• Supports Launch With N10m

BY SUNNY EGEDE/IFEANYI UWAGWU

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a strong and sustained relationship with the military and other security agencies operating in the state.

The Governor made the pledge during the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Fund, held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by Commissioner for Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije, emphasised his administration’s dedication to supporting active and retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and allied security outfits.

“In line with the fourth pillar of our MORE Agenda, which is Enhanced Peace and Security, we will continue to collaborate and render the necessary support to our servicemen and allied security agencies in their various operations within the state. The launching of the 2025 Emblem Appeal Fund is another opportunity to demonstrate this partnership in concrete terms,” the governor stated.

Governor Oborevwori acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces to protect the nation’s unity and territorial integrity, noting the significant role they play in maintaining peace and security. He appealed to individuals and organisations to generously support the Emblem Appeal Fund, emphasising that contributions would assist veterans, widows, and the children of fallen heroes.

“These gallant men and women remind us every day of what it means to be patriots. They deserve our respect and support. Your contributions, no matter how small, will help provide necessities such as education, healthcare, and housing for our veterans and the families of our fallen heroes,” he added. The Governor launched the Emblem Appeal Fund with a donation of ₦10 million on behalf of the state government, urging local governments to replicate the gesture in their respective areas.

Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Delta State Chapter, Col. Boniface Ojei (Rtd), expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted the sacrifices made by legionnaires in safeguarding the nation’s unity. He also outlined the pressing needs of the Legion, including recreational facilities, mobile vehicles for field operations, and land for agricultural purposes to contribute to food security. The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, who was represented by Dr Isaac Anwuzia, launched the emblem with the sum of ₦1 million. The College of Commissioners, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, supported the launch with the sum of ₦2 million, while the Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, also supported with ₦500,000.

The College of Special Advisers to the State Governor, represented by the Senior Political Adviser, Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo supported the emblem launch with ₦500,000, before personally contributing the sum of ₦200,000. The emblem launch was also supported by the Service Commanders in the state, with the sum of ₦1 million, while the Director-General, Security Matters, Hon. David Tonwe also contributed the sum of ₦600,000 towards the launch. The Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, the Orodje of Okpe, Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), in his remarks, expressed concern over the declining significance accorded to the event. He lamented the diminishing attendance and called for greater appreciation of servicemen, stating, “Apart from the air we breathe, the most important thing in human endeavour is security. Without it, all development efforts would be in vain.” The Orodje on behalf of the council pledged their support for the event with the sum of ₦1 million and ₦200,000 personal donation.

As part of the ongoing activities to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a Jumaat service will be held at the Central Mosque, Cable Point, on Friday.

…Nation’s Challenges: My Administration Standing Firm Because Of Trust In God

BY SAM DUVWODE

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that his administration will continue to trust in God for guidance and direction to successfully execute its programmes outlined under the MORE Agenda.

Governor Oborevwori said this, yesterday, at the annual thanksgiving service of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Delta State Chapter held at the Alpha And Omega City PFN, Agbarho, Delta State. Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that it was by divine wisdom that his administration has been able to judiciously allocate resources amid competing needs, and make the right choices and decisions.

According to him; “I stand before you today filled with

joy and gratitude as we approach the end of another memorable year in our individual lives, and in the history of our dear country. The year 2024 has been a peculiar year; the naira has been devalued to levels previously thought impossible, inflation is at an all-time high, and the cost of governance has become a nightmare.”

“Yet despite all the challenges, we are still standing firm. We saw countries like Kenya that experienced heavy political turmoil because of the rising cost of living.”

“That Nigeria is relatively peaceful and stable in spite of the dire economic situation is not the work of any man; it is purely by the grace and mercy of God. Indeed, this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight.”

“For wisdom to handle the affairs of life, especially in these precarious times. This is the secret of our success so far as a government. It is by divine wisdom that we have been able to judiciously allocate resources amid competing needs, and make the right choices and decisions.” “As a government, we are determined to continue to trust God for guidance and direction to successfully execute the programmes we have outlined under the MORE AGENDA. We are fully persuaded of the divine proclamation that those that trust in the Lord shall not be put to shame.”

Governor Oborevwori noted that it was appropriate for all Deltans to gather in corporate worship to lift up their voices in humble adoration and thanksgiving to God for His goodness and sustaining grace, saying God has been good to Deltans and Nigerians in so many ways.

He said: “For His provision in our lives, the Bible says, it is the Lord that supplies our needs according to the riches of His glory. As important as it is to have good education, intelligence skills, access, and connections, they amount to nothing apart from God.”

“Without God’s favour and blessing, our best efforts will come to naught. So, to Him be all the glory for the food we eat, the water we drink, the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, and the houses we live in. It takes humility to admit that everything we have is from God. There is not a single thing we own, nor has a single thing about who we are that has not been given to us.”

“For sound health. As the saying goes, health is wealth. God deserves our consistent, steadfast, and genuine thanksgiving for the gift of sound health. Even the ability to wake up from sleep every day and the appetite for food are blessings not to be taken for granted. May He continue to preserve us in good health, strength, and vitality”

“We should thank God for the dangers He protected and delivered us from, including the ones we did not know about. All of us seated here today are leaders in different capacities. If you take time to meditate on the countless kilometres you traversed on land, air, and in some cases, the sea, you will be awed by the faithfulness of God. According to the wise man, “the horse is prepared against the day of battle but safety is of the Lord”, Governor Oborevwori stated.

Earlier, the Delta State Chairman of PFN, Bishop Dr Abos Willie said despite the challenges and roughness of the time, God has continued to shower Nigerians with abundant blessings with many building houses.

Bishop Willie noted that thanking God during scarcity was the best time, for such would attract God’s showers of blessings. He said: “Because of the goodness of God, we will continue to wax strong and as we celebrate the goodness of God, his blessings will come upon us more and more.” He urged Christians to continue to thank God at all times. In his message, Bishop Dr Kingsley Enakirerhi, who spoke on the topic “A Noble Offering,” described it as an offering that comes from the heart to show gratitude to God for His faithfulness and goodness.

Bishop Enakirerhi, using Abel as an example said Abel by faith gave a noble offering to his brother Cain because he trusted God with all his heart.

He said if we were to look at where we were and where we are now, we would know that it was the goodness and faithfulness of God that has kept us from evil, saying a noble offering attracts favour, protection and promotion.