Abuja, February 12, 2026 – Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured as Governor of the Year 2025 by Leadership Newspapers Limited in recognition of his outstanding contributions to infrastructure development, inclusive governance, and people-centered policies in Delta State.
The award was presented during the 18th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards, held on Thursday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The governor was represented at the high-profile ceremony by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
The conference, themed “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” brought together political leaders, policymakers, business executives, diplomats, and development partners to discuss critical national and continental issues while celebrating excellence in leadership and service.
Leadership Newspapers cited Governor Oborevwori’s successful translation of his MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Economic Advancement) into visible and widespread transformation across Delta State. The award organisers specifically highlighted:
- Hundreds of road projects and landmark flyovers that have dramatically improved mobility, reduced travel time, and boosted commerce across the three senatorial districts.
- Major investments in education, including school rehabilitation, teacher recruitment, sustained bursary schemes, and support for the state’s four universities.
- Significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure, expanded health insurance coverage, and enhanced access to quality medical services.
- Robust empowerment programmes that have supported hundreds of thousands of citizens through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship grants, and youth development initiatives.
- Fiscal discipline, early implementation of the new national minimum wage, and prudent management of resources, reflecting a governance model that balances compassion with responsibility.
These achievements, the organisers stated, demonstrate equity, consistency, and long-term stability anchored on fiscal prudence and a clear vision for sustainable development.
Governor Oborevwori was honoured alongside other distinguished leaders, including Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Uba Sani (Kaduna). Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was named Person of the Year 2025.
Speaking to journalists after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme expressed deep gratitude to the people of Delta State for their unwavering support.
“I thank Deltans for the huge support they have been giving to this administration,” he said. “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.”
Sir Onyeme listed key accomplishments that underscore the administration’s commitment to development, including:
- Extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects
- Construction of signature bridges
- Market development initiatives
- Healthcare infrastructure upgrades
- Sustained investment in education across the state’s four universities
He described the award as both a validation of the government’s performance and a powerful encouragement to redouble efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy to every corner of Delta State.
The occasion was chaired by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who delivered a thought-provoking keynote address framing the conference theme within the urgent realities of political instability, economic challenges, and global uncertainties facing Africa and Nigeria.
In her welcome address, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Newspapers, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, explained that the annual conference and awards are designed to promote meaningful dialogue on national issues while celebrating Nigerians who have demonstrated innovation, commitment, and consistent service to the country and its people.
The recognition from Leadership Newspapers adds to Governor Oborevwori’s growing list of national honours and reinforces his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most visible and impactful state leaders. The award serves as a strong endorsement of the Oborevwori administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal, human capital development, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive growth—core pillars that continue to transform Delta State into a model of purposeful governance.
As the governor and his team return to Asaba, the honour is expected to further inspire renewed momentum in delivering on the promises of the MORE Agenda and advancing Delta State toward greater prosperity and stability.
