BY SUNNY EGEDE
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has extended warm Easter greetings to Christians across the state, Nigeria, and the world at large.
In a message conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor emphasised the importance of Easter as a season of reflection, renewal, and hope.
He urged Christians to embrace the virtues of love, sacrifice, and unity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Governor Oborevwori called on the faithful to use the Easter celebration as a time to pray for peace, unity, security, and the continued progress of Delta State and the nation.
Acknowledging the resilience of Nigerians amid prevailing socio-economic challenges, the Governor expressed confidence in the people’s ability to overcome adversity through faith, solidarity, and positive collective action.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Delta State, I congratulate Christians all over the world as we celebrate Easter 2025.
“As we mark the resurrection of Christ, let us renew our commitment to building a more just, united, and prosperous society,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, improved social welfare, and creating equal opportunities for all Deltans
…Advocates Stronger Academia, Society Collaboration
Meanwhile, Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has emphasised the need for stronger synergy between the ivory tower and society, describing such collaboration as not only desirable but essential for national development.
Speaking during the inaugural Town and Gown Public Lecture of Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, the Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerhovwo Tonukari said the transformation of Nigeria must be driven by research, innovation, and critical thinking to address real-life challenges.
Governor Oborevwori pledged his administration’s continued support for universities in Delta State to conduct research that addresses both local and national needs. While paying tribute to the late Premier of the defunct Mid-Western Region, Chief Dennis Osadebay, after whom the university is named, the Governor described the theme of the lecture, “Academia-Societal Collaboration for the Transformation of the Nation”, as fitting. He noted that nation-building cannot be left to the government alone.
He cited specific examples where the state is already working with university experts, including efforts to strengthen the Contributory Health Scheme, agricultural extension services to boost farmers’ productivity, and curriculum reforms to equip students with 21st-century skills.
Urging industries to invest in research and host communities to partner with academic institutions, the Governor expressed hope that the lecture would inspire new partnerships and policy directions.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of DOU’s Town and Gown Committee, Ogbueshi Afam Obiago said the committee, initiated by the late Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, serves as an early warning mechanism on land encroachment and equity issues affecting the host community.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of DOU, Prof Ben Oghojafor highlighted the committee’s role in fostering partnerships and addressing developmental challenges that improve the quality of life for both students and residents.
Chairman of the public lecture and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Prof Ibe Kachikwu lamented the declining role of universities in research due to inadequate funding from both the government and the private sector.
He referenced global examples where universities have developed treatments for diseases like Hepatitis B and HIV through sustained funding from alumni and wealthy individuals. The keynote speaker, newly appointed Non-Executive Director of the NNPC Board, Babs Omotowa challenged industry players to contribute at least three percent of their profits to academic research, stressing that universities cannot bear the burden alone.
Omotowa also called on ultra-high-net-worth individuals to support higher education, referencing $58bn in university donations in the United States in 2023, with $21bn coming from alumni.
In his remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge said the term “ivory tower” was outdated, as universities must now be fully integrated with their host communities. He advocated for the establishment of a Faculty of Law and a School of Medical Sciences at DOU, both to honour the legacy of legal and medical excellence associated with Chief Dennis Osadebay, the late Asagba, and himself. In response, the Vice Chancellor confirmed that both faculties have received the necessary approvals.
The event was attended by Vice Chancellors of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), University of Delta (UNIDEL) Agbor, Provost of the College of Education, Mosogar, and members of the Oshimili South Local Government Council, state legislators, and traditional chiefs of Asaba, university staff, and students.
