Oborevwori Named Leadership Governor Of The Year 2025
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with the Governor of the Year 2025 Award by Leadership Newspapers Limited in recognition of what the organisation described as his impactful infrastructure development and inclusive governance in the state.
The award was presented at the 18th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Governor Oborevwori was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Recognition of the MORE Agenda
According to the organisers, the governor earned the accolade for effectively translating his administration’s MORE Agenda into tangible projects across Delta State. Leadership Newspapers cited widespread infrastructure renewal, social investments and fiscal discipline as key considerations in selecting him for the award.
The organisation noted that the administration has executed hundreds of road projects and constructed landmark flyovers across the state’s three senatorial districts, significantly improving mobility and boosting commercial activities.
Beyond infrastructure, the award citation highlighted sustained interventions in education, including school rehabilitation, recruitment of workers and continued bursary schemes for students. The healthcare sector was also commended for improvements in facilities and the expansion of health insurance coverage.
Empowerment and Fiscal Discipline
Leadership Newspapers further acknowledged the administration’s empowerment initiatives, which it said have benefited hundreds of thousands of residents. The early implementation of the new minimum wage and prudent fiscal management were also referenced as indicators of responsible governance.
The organisers described the administration’s approach as one that balances compassion with fiscal responsibility, promoting equity and long-term stability.
Governor Oborevwori was honoured alongside Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Uba Sani of Kaduna. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was named Person of the Year 2025.
Appreciation and Renewed Commitment
Speaking with journalists after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Sir Onyeme expressed gratitude to the people of Delta State for their continued support.
“I thank Deltans for the huge support they have been giving to this administration. It is because of their support that we have been able to achieve all we have achieved. I thank God that our efforts are being recognised across the nation,” he said.
He pointed to numerous road and bridge projects, market development initiatives, healthcare interventions and investments in Delta State’s four universities as evidence of the government’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends.
According to him, the recognition would spur the administration to intensify efforts in advancing development across the state.
Conference Focus on Stability and Development
The conference was themed: “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria.”
Chairman of the occasion, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, delivered an address reflecting on the challenges confronting Africa and the broader global community.
In her welcome remarks, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Newspapers, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the conference aimed to promote dialogue on national development while celebrating individuals making notable contributions to Nigeria’s progress.
She emphasised that the awards recognise innovation, dedication and consistent service in both public and private sectors.
