By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was honored with the 2024 Integrity Man of the Year Award at the Integrity Group Leadership Summit and Awards held in Asaba on Wednesday.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, the Governor expressed gratitude for the recognition, affirming his commitment to the continued development of the state.

During his remarks, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the policies and programs initiated by his administration focus on making a positive impact on the socio-economic well-being of both urban and rural communities throughout Delta State. He also thanked the people of Delta for their steadfast support over the past 19 months, underscoring that his administration’s social initiatives, including free healthcare for pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly, as well as various empowerment projects, aim to enhance public health and strengthen economic opportunities.

“I am deeply grateful to the people of Delta for their unwavering support of my administration over the last 19 months. This journey has not been without its challenges, and I urge you to remain patient and continue the understanding and commitment you have shown,” he stated.

“To those who have provided constructive feedback and raised concerns, I want you to know that your input is invaluable. Your voices truly matter.

“As Prince Unuafe highlighted, our administration is firmly dedicated to progress. We ask you to evaluate us not just on our words but on the promises we made when seeking your votes.

“You may recall that we approached you with a clear and realistic manifesto—the More Agenda—rather than lofty promises or empty slogans. This agenda serves as our roadmap, guiding our actions and decisions.

“It is heartening to know that the Integrity Group has embraced the More Agenda as a foundational principle. I have broken this agenda down into actionable steps that form the basis of our efforts.

“As we continue this journey together, I urge you to hold us accountable to these promises. Let us collaboratively strive towards a future that embodies our shared aspirations,” the governor asserted.

In his address on the theme of the Summit, “Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda in Delta: A Way of Life,” Prince Obaro Unuafe highlighted that the More Agenda transcends mere policy; it has become a framework for meaningful development.

He stated, “The impact of the MORE Agenda is evident, tangible for all to see, even heard by those unable to see. It has ignited joy and celebration across Delta State, transforming lives and communities.”

“Our governor is rightly recognized as the inspiration of our time. His leadership has inspired growth and fostered unity among Deltans worldwide. Today, we proudly declare that Delta State is in safe and capable hands.

“As we embark on this journey, let us celebrate the progress achieved thus far. Recognizing that gratitude goes beyond acknowledgment, it calls everyone to take part in the success of this administration.”

Earlier, the Convener of the 2024 Integrity Group Leadership Summit, Dr. Oke Idawene, remarked that Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is a divine mission. He affirmed the group’s support for the governor’s MORE Agenda for Delta.

“Today, we stand together in support of the More Agenda, championing the vision of His Excellency, the Governor, and the First Lady of Delta State. Their unwavering commitment and outstanding leadership have inspired this movement and the gathering we witness today.

“The Governor has propelled Delta State beyond expectations, realizing substantial progress across various sectors. This event has brought together representatives from all 25 local government areas, including men, women, and youths, united in their belief that His Excellency deserves another term to continue his transformative efforts.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has achieved what no other governor has done before. His initiatives in enhancing security, economic development, skill building, and healthcare delivery are exceptional. The programs his administration has implemented, particularly those empowering our youth and supporting women, are truly remarkable,” Dr. Idawene stated.

During the Summit, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Dr. Donald Peterson, and the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, addressed topics on economic development and security issues, respectively.

Additionally, Hon. Godknows Angele, the Commissioner for Housing, received the Commissioner of the Year award.

The highlight of the summit was the unanimous endorsement of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term by the members of the Integrity Group.

By Sunday Apah

On Tuesday, the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Social Investment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, distributed Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000) to 250 elderly men and women from all 25 Local Government Areas in Delta State.

The distribution, which took place simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was conducted at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Asaba, where beneficiaries from various political affiliations were present.

Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented Senator Tinubu at the event.

She announced that the Governor supported the First Lady’s initiative by providing 250 bags of rice, while she herself offered free medical check-ups and medications for the elderly participants.

In her speech, Senator Tinubu expressed her enthusiasm for the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which is centered around the theme “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Lifestyle.” She emphasized that this program is aimed at enhancing the well-being of senior citizens annually.

Senator Tinubu highlighted that the initiative seeks to assist 250 vulnerable seniors aged 65 and over from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including veterans associated with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.

Furthermore, she mentioned that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative decided to increase the financial support for the second edition of the program from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000, to provide additional aid to elderly citizens during this festive season.

The First Lady noted that the total amount disbursed nationwide is One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (₦1,900,000,000), with each beneficiary receiving ₦200,000.

She wished the senior citizens a joyful holiday and a prosperous 2025 while encouraging them to prioritize their health through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

In her welcome address, conveyed by the Deputy Governor’s wife, Lady Catherine Onyeme, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiative team for their generous scheme. She remarked, “This thoughtful gesture will significantly contribute to nation-building.”

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sunny Onyejose, a stalwart of the APC, extended his appreciation to the First Lady for her kindness and commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife for their additional humanitarian contributions to the initiative.

The Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Governor of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, Sunday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was fully focusing on the governance and development of the state.

Ahon stated this in Asaba in reaction to a report credited to one of the Executive Assistants, New Media, to the Governor, Mr Felix Ofou, in response to former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s recent diatribe on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at an APC event in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

The CPS, in the statement, frowned that a personal article written by Mr Felix Ofou was being mischievously and deliberately misinterpreted by a section of the media, adding that, contrary to perception, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had a harmonious working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ahon said, “the Governor has constantly urged Deltans and other Nigerians to continue to give support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, stressing that “if the President fails”, he, as a governor, would have failed, too.”

He said this was the same view Governor Oborevwori lucidly expressed at the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU event on Saturday 7th December, at which event, he said, inter alia, “I want to appeal to Urhobo nation today, I am saying it here, I am an Urhobo man and am Governor of Delta State.

“But I will tell you today whether you like it or not, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supporting this administration. God has made him the President as God has made me the Governor of Delta State.

“So, as you are supporting me, support him because if he fails, I will fail, but by the grace of God, he will not fail and I will not fail, too.

“Mr President has appointed our sons and daughters into various positions. He did not appoint people from outside the state. God has given him victory and God has given me victory; you people should support us to succeed”.

Ahon added, “it is, therefore, imperative to state categorically that, as Chief Press Secretary and official spokesman of the Governor of Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori did not, and has never, expressed such views on Mr President’s economic policies.

“The general public is, therefore, advised to jettison such misleading reports as they do not reflect the views of the Governor who is working very hard to provide good governance for Deltans and other residents of the state, despite the present economic challenges faced by the citizens.”