Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday received the Lions Club International Icon of Leadership Excellence Award in recognition of what the organization described as his exceptional leadership and developmental strides in Delta State.
The award was presented during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba, by members of Lions Club International District 404 Nigeria, led by the Multiple Council Chairperson, Dr. Ibrahim Jide Bello, ahead of the organisation’s 19th Multiple Convention holding in Asaba.
Presenting the award, Dr. Bello said the choice of Asaba as host city for the convention was informed by the peaceful environment, improved infrastructure, accessibility, and security being enjoyed under Governor Oborevwori’s administration.
He commended the Governor for creating an enabling environment that inspired confidence in the organisation to bring its major convention to Delta State.
“Thank you, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for providing the enabling environment that gave us the confidence to choose Asaba, the capital city of Delta State, as the host of this award-winning multiple convention.
“Asaba was carefully selected after considering several important factors, including infrastructure, accessibility, security, and many other key requirements. Thank you for your support and your leadership,” he said.
Dr. Bello noted that Lions Club International remained one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations, with over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries and geographical areas since its establishment in 1917.
According to him, the organisation’s interventions cut across over 90 humanitarian causes, including sight and vision care, childhood cancer support, environmental sustainability, hunger relief, disaster response, mental health awareness, youth empowerment, and healthcare interventions.
He praised the developmental strides of the Oborevwori's administration, especially in the areas of healthcare support, security enhancement, social development, and policy reforms, saying the administration’s MORE Agenda aligns with the humanitarian mission of Lions International.
Dr. Bello further revealed that Lions International Foundation intended to support healthcare and humanitarian initiatives in the state, including interventions at the Warri Central Hospital and other community-focused programmes.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori thanked the organisation for the honour and commended Lions Club International for its sustained humanitarian contributions, particularly in healthcare delivery through the Lions Eye Clinic and medical outreach programmes in the state.
The Governor said the State appreciated the organisation’s interventions in healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, amongst others, noting that such efforts had positively impacted many lives across the state.
Oborevwori said; “We are delighted that Asaba is hosting this event for the second time, which clearly demonstrates the confidence your organisation has in Delta State.
“Hosting this event will not only boost tourism and economic activities in the state, but will also further project Delta State as a peaceful, welcoming, and investment-friendly destination.”
He said the values of compassion, integrity, and selfless service demonstrated by Lions Club International aligned with the ideals of his administration’s MORE Agenda, which is focused on meaningful development and improved living standards for Deltans.
Governor Oborevwori assured the organisation of the continued support of the Delta State Government for initiatives that promote sustainable development and humanitarian service.
“You are indeed partners in progress, and we are proud of the work you continue to do in service to humanity,” the Governor added.
