The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said he did not join politics with the ambition of becoming Governor someday.
Oborevwori, who disclosed this at his inauguration/60th birth anniversary thanksgiving service at Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Asaba, said his desire to contribute to the growth and development of Delta state and Nigeria prompted him to join the governorship race.
He said he became Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly by divine orchestration, and now Governor, which gave him every reason to thank God for His goodness, faithfulness, sustaining grace and blessings upon his life.
The Governor reflected on his life journey and admitted that at some point it became clear to him that the grace of God was upon his life even without his knowing or acknowledging Him.
“In my days of unbelief and disobedience, He was there for me and now that I have come to the knowledge of his abiding grace and Lordship, it is important that I consciously engage in this biblical injunction to honour and glorify God.
“At 60, God has kept me healthy, strong and in sound mind. He has also blessed me with a wonderful family. It is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in my sight”, he said.
The Governor thanked Bishop David Oyedepo, whom he described as a true father, a source of inspiration and a motivator, for his special birthday message and for his guidance over the years, just as he also thanked his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and political leaders in the state for their support.
Oborevwori assured that his social contract with the grassroots and common man would not be affected by his meteoric rise to becoming Governor of the state, stressing that his relationship with the people at the grassroots was key to his political sojourn and would never stop.
“I want every one to be patient, more appointments will come and there will be more development for the state, even as I sincerely thank all our leaders for their show of love to me”, the Governor said.
In his remarks, Anambra Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, said he was delighted and excited to associate with Governor Oborevwori, saying Anambra and Delta being joined together by the Niger Bridge, great business opportunities awaited the twin cities of Onitsha and Asaba.
On behalf of the government and people of Anambra, Soludo wished the Governor many bountiful years of service to Delta state and humanity as he turned 60.
Governors of Edo and Bayelsa States who were represented by their Deputies and Oyo State Governor represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, also paid glowing tributes to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on his birthday.
Also, former Governors of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, congratulated Governor Oborevwori for attaining the diamond age and welcomed him to the league of elders in the society.
In a sermon entitled: ‘ Gratitude for Greater Altitude ‘, the State Pastor of the Living Faith Church, Triumphant Obamoh, said there was no success without the help of God, adding that ingratitude would always cut off man’s source of grace and greatness.
He congratulated Governor Oborevwori on his 60th birth anniversary and urged him to continue serving and trusting God as his only source.
Dignitaries who graced the thanksgiving were Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Edo State Governor represented by his Deputy, Philip Shuaibu, Bayelsa Governor represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ehwrudjakpor; Governor of Adamawa State, represented by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas; Oyo State Governor represented by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Oguntoyin.
Also present were the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; immediate past governor of Delta, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and wife, Edith; former Governor, Dr Emmanuel and wife, Roli; former Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue.
Other dignitaries included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; members of the National and State Assemblies.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu; the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon Johnson Erijo; Chief Great Ogboru; Chief Goodnews Agbi, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia; Mr John Siakpere; Professor Sam Oyovbaire; Chairman of Airpeace Mr Allen Onyema; Former President General of Urhobo Progress Union Chief Joe Omene; traditional rulers and a host of others also graced the occasion.
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