By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on all Nigerians to come together in solidarity to combat the regressive forces that threaten the nation’s unity and sustainable progress.
In his Independence Day address delivered at the Cenotaph in Asaba on Tuesday, Governor Oborevwori stated, “As we commemorate this significant anniversary, let us take a moment for introspection and consider how each of us can contribute to the betterment of our country.”
He emphasized the need for resilience in facing adversities, declaring, “We must stand firm against the negative forces of bigotry, inflammatory rhetoric, and insurgency that aim to divide us.”
The Governor paid homage to the visionary leaders who fought relentlessly, often at great personal risk, for Nigeria’s freedom, expressing hope that the current challenges the nation faces will soon be resolved.
“While obstacles are a part of life, hope provides us with the strength to move forward, instilling in us the belief that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. We must maintain faith that our future holds promise and that solutions to our problems exist,” he remarked.
Governor Oborevwori expressed confidence that Nigeria will emerge from its current difficulties stronger and better equipped to fulfill its potential as Africa’s leading nation.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts to alleviate the hardships caused by recent fiscal and monetary reforms, noting that the number of beneficiaries under the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) program has surged from 36,353 to 208,209, marking a remarkable increase of 473 percent.
“Through the MORE Grant Scheme, we have empowered over 5,000 traders, artisans, and women entrepreneurs with essential support packages and grants. Just last week, we distributed agricultural inputs to more than 6,000 farmers in the state to enhance food production and work towards food security,” he added.
The Governor announced that, in partnership with the African Union Development Agency, the state government has allocated N1 billion as a counterpart fund to support 2,000 smallholder farmers, aiming to strengthen the agricultural sector for inclusive economic growth.
He praised President Tinubu for establishing a National Youth Conference aimed at involving young people in nation-building and assured that Delta would align with this initiative to foster hope and provide resources for wealth creation among youth.
In the past sixteen months, he noted, significant advancements have been achieved in infrastructure, education, housing, and overall living conditions. “While we have made strides, I recognize there is still much to be done, and I anticipate that many projects will materialize as our policies take root.”
Governor Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to reducing crime through collaborative efforts with security agencies and actively engaging the private sector and community stakeholders. “Security is a collective responsibility,” he stressed, announcing plans to rejuvenate the Delta State Security Trust Fund through an upcoming fundraising event.
He called for collective responsibility in maintaining peace and understanding within the state. “True progress cannot occur without harmony, and I hope this anniversary inspires us to recommit ourselves to unity,” he concluded, urging residents to support the MORE agenda for a stronger Delta State.
