I Am In Office To Serve Deltans, Not Myself — Oborevwori

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of the state with dedication, fairness and inclusiveness, declaring that he did not seek public office for personal enrichment but to improve the lives of Deltans.

The governor made the declaration on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of Catholic priests from the Warri, Issele-Uku and Bomadi Dioceses, led by Rev. Monsignor John Ike Aduba, at Government House, Asaba.

Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the clergy for their prayers, support and guidance, describing the Church as a vital partner in promoting peace, good governance and social development.

According to him, the successes recorded by his administration since assuming office have been made possible through divine guidance and the prayers of the people.

“The Bible encourages us to pray for those in authority so they can govern well. If people say today that I am doing well, it is because of the prayers being offered on my behalf. God has given us the wisdom and strength to serve the people of Delta State,” he said.

The governor commended the Catholic Church for its responsible engagement with government, noting that the clergy had consistently provided constructive advice through appropriate channels.

He said his administration remained committed to delivering the dividends of democracy through infrastructure development, human capital advancement, empowerment programmes and enhanced security across the state.

Oborevwori also disclosed that his government had maintained fiscal discipline by ensuring prompt payment of salaries and contractors without borrowing funds.

“Every project awarded by this administration is backed by available funds. From the day I assumed office, I made it clear that contractors must be paid for jobs properly executed. We have continued to pay workers and contractors without borrowing, and that is by the grace of God,” he stated.

Speaking on the recent tensions surrounding the ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, the governor said his administration had proactively engaged leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“We have witnessed crises in Warri in the past and we do not want a return to those difficult days. There is no reason for conflict. We must continue to embrace peaceful coexistence, and I am glad that all parties have shown understanding,” he said.

Oborevwori reiterated that his government would continue to promote inclusive governance, insisting that every ethnic nationality in the state must have a sense of belonging.

“I am not governor for any particular ethnic group; I am governor for all Deltans. Everything we have done has been guided by the principle of inclusiveness. A government that excludes people cannot enjoy their trust and support,” he added.

The governor further assured the delegation of continued support for mission-owned schools and other initiatives contributing to the development of the state.

Responding to requests by the clergy, he said the state government would examine the possibility of supporting the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri in Udu Local Government Area, including consideration for the construction of an access road to the facility.

Reflecting on his personal background, Oborevwori recalled his upbringing in the Catholic faith and the devotion of his late father to the Church.

“I did not become governor to enrich myself. I became governor to serve. I am already comfortable. My passion is to work and improve the lives of our people. By God’s grace, when I leave office in 2031, there will be visible achievements for Deltans to point to,” he said.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, Very Rev. Prof. Jude Obiunu commended the governor for promoting equitable development and inclusive governance across Delta State.

He assured the governor of the continued prayers and support of the Catholic Church, noting that development projects under the current administration were spread across different parts of the state.

“The Church desires good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends to all citizens. From what we have seen, you are not a sectional or tribal-minded governor. Your projects and programmes have touched communities across Delta State,” Obiunu said.

He appealed for sustained government support for mission schools and requested intervention on the access road and security lighting leading to the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri.

The cleric also urged the governor to remain focused on his developmental agenda and continue carrying all Deltans along, regardless of political or ethnic affiliation.

The visit ended with special prayers offered by the priests for Governor Oborevwori, Delta State and Nigeria.