Oborevwori advocates peace, unity as panacea to sustainable development

Credit: NANGovernor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Thursday advocated that peace, unity and collaboration are vital ingredients for any county to attain sustainable development.He also called for improved funding of the local governments being the government at the grassroots to enable roads connectivity, education, healthcare, nutrition and youths engagement.The governor made the call in his remarks at the 2025 Edition of Maris Annual Public Service Lecture with the theme, “Local Governance and Sustainable Development” held in Asaba.

He said that as a state government, its M.O.R.



E. Agenda has been anchored on a foundation of inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility and grassroots development, adding that sustainable development was not a slogan but must be felt in every ward, village and town across the state.Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr.

Ifeanyi Osuoza, the governor thanked the guest lecturer for delivering a well- researched lecture that had posed the puzzle for every government.According to Oborevwori, sustainable development demands that we meet the needs of today without compromising the future.“The theme is apt, it speaks directly to the soul of our administration and our vision for Delta state.

Local Government is the closest and most impactful to the people.“When local government functions well, communities thrive, roads are maintained, schools function, healthcare becomes accessible and our youths find purpose.“The local government must be empowered to drive inclusive growth.

Since assumption of office, we have prioritised strengthening local government structure by ensuring transparency, accountability and community participation.“We have invested over N2 billion each on roads project across all 25 LGAs of the state, fostering connectivity and economic activity. Our approach is simple but deliberate.

”He noted that investing in infrastructure especially in the riverine communities helped connect people and opened up economic opportunities; promote human capital development through quality education and accessible healthcare.“It is our duty to ensure that as we pursue growth, we do not leave behind the vulnerable or destroy the environment that sustains us, however, sustainable development demands peace, unity and collaboration.” I have consistently urged community leaders, president generals and traditional rulers to prioritize dialogue and mediation in resolving disputes.

“The future of Nigeria depends not only on decisions made in Abuja but on what we all do in our wards, LGAs and states,’ he said.Oborevwori, therefore, urged all to be dedicated to building a state and a country where the future generations could be proud of.In his welcome address, the Chairman, Maris Trust Council, Sir Kenneth Olise, represented byPaul Enebeli, former President General, Ndokwa Neku, thanked all who made it to the Sixth Edition in the series.

He said that the lecture series started in 1999 and was instituted in the memory of stella-Maris Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo and he commended the Secretary of Maris Trust Council,Fidelis Egugbo for working assiduously to sustain the annual lecture series.On his part, the Chairman of the Occasion, His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III, lauded the guest lecturer for the impacting lecture and thanked the governor for the infrastructural development in the state.The Guest Lecturer and Keynote Speaker, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, former Managing Director, Champions Breweries, called for collective action and a well-defined framework and plan of action to achieve good governance and sustainable development at the local government councils.

He emphasised on the need for improved funding, capacity building and definitive roles for the local government councils, education, and partnership with communities, civil society organisation and the private sectors to promote good governance at the local institution.He said that attaining the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may not be realizable in 2030 due to lack of measurable indices (data) and clear road maps and lack of monitoring, adding that it required collective effort of all to achieve.The discussants at the lecture which was moderated by Prof.

Kemi Emina of Delta State University, Abraka, suggested that local government administration should focus on meeting the needs of people at the grassroots.On his part, Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works(Rural Roads) and Public Information urged the council chairmen to prioritise and direct their limited funds to addressing the needs of the people at the grassroots.“Construct earthen roads, renovate rural markets, undertake environmental sanitation and stay and consult with the people because the essence of governance is to reach out to majority of the people within the limited resources,” Aniagwu said.

Vincent Oyibode, Chairman, Udu Local Government Council, said there had been competition among the LGAs in the state owing to improved funding and the monitoring since the current administration.The Secretary Maris Trust Council, Fidelis Egugbo, thanked the governor and all stakeholders for supporting the lecture series and Maris School.The post Oborevwori advocates peace, unity as panacea to sustainable development appeared first on National Daily Newspaper.

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