Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has attributed the state’s development over the past 35 years largely to the peace maintained by its people.

Oborevwori stated this on Thursday during a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel in Asaba to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Delta State.

The governor said the anniversary was not only a time to celebrate the state’s achievements but also an opportunity to reflect on its journey and prepare for the future.

He thanked God for sustaining the state and commended Deltans for maintaining peace despite the state’s ethnic and religious diversity.

“Let me first give thanks to Almighty God for His grace and for keeping Delta State for 35 years. It has been 35 years of a remarkable journey, and by God’s grace, we will continue to play our part to ensure that the achievements of our state are sustained and improved upon,” Oborevwori said.

The governor also praised successive administrations for their contributions to the state’s growth and stability.

He said former military administrators and civilian governors had each played important roles in building the Delta State of today.

“Each administration has contributed a chapter to the history of our state, and we will not forget them,” he said.

Oborevwori also recognised the contributions of the state’s various ethnic groups, religious communities and non-indigenes who had made Delta their home.

He described the state’s diversity as one of its major strengths and a key reason for its peaceful coexistence.

The governor said his administration would continue to build on the achievements of previous governments rather than discard what had already been accomplished.

“Gratitude for the past must be accompanied by responsibility for the future,” he said.

Oborevwori said his administration’s goal was to build a state that would be more peaceful, prosperous, secure, inclusive and competitive.

He listed infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, agriculture and technology among the areas receiving attention under his administration.

He added that the government would continue to strengthen public institutions, support businesses and create opportunities for young people to realise their potential.

The governor also promised continued collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, political stakeholders, civil society organisations, organised labour, the private sector, women and communities across the state.

He particularly praised Deltans for sustaining peace, saying the stability had created an environment for development.

“The peace we are enjoying today has brought development. If there were crises in the state, I don’t think we would be talking about the level of development we are witnessing today,” Oborevwori said.

The governor expressed optimism that the state would record greater progress in the next five years.

“I know that by the time we turn 40, Delta will still look better,” he added.

The Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Asaba, Ven. Charles Osemenam, urged Deltans to strengthen their relationship with God and remain committed to their faith.

Osemenam gave the charge in his sermon titled, “The Uniqueness of the Christian Faith.”

He described the 35th anniversary as an opportunity for thanksgiving and sober reflection, urging residents to recognise what he described as God’s role in the state’s journey.

The chaplain called on Deltans to continue to seek God’s guidance as the state moves into another phase of development.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; and other senior government officials.