By Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza
Rt. Hon. Elder (Dr.) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori assumed the mantle of leadership in Delta State on May 29, 2023. Over the past two years, his administration has delivered impactful, courageous, pragmatic, and results-oriented governance and projects across the state.
Governor Oborevwori emerged as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate after a rigorous primary and proceeded to win a highly contested general election.
He then overcame 38 court cases that followed his victory. These early political challenges only deepened his resolve and understanding of the expectations and hurdles that would shape his administration.
With his M.O.R.E Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, as a guiding framework, Governor Oborevwori began a methodical, equitable rollout of developmental projects.
His tenure has been marked by a balanced distribution of projects across all three senatorial districts, reflecting his inclusive governance philosophy.
Known as a man of the people during the 2023 campaigns, Oborevwori’s approachable personality earned him the nickname “street credibility.”
His humane leadership style was evident when, upon assumption of office, he engaged with the civil service, pledging prompt salary payments and financial support for retirees.
In a timely intervention, his administration provided N10,000 monthly to over 50,000 workers for three months to cushion the economic shock following the fuel subsidy removal. He also introduced a flexible work schedule that allowed non-essential staff two days off per week.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration went further by providing new vehicles for Permanent Secretaries, allocating N5 billion to clear promotion arrears, and becoming the first to implement the new minimum wage, raising the bar to N77,500.
He also facilitated a N40 billion facility for local governments to offset pension arrears and approved the recruitment of over 3,000 primary school staff.
Remarkably, his administration has not borrowed any funds since inception. Instead, it has repaid over N300 billion in debts and obligations from previous administrations while maintaining fiscal prudence and executing transformative projects.
On infrastructure, the administration has delivered the landmark N78 billion Warri/Effurun flyover and road expansion projects, significantly improving traffic flow and connectivity.
Other key infrastructure projects include the Beneku, Ayakoromo, Orere, and Ubu Bridges; the Trans-Warri Road; and the Ughelli-Asaba Road dualization, all contributing to enhanced interconnectivity across the state, including riverine communities.
A strategic move to split the Ministry of Works into two, Highways and Urban Roads, and Rural and Riverine Roads, enabled the handling of over 513 road projects, totaling over 1,500 kilometers of roads and 950 kilometers of drainage systems.
In education, the administration has established a new campus for the University of Delta in Orerokpe and continued infrastructure development at the Ozoro campus.
Over 600 tertiary education staff have been recruited, and salaries increased by up to 35%. More than N1 billion in bursaries have been paid to 60,000 tertiary students, and a new College of Health Technology at Ovrode is nearing commissioning.
Each local government area has received N2 billion for road development, alongside N250 billion allocated for road infrastructure statewide. These allocations support the broader objectives of the M.O.R.E Agenda.
Human capital development and empowerment are central to the administration’s achievements. Initiatives such as the MORE Grant, D-CARES, WESAP, and microcredit programs have benefited over 250,000 people. FADAMA and MSME programs have further empowered 208,209 people in the last two years.
For peace and security, the administration inaugurated the State Advisory and Peace-Building Council, alongside offices such as the DG Security and Special Adviser on Peace Building.
The government also provided patrol vehicles and built housing units for security personnel. Operation Delta Sweep has been maintained, and the Ministry of Oil and Gas has curbed restiveness in oil-producing communities, boosting national revenue.
Delta State continues to shine in sports, winning the National Youth Games, National Sports Festival, and Niger Delta Sports Festival, under Oborevwori’s proactive support. School-level tournaments like the Principals’ and Headmasters’ Cups have also been sustained.
Judicial infrastructure has seen a major facelift with the completion of a six-floor, state-of-the-art High Court Complex equipped with modern facilities.
Judges and judicial officers have received official vehicles, and judges’ quarters are under construction.
In housing, 50 new residential units and eight commissioners’ duplexes are being built as part of the pilot housing initiative.
The administration also struck a deal with UTM LNG to harness natural gas reserves, aiming to boost revenue, reduce gas flaring, protect the environment, and encourage cleaner energy use.
In April 2025, seven key bills were signed into law, including the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill, which lays the foundation for private investment in electricity.
Other laws include the Child Rights (Amendment) Bill, and bills on planning, veterinary regulation, film censorship, pet control, and establishing the College of Health Technology in Ovrode.
Governor Oborevwori has received numerous accolades for his leadership. These include:
ThisDay/Arise Governor of the Year 2024 for fiscal discipline and infrastructure.
Telegraph Governor of the Year 2024 for infrastructure achievements.
Vanguard Governor of the Year 2024 for good governance and people-focused leadership.
A pivotal political moment occurred on April 28, 2025, when Governor Oborevwori, along with his cabinet, PDP legislators, and party structure, defected to the APC.
This move was framed as a strategic decision to deepen federal collaboration and accelerate Delta’s development, not a pursuit of political survival but a bold step to further the M.O.R.E Agenda under a “Renewed Hope.”
In two years, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has demonstrated unwavering commitment to delivering democratic dividends across sectors, education, infrastructure, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, and security.
As he reaffirmed, “I envision a Delta State where everyone can thrive and have access to sustainable, inclusive development. By working together and leveraging the strength of our people, I believe we can achieve this vision.”
As the Oborevwori administration marks its second anniversary, Deltans can confidently look forward to even greater development, improved welfare, and deeper empowerment initiatives under the M.O.R.E Agenda.
Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza is the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House).
28th May, 2025
