Independence: Oborevwori Tasks Nigerians, Leaders On Sacrifice, Accountability
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Call for Sacrifice & Patriotism
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to be prepared to make sacrifices in the collective effort to build a country that reflects the aspirations of its citizens.
Oborevwori made the call on Sunday at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service held at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, where he stressed the importance of sacrifice, courage, patriotism and resilience in national development.
The governor also paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s attainment of independence.
According to him, the responsibility of building the nation should not be left to any particular generation. Rather, present and future generations must contribute to the country’s progress by demonstrating patriotism and commitment to the common good.
Prayer & the Nation’s Progress
Oborevwori urged Nigerians to continue praying for the peace and prosperity of the country, describing the Church’s intercession as an important contribution to national development.
He said sustained prayers were necessary alongside practical efforts by citizens and leaders to address the country’s challenges.
“Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint,” he said.
The governor cited Jeremiah 29:7, which urges believers to seek the peace of their city and pray for it, as a biblical basis for continued intercession for Nigeria.
He further observed that the peace and security enjoyed by individuals were closely connected to the stability and security of the wider country.
Public Office as a Trust
A major part of Oborevwori’s message focused on the responsibilities attached to public office.
The governor urged politicians, civil servants and other public officials to place service to citizens at the centre of their responsibilities.
He stressed that elected and appointed positions were not personal possessions but positions held in trust on behalf of the people.
“At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service,” he said.
Oborevwori added that whether a person was elected or appointed, the authority attached to the position was ultimately exercised on behalf of the people.
“Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family,” he said.
He therefore urged public officials to discharge their duties with integrity, responsibility and commitment to the common good, noting that they would ultimately give an account of their stewardship to God.
Nigeria’s Democratic Journey
The governor also used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence, saying the country had reasons to be grateful despite the challenges it had encountered.
He particularly highlighted the continuity of democratic rule, noting that Nigeria marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance on 29 May 2026.
“On 29th May this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for,” Oborevwori said.
While acknowledging what he described as “bumps and twists” along the way, he said Nigeria had continued to make progress and expressed optimism about the country’s future.
Stakeholders & Peace in Delta
Oborevwori also attributed the relative peace in Delta State to the contributions of traditional rulers, Presidents-General, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He said their roles, together with what he described as divine wisdom, had contributed to maintaining stability in the state.
The governor maintained that peace should remain a collective responsibility, requiring cooperation among government, traditional institutions, community leaders, religious organisations and citizens.
Church Calls for Collective Responsibility
Earlier, the Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, urged Nigerians to remain committed to nation-building.
Johns said faith, patriotism and collective responsibility were necessary for the country to realise its potential.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria was experiencing an awakening that could unlock its potential and strengthen its position among nations.
The pastor identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, meaningful contribution, love for the country and positive impact on communities as important duties of citizens.
“No nation attained greatness by accident,” he said, while urging Nigerians to recognise their individual responsibilities in the process of national development.
Leaders Urged to Serve the Common Good
Johns also prayed for wisdom and guidance for leaders at all levels, using Governor Oborevwori as a point of contact.
He urged public officials to manage the nation’s resources responsibly and ensure that their decisions served the common good.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other lawmakers.
Also present were the Deputy Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Elder Moses Iduh; senior government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
