexistence, reduced social tension and strengthened grassroots confidence in governance.
“What we are witnessing today in Delta State, especially in terms of security, is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate, well-coordinated actions by the state government,” he said.
Youth Engagement as a Security Strategy
A major plank of the Oborevwori administration’s peace-building efforts, Ifeajika explained, is youth engagement. He said the government has rolled out programmes aimed at productively engaging young people, reducing the risk of restiveness and criminal activity.
“When young people are meaningfully engaged, the tendency toward social unrest drops significantly. The programmes put in place are not cosmetic; they are initiatives that young people can identify with and benefit from,” he stated.
He added that the administration prioritised empowerment, skills development and access to economic opportunities as preventive measures against insecurity.
Support for Security Agencies
Ifeajika also highlighted the state government’s proactive support for security agencies, noting that Delta had invested heavily in logistics, equipment and operational support rather than relying solely on federal intervention.
“Security agencies in Delta State are well equipped, well supported and properly motivated. There is also a functional Joint Task Force arrangement to ensure coverage across the state,” he said.
He disclosed that as the 2027 political season approaches, the state police command has emphasised the importance of sustaining peace, noting that it was built through engagement, trust and encouragement, especially among youths.
From Skepticism to Measurable Outcomes
Reflecting on the early days of the administration, Ifeajika acknowledged that there was skepticism in some quarters. However, he said the government opted for visible action rather than verbal exchanges.
“Instead of endless arguments, the administration chose to respond with projects. Today, the results are visible across communities,” he said.
According to him, development projects are spread across all parts of the state, ensuring that virtually every community benefits from government intervention.
Infrastructure and Community Ownership
On infrastructure, Ifeajika cited ongoing road and flyover projects across Delta State, including the Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor and the Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli. He noted that the announcement of such projects sparked widespread public excitement due to their safety and economic significance.
“These projects are being executed by reputable contractors to ensure quality and durability. Improved road connectivity reduces travel time, saves lives and stimulates economic activities,” he said.
He urged residents to take ownership of projects in their communities by monitoring execution and reporting substandard work through designated government channels, including the state’s whistle-blowing policy.
Economic Empowerment and Agriculture
On economic empowerment, Ifeajika disclosed that the state government recently introduced a N1 billion loan scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), managed by the Bank of Industry. The scheme offers one-digit interest loans and complements existing empowerment programmes targeting traders, youths, women, farmers and artisans.
In agriculture, he revealed that over 12,000 farmers across various value chains have been profiled and supported, while civil servants have been encouraged to engage in homestead farming to boost food security.
He also highlighted the state’s large-scale rice farming initiative in Aviara, Isoko South Local Government Area, describing it as a strategic step toward food sufficiency and job creation.
A Deliberate Path to Stability
Ifeajika concluded that the combination of infrastructure development, security investment, youth engagement, economic empowerment and agricultural expansion has positioned Delta State as a stable and increasingly attractive destination.
“Delta is fast becoming a wonderful place to live, work and do business,” he said.
