Asaba/Abuja/Lagos, February 12, 2026 – Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has received back-to-back prestigious accolades as Governor of the Year 2025 from two of Nigeria’s leading national newspapers—New Telegraph and Leadership—recognizing his administration’s transformative governance, people-centered policies, and tangible developmental achievements across Delta State.
The dual honours reflect the growing national and media acknowledgment of Governor Oborevwori’s focused leadership since assuming office, particularly his commitment to inclusive development, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and economic diversification under the MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Economic Advancement).
Leadership Newspapers announced that Governor Oborevwori will be conferred with its Governor of the Year 2025 Award at the 18th Leadership Conference and Awards, taking place today, Wednesday, February 12, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The annual flagship event, organized by Leadership Newspapers, brings together top political leaders, policymakers, captains of industry, diplomats, development partners, and thought leaders to deliberate on pressing national and continental challenges. The 2026 edition is themed: “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria.”
The conference serves as both a high-level policy dialogue platform and a prestigious awards ceremony, honoring individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to governance, economic progress, social development, and national unity. Leadership cited Governor Oborevwori’s diligent implementation of impactful programmes and policies that have significantly improved livelihoods, strengthened infrastructure, and accelerated overall development in Delta State as the basis for the award.
In a separate but equally significant recognition, New Telegraph Newspapers will also bestow its Governor of the Year 2025 Award on Governor Oborevwori as the overall winner at the New Telegraph 2025 Awards Ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
New Telegraph, known for its rigorous editorial assessment and independent journalism, highlighted the governor’s distinguished record in delivering inclusive governance, strategic infrastructure projects, and socio-economic initiatives that have directly enhanced the wellbeing of Deltans. The newspaper emphasized that his administration’s performance has stood out among peers in terms of visible impact, transparency, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
Both publications pointed to several key areas where Governor Oborevwori’s leadership has made a marked difference:
- Massive investment in road infrastructure, including rural and urban connectivity projects
- Sustained focus on power generation and energy security to support industrialization
- Youth empowerment through skills acquisition, employment schemes, and entrepreneurship support
- Improved healthcare delivery and educational infrastructure
- Promotion of peace, security, and harmonious inter-community relations
- Strategic partnerships with private sector and development agencies to attract investment
The double recognition comes at a time when Delta State is witnessing increased investor confidence, rising internally generated revenue, and enhanced national visibility as a model of purposeful governance.
Analysts and political observers view the back-to-back honours as a strong endorsement of the Oborevwori administration’s trajectory. The awards are seen not only as personal accolades for the governor but also as validation of the collective efforts of his cabinet, civil servants, and the people of Delta State in driving meaningful progress.
Governor Oborevwori has consistently attributed the state’s achievements to teamwork, the support of traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens, as well as the enabling environment created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the federal level.
The simultaneous recognition by two respected national dailies further elevates the governor’s national profile and reinforces Delta State’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s development landscape. It also signals growing media and public confidence in the administration’s ability to deliver on promises of sustainable, inclusive growth.
As Governor Oborevwori prepares to receive these honours, Deltans and stakeholders across the state have expressed pride in the recognition, seeing it as a reflection of the positive changes being felt in communities—from improved roads and electricity to greater opportunities for the youth and enhanced security.
The back-to-back awards are expected to further motivate the administration to intensify efforts in delivering on its MORE Agenda promises, ensuring that Delta State continues to set benchmarks for good governance and people-focused leadership in Nigeria.
