By Sunday Egede
The Nigerian Baptist Convention has applauded the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his numerous achievements in infrastructural and human capital development across the state since he assumed office on May 29th, last year.
The National President of the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU) of the Nigeria Baptist Convention, Dr. Soye Asawo made the commendation during a courtesy call on the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba, yesterday.
He also commended Governor Oborevwori for his demonstration of uncommon Christian faith, despite the huge demands of public office, saying “we identify with you and commend you for the developmental strides witnessed in Delta State since your assumption of duties in just over one year in office. “Your focus on capital projects, especially in road infrastructure, with important flyover projects in Warri and Effurun, including one at the ever busy PTI Junction, by a very reputable construction company, is worthy of commendation as it will be to the benefit of not only the citizens and residents of the state but millions of other Nigerians who ply that route annually. “This is among several other projects and programmes in education, healthcare and human capacity development going on simultaneously in the state.” Asawo said this year’s Convention holding in the serene city of Asaba, Delta State, has its theme “Wonders without Numbers” (Job 9: 10), with emphasis on the awesome power of God to do the impossible in the lives of His people.
He disclosed that Delta last hosted the Convention in 2011 in Sapele, noting that Asaba was chosen for this year’s Convention because of the peaceful and serene environment; accessibility due to the good transportation network by air and road; high standard of the physical infrastructure to support large gatherings, a good road network, standard hotels, a world-class venue in the CAN Christian Centre, and the hospitality of the people.
While quoting from the book of Esther Chapter 4: 13-15, Dr. Asawo said the visit would be incomplete without a charge on leaders to ensure the welfare of citizens in these hard times.
“Our visit will be incomplete if we do not use this opportunity to charge Your Excellency, and through you, charge all public office holders in Nigeria from the scriptures. “Our simple but profound charge to Your Excellency, therefore, is that it should not be lost on you at any point in your leadership that Nigerians today are suffering, and God has brought you to leadership at such a time like this to become a solution to the needs of Nigerians,” he added.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori commended the MMU President for choosing Asaba for the 44th Convention, adding that Delta remained a peaceful and prayerful state.
“Oborevwori said “listening to you and all the commendations about the peaceful and serene atmosphere we have here, the access to the venue and good means of transportation; we are very happy. “Every year, as a mark of honour and dedication to God, the state government hosts a Praise and Prayer Day every May 29th.
“It is our tradition and we will keep to it because that is why this state has been very peaceful and we will continue to do more for Deltans. We are doing our best and with the help of our fathers of faith who have continued to pray for us to succeed.
“We know that there is hardship but the people understand that we are doing our best in terms of infrastructure and human capital development. We recently had the MORE grant where we empowered 5,500 people.
“We also did palliatives and we will continue to do more to cushion the effect of the challenges being faced in the country. We cannot leave it for the presidency alone. They are doing their best and we are doing our best, too.
“As a prayerful state, we will continue to do our best to make sure that this place is peaceful. Our request is that we want you to continue to put us in prayers because that is the only way we can succeed.
“I want to thank the President of the Men’s Union Convention for choosing Delta State for the convention. It will give people who haven’t been here before the opportunity to know Delta State.”
