Asaba, Delta State – Amid rising economic hardship across Nigeria, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has advocated for fair, transparent, and investment-friendly tax reforms while urging journalists to play a responsible and strategic role in explaining the nation’s ongoing economic policies to the public.
The governor made the call on Thursday during the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, held at the Orchid Hotel, Asaba. He was represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Urban Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.
Delivering the governor’s goodwill message on the theme “Tax Regimes and Exchange Rate Unification: Economic Implications and the Media’s Strategic Role,” Oborevwori described taxation as the lifeblood of any responsible government, insisting that no administration can sustainably deliver infrastructure, quality healthcare, education, or security without a robust and efficient tax system.
“Taxation remains the backbone of government revenue and the most reliable tool for national development,” he declared. “Without effective tax regimes, governments will continue to struggle to meet the basic needs of citizens.”
However, the governor was quick to emphasize that taxation must not be oppressive or counterproductive. He warned that multiple taxation, opaque processes, and complicated compliance procedures only succeed in scaring away investors and stifling economic growth. Weak enforcement, he added, creates loopholes that deprive the state and nation of much-needed revenue.
In Delta State, the Oborevwori administration is committed to widening the tax net in an equitable manner, blocking revenue leakages, and ensuring that every kobo collected is transparently and judiciously deployed for the welfare of the people.
Shifting focus to the federal government’s exchange rate unification policy, Governor Oborevwori described the reform as a courageous and long-overdue decision aimed at restoring sanity to Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, stabilizing the naira, eliminating round-tripping and arbitrage, and attracting genuine foreign direct investment.
While acknowledging the immediate hardships—rising inflation, higher costs of imported goods, pressure on wages, and difficulties faced by small and medium enterprises—the governor insisted that the policy’s long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary pains.
“Exchange rate unification will create a level playing field for all businesses, boost investor confidence, and make Nigerian goods and services more competitive in the global market,” he said.
For a resource-rich state like Delta with thriving oil, gas, and agricultural sectors, a stable and realistic exchange rate is indispensable for unlocking export potential and accelerating economic diversification away from over-dependence on crude oil.
Governor Oborevwori reassured citizens that both the state and federal governments are rolling out palliatives and interventions to cushion the effects of the reforms. These include targeted social safety nets, massive investment in infrastructure, empowerment programs for youths and women, and deliberate support for local industries and the real sector.
In a passionate appeal to journalists, the governor described the media as the vital bridge connecting complex government policies with the everyday realities of ordinary citizens.
“You are not just reporters; you are educators, watchdogs, and nation-builders,” he told the journalists. “In this season of difficult but necessary reforms, the Nigerian people look up to you to explain what these policies mean, why they are being implemented, and how they will eventually lead to a better tomorrow.”
He urged the media to spotlight stories of resilience and innovation, monitor the implementation of government programs, and expose corruption or sabotage wherever it occurs. At the same time, he cautioned strongly against the dangers of fake news, sensationalism, and divisive reporting that could inflame passions and erode public confidence in national institutions.
“With great power comes great responsibility,” Governor Oborevwori stressed. “The pen, the microphone, and the camera are mighty instruments. When wielded responsibly, they light the path to economic recovery, social justice, and national prosperity. When abused, they can deepen despair and division.”
He gave firm assurances that his administration remains committed to press freedom, open governance, and a cordial partnership with the media, pledging continued timely access to information and an enabling environment for journalists to thrive.
Concluding his address, the governor issued a rallying call for unity and patience: “These reforms are stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Together—government, media, and citizens—we can build a Delta State and a Nigeria where prosperity is shared, opportunities are abundant, and no one is left behind.”
Echoing the governor’s sentiments, the keynote speaker, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South Senatorial District, described tax reforms and exchange rate unification as twin pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic renewal agenda.
Represented by Mr. Uzuazo Ikelegbe, the senator said the policies are strategic actions designed to rebuild an economy that truly works for all Nigerians, adding that the initial pains are inevitable in any genuine restructuring process.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, explained that the theme was deliberately chosen to provoke critical thinking, stimulate robust policy dialogue, and reawaken the consciousness of journalists as both watchdogs and interpreters of government policies.
“Nigerian journalists must go beyond merely reporting events,” Oyowe said. “We have a duty to analyze policies, break them down in simple terms, and empower citizens to hold leaders accountable while making informed decisions.”
He commended Governor Oborevwori for his administration’s visible investments in people-oriented projects across the state under the MORE (Meaningful Opportunities, Realistic Reforms, and Enduring Legacy) agenda. He particularly highlighted ongoing transformations in road infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, and security.
The week-long Press Week featured lectures, panel discussions, awards, and cultural displays, culminating in a grand finale and gala night where outstanding journalists and media houses in the state were honored for excellence and ethical practice.
As Nigeria continues to navigate one of its most challenging economic phases, Governor Oborevwori’s message at the NUJ event underscored a common thread: sustainable recovery is possible, but only if taxation is fair, reforms are patiently implemented, and the media rises to its highest calling as a responsible voice of truth and unity.
