BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
AS Delta State marks the 33rd anniversary of its creation, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, August 27, said the state was growing steadily on all economic development indicators in a journey that had been eventful and fulfilling, with the road filled with trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies.
Oborevwori, speaking at a Thanksgiving Service to mark the 1991 creation of the state by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime, held at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, said: “I am proud to say that in 33 years of existence, Delta State has evolved into a strong, vibrant, strategic component of the Nigerian federation.
“Judging by all the indices of development, the state occupies a pride of place in the Nigerian federation. Both locally and internationally, our people are renowned for their entrepreneurial drive, passion and ingenuity.
“Let us continue to unite in prayer, seeking God’s blessings and protection for our state, and may His divine presence be felt in all we do and may we all remember that our trust is in Him alone. Only God can protect, guide and lead us to succeed as a state.
“As we use this opportunity of this anniversary to take stock, I want to assure all Deltans and residents in the state that it can only get better from here.”
Oborevwori expressed appreciation to Deltans for the peaceful and mature manner they conducted themselves during the recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests, calling for more of such support and solidarity in the months and years ahead to enable his administration deliver on the promises of his MORE Agenda.
On security, the governor pledged to continue doing his best to ensure peace and security of the state, bearing In mind that it is only through sustainable peace that enduring development can thrive in the state.
He stated that his administration continues to put the state ahead by investing heavily in infrastructural development in all sectors of the state’s economy, recalling: “In the past 15 months, we have demonstrated our resolve to keep Delta State ahead on all indices of social and economic development.
“We are investing massively in infrastructural renewal, upgrading our health care institutions, improving the learning climate in our schools and assisting the poor and vulnerable through our social investment programmes.
“We are also collaborating with security agencies in tackling the issues of kidnapping, cultism and other crimes to ensure that safety and security of all residents in Delta State is guaranteed.
“Like I promised Deltans in my MORE Agenda, we will continue to enhance peace and security. We are doing our best, because when you look at what is happening in other states, you will know that we are trying as a state.
“I know that there are lots of challenges, but I will continue to encourage the security agencies; we will continue to partner to ensure peace in Delta State, because it is only through sustainable peace that development can come to this state.”
He paid glowing tributes to former governors and their deputies, past and present political office holders, civil servants (serving and retired), royal fathers and fathers of faith, community leaders and all Deltans at home and in the Diaspora whose selfless sacrifices had contributed to the peace and progress of the state.
Earlier in his sermon, titled, ‘The power of collective Thanksgiving,’State Mission Overseer of Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), Pastor Shiyanbade Adekunle, said every Deltan owed God immense thanks for the great things that He has been doing in their lives in particular and the state in general.
Adekunle stressed the importance of thanksgiving, saying those who acknowledged what God had been doing for them in their lives through thanksgiving would never remain the same.
He congratulated the state government and Deltans on the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state, imploring them to always cleave unto God in any situation they found themselves in life, even as he prayed for sustained peace and unity in the state.
The state Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, read the only Lesson, taken from Psalm 136, at the service, which also featured prayers for the state and residents.
