BY SUNDAY EGEDE
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 64th independence anniversary of the country, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called on Nigerians to continue to pray for sustainable peace and unity in the country.
Governor Oborevwori made the call at a special Jumat service held, yesterday, at the Central Mosque, Cable Point, Asaba, where the Moslem community gathered to pray for the country.
Represented by the Chairman of the State Moslem Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Auwal Tukur, the governor who noted that Nigerians were passing through difficult times, said with prayers, the nation can overcome the challenging situation.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed that his administration was doing its best to mitigate the hardship faced by residents of the state through the faithful implementation of people-oriented policies and programmes in line with his MORE Agenda for Deltans.
While underscoring the importance of peace, he enjoined residents of the state to continue to promote peaceful coexistence to create an ambience that would stimulate sustainable growth and development of the state.
“So, I am using this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to pray for our dear country. Everybody knows that we are in a hardship situation but I believe that with prayers, we can overcome this hardship.
“We should continue to live together as one Nigeria that we truly are by promoting peaceful coexistence among different ethnic nationalities in the state and the country at large to fast-track socio-economic growth and development of the state,” the governor added.
During the Jumat service, the Chief Imam of Asaba, Alhaji Umaru Katsina who spoke through an interpreter, Bawa Abdullahi, harped on the importance of peace, even as he prayed to Almighty Allah to give the nation enduring peace and a robust economy that would bring succour to Nigerians.
….Calls for Tourism Development In Delta
BY CHIKA KWAMBA
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday ,emphasized the critical need to develop the state’s tourism sector as a model for Nigeria, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth and attract meaningful development.
Governor Oborevwori, who emphasised this at the 2024 World Tourism Day celebration in Asaba, said the gains of developing the tourism sector cannot be overstated as it would, among other things, build bridges of friendship.
While declaring the ceremony open, Governor Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Johnbull Tonukari said, ‘’We should develop our tourism sector in Nigeria to the extent that when people come here, they would want to see our historical and worship sites.
‘’Charity begins at home and so in Delta State, we must we should identify all the tourist sites. We should seek out the most important places and make them very attractive for everybody to want to visit these places. Therefore, I enjoin us to do tourism ourselves by visiting places in Delta State and even beyond’’ the governor said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nnamdi Ijeh, stressed that the theme of the event ‘’Tourism and Peace’’ was apt, even as he called for all hands to be on deck to ensure the continued development of the tourism sector in the state.
‘’Delta State, with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes exemplifies the power of tourism to bring people together. Our local communities have embraced this sector, showcasing the warmth and hospitality that Nigeria is known for.
‘’Throughout today’s (yesterday) celebration, we shall engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative ideas and collaborate on ways to harness tourism as a catalyst for peace. Let us all work together to ensure that tourism continues to be a force for good, fostering mutual respect and sustainable development’’ Ijeh said.
The culture and tourism commissioner, represented by the Director of Administration in the Ministry, Mr Kenneth Nwabueze, thanked Governor Oborevwori for supporting the development of the tourism sector in Delta.
In his message read by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS) in the ministry, Joseph Ovwigho, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres said ‘’Tourism can promote economic independence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development’’
In his lecture, Dr Dominic Okure of the Admiralty University of Nigeria, called on the Federal Government to ‘’place premium value on the lives and security of citizens than on securing oil installations and government assets’’, adding that in that way, peace would reign and tourism would flourish.
The event, graced by notable personalities including the State Head of Service, schools and institutions, reaches its climax with performances by the State Council for Arts and Culture.
