Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has stressed that peace, unity, and collaboration are essential elements for achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture held in Asaba on Thursday, the governor also advocated improved funding for local governments, noting that as the closest tier of government to the people, they must be equipped to deliver on key sectors such as education, healthcare, road connectivity, nutrition, and youth empowerment.
Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Governor Oborevwori said:
“Sustainable development demands that we meet the needs of today without compromising the future.”
He said the theme of this year’s lecture, “Local Governance and Sustainable Development,” aligns directly with his administration’s vision as encapsulated in the M.O.R.E Agenda, which prioritizes inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility, and grassroots development.
“The theme is apt, it speaks directly to the soul of our administration and our vision for Delta State. Local government is the closest and most impactful to the people,” he said.
“When local government functions well, communities thrive, roads are maintained, schools function, healthcare becomes accessible and our youths find purpose.”
Oborevwori highlighted his administration’s commitment to empowering local governments, stating that over N2 billion has been invested in road projects across all 25 local government areas of the state.
“Our approach is simple but deliberate,” he noted. “We have prioritised strengthening the local government structure by ensuring transparency, accountability, and community participation.”
He added that the government’s investments in riverine communities have not only enhanced connectivity but also opened up new economic opportunities.
“It is our duty to ensure that as we pursue growth, we do not leave behind the vulnerable or destroy the environment that sustains us,” he said. “However, sustainable development demands peace, unity and collaboration.”
The governor called on community leaders, president-generals, and traditional rulers to promote dialogue and mediation in conflict resolution, saying:
“The future of Nigeria depends not only on decisions made in Abuja but on what we all do in our wards, LGAs and states.”
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Maris Trust Council, Sir Kenneth Olise—represented by Mr. Paul Enebeli, former President-General of Ndokwa Neku—thanked participants for attending the sixth edition of the lecture. He praised the Secretary of the Trust Council, Mr. Fidelis Egugbo, for his commitment to sustaining the annual event, which began in 1999 in memory of Stella-Maris Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo.
The Chairman of the Occasion, His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III, commended the guest lecturer for the impactful presentation and expressed gratitude to the state governor for ongoing infrastructural development.
Delivering the keynote address, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, former Managing Director of Champion Breweries, emphasized the need for a clear framework to guide sustainable development at the grassroots level.
He called for improved funding, targeted capacity-building, and stronger collaboration between local governments, communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Ejidoh noted that realizing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 may be difficult without measurable indices, clear roadmaps, and effective monitoring mechanisms.
During the panel discussion moderated by Professor Kemi Emina of Delta State University, Abraka, participants agreed that local governments should prioritize addressing grassroots needs.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, urged council chairmen to focus on simple but impactful projects.
“Construct earthen roads, renovate rural markets, undertake environmental sanitations and stay and consult with the people because the essence of governance is to reach out to majority of the people within the limited resources,” Aniagwu said.
Also speaking, Udu LGA Chairman, Mr. Vincent Oyibode, said improved funding and effective monitoring under the current administration have fostered healthy competition among local governments.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary of the Maris Trust Council, Fidelis Egugbo, expressed appreciation to the governor and other stakeholders for supporting the lecture series and the Maris School initiative.
