- Bags Non-Indigenes’ Award
BY SUNDAY EGEDE
THE Non-Indigenes’ Community in Delta State, yesterday, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his humane leadership disposition and the phenomenal developmental strides recorded by his administration since it came on board about two years ago.
The group also presented Governor Oborevwori with the ‘Most All-lnclusive Governor Award 2025’ in recognition of his inspiring achievements and opportunities extended to all residents of Delta State.
Speaking on behalf of leaders of the Non-Indigenes’ Community in the state, during a solidarity visit to the governor at Government House, Asaba, Prof. Pius Chinwuba Ike noted that the Governor had done exceedingly well in the areas of infrastructural development, human capital development, education, healthcare, security and the general wellbeing of Deltans and residents of the state.
Prof. Ike disclosed that the achievements recorded by the Governor had won him several awards which he listed to include ThisDay/Arise Television Governor of the year 2024, Silverbird Governor of the year 2023, New Telegraph Governor of the year award on infrastructure as well as the $400,000 Bill and Melinda Gates award for infrastructure on Primary Healthcare (PHC).
He said the leaders of the Non-Indigenes Communities have come to the realization that leadership is truly measured, not just by policies and projects but by the depth of compassion and fairness extended to all, regardless of origin or background.
“Your Excellency, we the 150-man strong leaders of the non-indigene community in Delta State, comprising but not limited to the Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, South-South States, Yoruba and Middle Belt States feel highly delighted to pay you a courtesy visit today, the 12th of March, 2025.
“For nearly two years now since Your Excellency mounted the saddle as Governor of Delta State, the leadership of the non-indigene community drawn from all over the 25 local government areas in the State have noted your giant strides in the areas of infrastructural development, human capital development, education, healthcare, security and the general well-being of Deltans.
“Your Excellency, we have come to the realization that Leadership is truly measured, not just by policies and projects but by the depth of compassion and fairness extended to all, regardless of origin or background.
“It is, therefore, with immense gratitude and deep appreciation that we assemble today to acknowledge and celebrate your exemplary leadership as Governor of Delta State.
“By your administration’s policies, actions and personal disposition, you have affirmed that Governance is about people, not just place and that leadership embraces all,” Prof. Ike said.
While saying that the Non-Indigenes Communities in the state had decided to reciprocate the Governor’s kind and magnanimous gestures by playing active roles in his 2027 re-election process, he disclosed that they had set up strong machinery to mobilise all their members across the 25 local government areas to participate in the Governor’s 2027 re-election bid.
He, therefore, requested that the non-indigene community in the state should be officially recognized as a pressure group that can be incorporated into the Governorship campaign organization when the time comes for the 2027 Governorship election, adding that this would enable them to fully participate in the election as stakeholders.
The Non-Indigenes Communities who unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Governor, also, presented the ‘Most All-lnclusive Governor Award 2025’ to him (Governor Oborevwori) in recognition of his inspiring achievements.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori, who expressed appreciation to the Non-Indigenes Communities in the state for their solidarity visit, assured them that his administration was committed to creating an environment that is conducive for growth, development and peaceful co-exitence.
The Governor said everyone resident in the Delta State, irrespective of ethnic or geographical background, deserves to feel welcomed and empowered to succeed in the state.
“First, I want to appreciate all of you for coming this afternoon on a solidarity visit. I am happy, the non-indigenes on appointment are doing very well and I am very proud of you people. “Your visit reminds me of the rich diversity and resilience that defines our great state. Delta State known as the big heart has always been a beacon of hope and opportunity for people from all walks of life.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for choosing to make Delta State your home and also where you have come to invest.
“So many of the non-indigenes, especially from the South East who are doing business in Onitsha are residents here. Your contributions to our economy, culture and social fabric are invaluable and we are proud to have you as part of our communities.
“You are a stakeholder in this place and I appreciate all of you for the love you have shown this administration. I could remember during my campaign, I came to meet you, and you said that on the issue of governor, you will vote for me and you people did,” he added.
While saying that elections have come and gone, the Governor appealed to them to extend the love and support that they had shown to his administration, to the government at the centre, assuring that there is hope for Nigeria.
“I want to assure you that there is hope for Nigeria. You can see that the economy is bouncing back. So, I need all of us to be on the same page for this country to move forward.
“What is more important is the country that we belong to, if the country is doing very well at the center, the sub-nationals won’t have stress. So, the support you are giving to me, if you give it to the center, it will make everything move very well,” he said.
