Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to embrace unity and shun divisive tendencies as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, during the state’s independence celebration, the governor—represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme—described the day as one of remembrance, reflection, and renewal.
He said the occasion called for honouring the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers, reflecting on shared progress, and renewing the commitment to building a prosperous future.
“The true strength of Delta lies in its people. As we mark Nigeria’s independence, let us also embrace independence in our daily lives: independence from ethnic division and rivalry, independence from dependency by embracing hard work, enterprise and creativity, and independence from forces that divide us by uniting under the common banner of One Delta,” he stated.
Governor Oborevwori congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the anniversary and prayed for divine wisdom and strength for him in steering the nation towards peace and prosperity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver on the MORE Agenda, stressing that Delta was making remarkable strides in infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare.
On infrastructure, the governor said his administration was executing projects across the transport sector—highways, flyovers, urban and rural roads, drainage systems, and waterways. He noted that these projects were opening up communities, boosting economic activities, and making towns and cities safer.
In healthcare, he highlighted free medical services for pregnant women, children under five, widows, and the elderly, alongside ongoing upgrades of hospitals and primary health centres with modern equipment such as dialysis machines, CT scanners, and 4D ultrasound scanners.
On education, the governor said Delta was preparing its youths for the digital age with ICT hubs, training centres, and technology-driven learning programmes. He added that job creation and social welfare schemes were also supporting the vulnerable and unemployed, ensuring “nobody is left behind.”
Oborevwori urged Deltans to remain supportive of his administration, dismissing critics he described as agents of distraction.
“Democracy allows criticism, but let us focus on constructive ideas that will build our State, not negativity that tears it down. With your steadfast support, we are on the right path, and together, we will go even further,” he said.
The governor also emphasized peace and security as top priorities, commending the state’s youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, and civil society for their contributions to stability. He stressed that Delta’s waterways were now safer for navigation and commerce, thanks to sustained collaboration with security outfits.
Encouraging youths to channel their energy into positive ventures, he reminded them that they are not only leaders of tomorrow but “change makers of today.”
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders—the private sector, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and every citizen—to partner with government in building a stronger Delta and a greater Nigeria.
“As we celebrate 65 years of Nigeria’s independence, let us renew our faith in God and in one another. Let us hold on to peace, unity, security and justice. That is the only way to build a stronger Delta and a greater Nigeria. Happy Independence Day.”
The ceremony featured an inspection of the Guard of Honour, a march past by military and paramilitary agencies, and was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.
