By Auwal Tukur
In leadership, compassion is often the difference between those who merely occupy office and those who truly serve the people. In Delta State today, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori has demonstrated that governance is not only about power or position, but about improving lives and giving hope to the ordinary citizen.
Governor Oborevwori is widely regarded as an uncommon leader whose rise to the highest office in the state reflects resilience, humility, faith and an unwavering commitment to public service. From his grassroots political beginnings to his historic tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and now as Governor, his journey has been defined by dedication to the welfare of the people.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Oborevwori has pursued governance with a clear vision anchored on the MORE Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security. This development blueprint has become the guiding framework for policies and projects aimed at transforming Delta State and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
Barely three years into his administration, the scale of progress across Delta State is already remarkable. Across the three senatorial districts, the government has embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects designed to modernize urban centres, boost economic activity and improve connectivity between communities.
Perhaps the most visible evidence of Oborevwori’s leadership is the aggressive drive in infrastructure development. Across the state, roads, bridges and flyovers are either being completed or are at various stages of construction.
Strategic projects such as the Trans-Warri Road, the Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway, the PTI Junction Flyover, the DSC Roundabout Flyover, and the Enerhen Junction Flyover are transforming the transportation landscape of Delta State. In addition, the ongoing Uromi Junction Flyover, Otovwodo Flyover, and the Oko-Amakom link road connecting the Second Niger Bridge corridor are part of a broader vision to open up economic corridors and reduce congestion in key urban areas.
These projects are not just about concrete and asphalt; they are about creating opportunities, stimulating commerce and bringing development closer to the people.
The Oborevwori administration has also made significant investments in education and human capital development, recognizing that the future of Delta State lies in the empowerment of its young people.
Within a relatively short period in office, his government facilitated the establishment of the Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe, expanded academic programmes in critical fields such as health sciences, and sustained the state’s bursary scheme which has benefited over 60,000 Delta students in tertiary institutions across the country.
Furthermore, the state government has maintained its policy of granting automatic scholarships to Delta indigenes who graduate with First Class honours, a bold initiative that rewards academic excellence and motivates young people to pursue greatness.
In the healthcare sector, Governor Oborevwori has continued to strengthen the state’s medical infrastructure. Several General Hospitals have been upgraded, while funding support has been provided for Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Technology. The establishment of the College of Health Technology in Ovrode is another major step toward expanding the training of healthcare professionals who will serve communities across Delta State.
Beyond infrastructure and institutional development, the Oborevwori administration has demonstrated remarkable compassion through social welfare and economic empowerment initiatives.
Thousands of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have received financial support from the state government to strengthen small businesses and create employment opportunities. The government also approved a N1 billion loan scheme to further empower entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth.
Agriculture has equally received renewed attention. Farmers across the state have benefited from support programmes for crop cultivation and fish farming, while the large-scale rice farming initiative in Aviara reflects the administration’s commitment to boosting food production and rural development.
Perhaps one of the most touching initiatives under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership is the Widows’ Welfare Scheme, through which more than 10,000 widows have received financial assistance, healthcare support and empowerment opportunities.
For many vulnerable families, this programme has restored dignity and provided a lifeline during difficult times.
Similarly, through the Delta CARES programme, the government has supported thousands of households with livelihood grants, food assistance and economic recovery interventions. These initiatives demonstrate a leadership style that places the welfare of the people at the centre of governance.
It is important to appreciate that delivering development in Delta State is not an easy task. Much of the state’s terrain is swampy and riverine, making construction projects far more expensive than in many other parts of Nigeria. In some cases, the cost of constructing just one kilometre of road in Delta can equal the cost of building several kilometres elsewhere.
Despite these challenges, Governor Oborevwori has continued to push forward with bold development projects across the state.
Delta State is also geographically expansive, with a landmass that stretches across diverse terrains and communities. Yet the administration has ensured that development is not concentrated in a few urban centres but spread across different parts of the state, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive governance.
History often shows that in every generation, certain leaders emerge at critical moments to lift the burden of their people and inspire hope. For many Deltans today, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori represents such leadership — leadership that combines humility with vision, and compassion with determination.
While the political season has not officially begun, it is only natural for citizens to acknowledge and appreciate good leadership when they see it. Our elders say that when a man is praised for doing well, he is encouraged to do even better.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has shown through his actions that governance can be people-centred, development-driven and compassionate.
As Delta State continues on its path of growth and transformation, many of us remain confident that his leadership will deliver even greater progress in the years ahead.
For these reasons, I firmly believe that Sheriff Oborevwori remains the right choice to continue leading Delta State beyond 2027.
Alhaji Auwal Tukur is Chairman, Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
