In a resounding affirmation of his administration’s dedication to the advancement of knowledge, culture, and intellectual discourse, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing literary excellence and supporting initiatives that celebrate creativity, scholarship, and nation-building.
The governor made the pledge on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, during the high-profile public presentation of the book Hallmarks of Labour, authored by one of Nigeria’s most distinguished public servants and literary figures, Izoma Philip Chikwuendo Asiodu. The glamorous event took place at the prestigious Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracting a constellation of eminent Nigerians, scholars, statesmen, and literary enthusiasts.
Representing Governor Oborevwori at the occasion was the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, who delivered the governor’s goodwill message with eloquence and passion. Prof. Tonukari conveyed the governor’s profound belief that literature remains one of the most potent instruments for shaping societal values, preserving history, inspiring future generations, and fostering the kind of critical thinking necessary for sustainable national development.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration places the highest premium on initiatives that promote intellectual growth and honour creativity,” Prof. Tonukari declared. “Delta State is proud to identify with platforms that recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to nation-building through the power of the written word. We will continue, without relenting, to support programmes and individuals who advance scholarship, integrity, and excellence in all spheres of human endeavour.”
The commissioner lauded Chief Philip Asiodu, a former Federal Permanent Secretary and respected elder statesman, for producing what he described as a timeless literary masterpiece. According to Prof. Tonukari, Hallmarks of Labour stands as a testament to the enduring values of hard work, selfless service, dedication, and unblemished integrity—qualities that Chief Asiodu himself has exemplified throughout his illustrious career in public service and beyond.
In his remarks, the commissioner urged emerging writers, particularly those from Delta State and the Niger Delta region, to draw inspiration from Chief Asiodu’s example. “To the young and upcoming authors in our midst,” he said, “let this book remind you that excellence is not negotiable. Keep honing your craft, remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth, and let your works contribute positively to the Nigerian story and to humanity at large.”
The book presentation was chaired by none other than former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), whose presence added historic weight and gravitas to the ceremony. General Gowon, widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Nigeria, commended Chief Asiodu for documenting the virtues that have sustained great leaders and institutions across generations. He described the book as “a moral compass for present and future leaders” and called on Nigerians to rediscover the disciplined ethos that characterised the early post-independence era.
Other distinguished speakers at the event dissected the central themes of Hallmarks of Labour, which revolve around the timeless principles of diligence, accountability, patriotism, and ethical leadership. Reviewers noted that Chief Asiodu, drawing from his over six decades of experience at the highest levels of governance, diplomacy, and economic planning, has produced a work that is both autobiographical and prescriptive—an eloquent blend of personal memoir, historical reflection, and a clarion call for the rebirth of meritocracy and public-spiritedness in Nigeria.
The audience, which included serving and retired top government officials, captains of industry, diplomats, academics, and members of the literary community, erupted in applause several times as speakers highlighted how the book chronicles the exemplary careers of Nigerian role models who placed service above self. Many described the volume as a vital addition to the canon of Nigerian non-fiction literature and a necessary intervention at a time when the country grapples with issues of leadership and ethical reorientation.
For Governor Oborevwori, the decision to lend his administration’s full moral and institutional support to the event underscores his broader vision of transforming Delta State into a knowledge-driven society. Since assuming office, the governor has implemented several initiatives aimed at revitalising the education sector, promoting arts and culture, and empowering young creatives. His administration’s sponsorship of literary prizes, support for public libraries, and partnerships with cultural institutions have been widely praised as deliberate steps towards building a more enlightened and culturally rich citizenry.
The Lagos book presentation thus served not only as a celebration of Chief Philip Asiodu’s monumental contribution to Nigerian letters but also as a public testament to the Oborevwori administration’s belief that investment in intellectual capital is inseparable from the quest for socio-economic progress.
As the evening drew to a close, copies of Hallmarks of Labour were eagerly snapped up by attendees, many of whom queued to obtain signed copies from the author himself. The consensus among guests was clear: in an age often dominated by ephemeral distractions, works like Chief Asiodu’s remind us of the enduring power of the written word to inspire, educate, and transform society.
With Governor Oborevwori’s renewed pledge of support for literary and intellectual pursuits, there is little doubt that Delta State will continue to play a leading role in Nigeria’s cultural and scholarly renaissance, producing and celebrating voices that will shape the nation’s future for generations to come.
