Sheriff Oborevwori: Delta’s Transformational Leader And The People’s Choice For A Second Term

Since assuming office as the Executive Governor of Delta State on May 29, 2023, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori has consistently demonstrated what visionary, inclusive, and pragmatic leadership should look like. In just two years, he has turned the ideals of his M.O.R.E Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security— into tangible realities that cut across all senatorial districts of the state.

From the bustling metropolis of Warri to the oil-rich heartlands of Ughelli, from Ndokwa to Aniocha, and across the creeks of Bomadi, Burutu, and Warri South-West, the visible impact of his leadership speaks louder than words. The balance, equity, and reach of his policies have won him admiration across party lines and inspired a growing consensus among Deltans: Governor Oborevwori deserves a second term to consolidate and expand the gains of his first.

*Transforming Infrastructure and Connectivity*

Governor Oborevwori’s most visible achievements lie in the area of infrastructure renewal. Determined to end decades of neglect, he embarked on the historic ₦78 billion Warri–Effurun flyover and road expansion project—the most ambitious urban renewal project in Delta’s history. With multi-flyovers and cloverleaf interchanges already reshaping PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction, traffic gridlocks are giving way to free flow, commerce is expanding, and the Warri–Effurun corridor is fast becoming a modern cityscape.

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Beyond this flagship project, his administration has delivered or rehabilitated over 500 roads covering 1,500 kilometers, with 950 kilometers of accompanying drainage systems. Strategic bridges such as Beneku, Ayakoromo, Orere, and the ongoing Trans-Warri bridges are now opening up once-isolated communities, boosting trade, healthcare access, and education delivery. Importantly, the bold decision to split the Ministry of Works into Highways & Urban Roads and Rural & Riverine Roads has ensured fairer attention to riverine areas that had suffered years of neglect.

*Education and Human Capital: Building for the Future*

For Governor Oborevwori, education remains the cornerstone of Delta’s future. Under his leadership:

A new campus of Delta State University of Science and Technology was established at Orerokpe.

The College of Health Sciences at Delta State University, Ozoro, was expanded, while a new College of Health Technology is advancing at Ovrode.

Over 600 academic staff were recruited into tertiary institutions, with a 35% salary increase granted to tertiary workers.

More than 4,000 teachers underwent modern training workshops, while primary and secondary schools across the state benefited from rehabilitated classrooms, instructional materials, and ICT upgrades.

Over ₦1 billion in bursaries and scholarships was disbursed to more than 60,000 students, ensuring financial constraints do not derail young Deltans’ dreams.

This holistic investment in people underscores his conviction that Delta’s greatest asset is its youth.

*Healthcare and Social Welfare: Putting People First*

Governor Oborevwori has tackled one of Nigeria’s toughest challenges—healthcare—with unprecedented resolve. His achievements include:

Expanding the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) to cover 66 secondary and 300 primary healthcare facilities, guaranteeing constant access to essential medicines.

Equipping general hospitals with MRI, CT scanners, and dialysis units, thereby improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Expanding maternal and child health programs, boosting immunization, and hiring more medical staff to stem the exodus of health professionals.

Rolling out holistic welfare programs such as D-CARES, WESAP (Women Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Program), and microcredit schemes for traders and artisans.

His approach links healthcare to economic resilience, ensuring well-being is matched with livelihood support.

*Economic Stewardship and Worker Welfare*

Governor Oborevwori’s fiscal management has been a model of prudence and foresight:

Internally generated revenue rose from ₦83 billion (2023) to ₦158 billion (2024), without new taxes.

Over ₦300 billion in inherited debts was paid off, reducing liabilities by 46% and freeing resources for fresh investment.

The minimum wage was raised to ₦77,500, one of the highest in the nation, affirming his worker-friendly policies.

By pairing fiscal discipline with social equity, he has reassured investors, inspired local enterprise, and laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

*Peace,Security, and Justice*

Delta, once a flashpoint for unrest, is today more peaceful under Oborevwori. His strategies include:

Strengthening the Delta State Peace-Building and Security Council and retooling Operation Delta Sweep.

Providing 66 new security vehicles to law enforcement.

Delivering a six-floor High Court Complex with e-filing, new Judges’ Quarters, and 20 Prado SUVs for judicial officers.

This blend of peace and justice has fostered a stable environment for investment and community growth.

*Diversification and Legislative Reform*

Governor Oborevwori has been forward-looking in diversifying Delta’s economy:

Signing a ₦78 billion gas utilization deal with UTM LNG to monetize gas, reduce flaring, and boost energy security.

Driving passage of the Electricity Power Sector Bill, opening the way for private power generation and distribution in the state.

Scaling up youth and women empowerment programs, including STEP, YAGEP, the MORE Grant Scheme, and sports development initiatives that have produced national champions.

Thousands of jobs have been created directly and indirectly, while sports achievements have further lifted the spirit of the youth.

*Governance Style: Inclusive, Accessible, and People-Oriented*

What makes Oborevwori’s leadership exceptional is not just the volume of projects, but the fairness and inclusiveness with which they are executed. Every senatorial district has felt the dividends of democracy. His humility, accessibility, and listening ear have endeared him to the grassroots and the political class alike.

*Our Community Appeal*

As indigenes of Edjeba Community in Agbarha Warri Kingdom, we commend His Excellency for his outstanding performance. Our people voted massively for him and have continued to support his vision. In line with the spirit of inclusiveness, we appeal for the construction of Peter Kings Road as a bypass connecting Hilltop School, Edjeba.

This road is strategic to easing traffic, boosting commerce, and deepening development in our community. Its completion would further cement the bond between the governor and the loyal people of Edjeba.

*A Call for Continuity*

Delta State is on the cusp of greater prosperity. But continuity is key. Interrupting the momentum of Governor Oborevwori’s administration risks slowing reforms, halting projects, and undermining the gains achieved so far.

A second term is not a reward—it is a necessity. It is the mandate to complete his signature projects, deepen economic diversification, entrench institutional reforms, and secure for Delta a legacy of peace, prosperity, and sustainable growth.

Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori has, in two short years, transformed skepticism into confidence, stagnation into motion, and deferred hope into visible reality. For Deltans, the choice is clear: let the transformational journey continue.

By *Ibuakevwe Ejiroghene*
Immediate Past President-General, Edjeba Community, Agbarha Warri Kingdom,
Warri South LGA, Delta State