- Pays Tribute To Nation’s Founding Fathers
- Vows Commitment To A Crime-Free Delta
By Sunday Egede
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called on Nigerians to unite against retrogressive forces threatening the corporate existence of the country and its sustainable development.
Governor Oborevwori, who made the call, yesterday, in his Independence Day speech at the Cenotaph in Asaba, urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to engage in sober reflection and think of how they could contribute their quota to the development of the country.
“It is my prayer that we use the occasion of this anniversary to engage in sober reflection and think of how each one of us can contribute our quota to the growth and development of the country.
“We must stand resolute in contending with the forces of evil threatening to tear us apart through bigotry, inciting oratory, and insurgency,” the governor said.
He paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers who fought valiantly, often at the risk of their lives and those of their families, for the freedom of the nation and expressed optimism that the present challenges would soon pass away. “As we gather here today to mark another milestone in our journey as an independent nation, it is pertinent that we sit back, take time to reflect, and thank God for the gift of our country. In appreciation of His faithfulness, we humbly express our gratitude to God for His blessings and protection. “This is what I am asking us to do today as a people bound together by the circumstances of our birth and origin. Though some of us may not see the need to celebrate because of our current security and economic travails, I want us to know that the gift of Nigeria, a country that we can proudly call our own, is enough reason to be thankful.
“It is a thing of joy and gratitude that our country has remained one despite all the political and economic challenges it has faced. “While challenges in life are inevitable, hope gives us the energy and motivation to forge ahead with the firm belief that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We must believe that the future will be better than the past in some way because every problem has a solution. “I am confident that Nigeria will come out of its current predicament stronger and better poised to live up to its potential and promise as the giant of Africa”, he said. The Governor affirmed that freedom was a priceless asset, a treasure whose value cannot be quantified, adding that freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of movement and the freedom to pursue our dreams of success and happiness in a free and democratic society were cherished blessings we must never take for granted.
According to him, those who lived in the colonial era, and persons who have suffered the loss of their personal freedom through imprisonment can easily attest to this (the importance of freedom). “As we celebrate 64 years as an independent country, I join the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (GCFR), to wish Nigerians, especially Deltans, a very happy and memorable independence anniversary,” he said.
… Reiterates Commitment To Drastically Reduce Crime In Delta
By Sunday Egede
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, said his administration will not spare any effort to ensure that crime was drastically reduced to the barest minimum in the state. Governor Oborevwori, who disclosed this at the Cenotaph in Asaba, during the 64th independence anniversary celebration of Nigeria, said his administration would strengthen its partnership with the security agencies to deepen sustainable peace and security in the state.
According to him, his administration will also actively enlist the participation of the private sector and all relevant stakeholders in various communities in the fight against crimes because security is a shared responsibility. He noted that plans were in place to revitalize the Delta State Security Trust Fund (DSSTF) with a fund-raising event to be held within the shortest possible time, adding that the full and unreserved cooperation of all was needed to make his administration’s dream of a safe and secure Delta State a reality.
“This administration will not spare any effort to ensure that crime is reduced to the barest minimum by strengthening our partnership with the security agencies.
“Of equal significance is the need to actively enlist the participation of the private sector and all relevant stakeholders in our communities in the fight against crimes because security is a shared responsibility.
“Towards this end, plans are in place to revitalize the Delta State Security Trust Fund with a fund-raising event to be held within the shortest possible time.
“I earnestly solicit the full and unreserved cooperation of all of us to make our dream of a safe and secure Delta State a reality,” the governor added. He, therefore, urged Deltans and residents of the state to continue to be their brothers’ keeper, even as he harped on the need for them to maintain the prevailing peace in the state by shunning bigotry, baneful wranglings and divisive tendencies. “No meaningful development can take place in the absence of peace. So, it is my earnest hope and expectation that we will use the occasion of this anniversary celebration to rededicate ourselves to strengthening the ties that bind us together. Collectively, we can advance Delta through our MORE Agenda,” Governor Oborevwori said.
