Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been commended for his remarkable leadership style and well-documented commitment to human capacity development over the past two years of his administration.
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, who gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba, said the state capital had witnessed improved organisation, increased security of lives and property, and exponential investments across all sectors of the economy.
These strides, he noted, had made Asaba one of the fastest-growing state capitals, not just in Nigeria, but in Africa south of the Sahara, pointing out that the love of Asaba people for the Governor had continued to grow stronger by the day.
“Your Excellency, the people of Asaba are happy with you and stand ready to support you until 2031. Today, we are gathered here to express our heartfelt appreciation for your outstanding contributions and investments, particularly your personal presentation of the Staff of Office to me on 28th November 2024. Although it was a ceremony attended by my immediate family, it was in truth an honour done to the entire Asaba community, and for that we are deeply grateful.
“On behalf of our leaders and people, I pledge our continued loyalty and support, not just from Asaba indigenes but also from all residents of the State Capital Territory. The legacy you have established in our land is a testament to your purposeful leadership. Your firm commitment to combating crime in our communities has been evident, and our people have supported your initiatives while devising further mechanisms to ensure peace and security.
“Your Excellency, today’s engagement also provides us with the opportunity to appeal for the appointment of our sons and daughters to strategic institutions and parastatals. Such inclusivity would give our people a stronger sense of belonging and further reassure them that this government truly cares.
“We also respectfully request your continued support for the hosting of conferences in Asaba, particularly at the International Conference Centre. This will further boost our rapidly expanding hospitality industry.
“Another concern of our people is the inadequate domestic power supply in Asaba. We urge your administration to develop a comprehensive master plan that will properly address power challenges, infrastructure, and sustainable development within the capital city.
“Your Excellency, our satellite communities in Asaba continue to face severe challenges. These include poor road networks, lack of primary schools, absence of police or security posts, primary or secondary healthcare facilities, and unstable power supply. While we commend your interventions through the Delta State Capital Development Agency, we appeal for further support to enable more meaningful impact in these areas.
“Furthermore, the number of primary and secondary schools within Asaba remains grossly inadequate when compared to our rapidly expanding population. Our schools are overcrowded, with infrastructure poorly suited for modern education. This calls for urgent government intervention.
“The issue of waste management equally demands serious attention. With rapid urbanization, Asaba is increasingly becoming a tourist destination, yet the city cannot flourish under its current transportation system. A new model of transportation is needed. To this end, I have commissioned a group of Asaba technocrats to carry out research, and I am prepared to submit their findings to your office at your request.
“Lastly, Your Excellency, I wish to draw your attention to the Oniafon Project within our kingdom. We commend your administration for this initiative, which, once completed, will serve as a beacon to illuminate the entire capital city.
“Your Excellency, once again, I thank you for granting us this privilege to engage with you today. The people of Asaba are solidly behind you and your government. We assure you of our unflinching support in 2027 and beyond”, Asagba Prof Azinge concluded.
Responding, the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, acknowledge the prevailing peace and unity in the state, which had given the people a renewed sense of pride and belonging, noting that Asagba Prof Azinge had provided the needed opportunity to project values of excellence, integrity, and service — not only within Asaba but also across the nation.
The Governor said the gathering was another opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas of cultural exchange, community development, and youth empowerment, revealing that his administration was committed to policies that would enhance the advancement of all communities across the state, including those in the Asaba axis.
Oborevwori acknowledge some pressing infrastructural challenges such as storm drains and roads which required realignment and completion, noting specifically the road from Okpanam through to Ibusa, street lighting and median reconstruction, which had already improved certain parts of the city, even as more still remained to be done.
“Equally important is the issue of education and security. Many of our satellite communities still lack adequate primary schools, police posts, and healthcare facilities. Power supply remains unstable, and this undermines both security and economic growth. We commend you for your ongoing interventions but appeal for further attention in these critical areas.
“On transportation, Your Majesty, Asaba is rapidly urbanising and becoming a tourist destination. Yet, our present transport system is not sufficient. A new, modern system must be developed. Research is already underway by a group of technocrats, and their findings can be submitted for consideration.
“Furthermore, the issue of water supply must be addressed. Proper planning and infrastructure are required to ensure access to clean water across our communities. All these projects and interventions are not for individuals alone, but for the growth of the kingdom, the capital territory, and the state as a whole. They are necessary to foster peace, create a business-friendly environment, and ensure societal progress.
“We must work together — government, traditional institutions, and citizens alike — to guarantee unity, peace, and sustainable development. I assure you that development will continue to reach Asaba and the entire state. There will be deeper collaboration between government and our traditional institutions, ensuring that progress touches every community”, the Governor said.
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