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  • EMMANUEL AZIKEN: The Big Heart: Oborevwori’s politics without bitterness

    EMMANUEL AZIKEN: The Big Heart: Oborevwori’s politics without bitterness

    By Emmanuel Aziken

    Against the background of the vicious and malicious attacks on his person in the approach to the 2023 governorship election, it was a sign of a big heart that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori showed up with joy at the 40th birthday ceremony of one of Delta’s leading political actors from the other side of the fray.

    Governor Oborevwori’s presence at the 40th birthday thanksgiving of Ms Stella Okotete on Sunday, April 21 was a demonstration of not just Christian love, but also a major act of statesmanship.

    It was the State PDP leader embracing one of APC’s energetic and vivacious female commanders.

    Expectedly, the thanksgiving was enlivened with the presence of some of the leading APC chiefs in Delta State and around the country. They were led by Olorogun Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the immediate past deputy president of the Senate was away in Ondo State on party duties where he was serving as the secretary of the party’s governorship primary committee.

    Cognisant of the mixed political multitude around him, Governor Oborevwori was blunt in his charge to the congregation, telling them to look beyond partisan political leanings and project the general interest of the state.

    While congratulating Okotete on thanking God for a life of great accomplishments at 40, the Governor said giving thanks to God was not only an appreciation, but also prayer for more, and commended the celebrant for coming home to celebrate with her people which was an indication that she remained a grassroot politician.

    He said: “I am very happy to be here today and it shows that I am a Governor for all Deltans. Seeing all the faces I know here shows that we are all one family in Delta State.

    “I am Governor for all Deltans and I do not segregate. I want all of us to be united with the interest of developing Delta State,” Oborevwori said in recognition of the political heterogenous political spread in the state.

    Continuing, with philosophical equanimity on the rotation of power, he said:

    “Leadership is turn by turn. The most important thing is to do what you should be remembered for while in office.

     

    “Delta State will continue to enjoy peace, just as I promised in my MORE Agenda that we will continue to enhance peace and security.

     

    “I thank you all for coming, even as I continue to count on your support.”

    Okotete was appreciative of Governor Oborevwori’s presence as she thanked him for showing up despite their marked political differences.

    She also used the opportunity to thank God for His blessings upon her life over the past years rising from a councillor to the position of National Woman leader and presently Executive Director, NEXIM.

     

    Earlier in his sermon, Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa urged Christians to cultivate the habit of praising God, adding that man would, in the course of life, encounter problems but would not be overwhelmed by them.

     

    Remarkably, the cleric, who performed her dedication 40 years ago at her birth thanked God for her exploits in life.

  • Oborevwori salutes AVM Ajobena at 75

    Oborevwori salutes AVM Ajobena at 75

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Monday, congratulated the first Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (retd), CON, who clocks 75 years on April 15.

    Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, underscored the significance of the many years of the celebrant’s service to the state and the nation.

    He noted that Ajobena’s military career saw him through sensitive and strategic leadership positions in the Airforce.

    The Governor said: “AVM Ajobena served the nation meritoriously with his wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience.

    “He is a man known to speak truth to power and we can’t thank him enough for his contributions as a member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our father and leader, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (CON) (retd), on this momentous occasion of his 75th birth anniversary.

    “As you celebrate this anniversary, it is my prayer that the Almighty God would grant you longer life in good health”.

  • Gov Oborevwori hails Senator Dafinone at 62

    Gov Oborevwori hails Senator Dafinone at 62

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has congratulated the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, on his 62nd birth anniversary on April 10.

    Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, stated that Dafinone, a professional accountant turned politician, comes from the family of Senator David Omueya Dafinone, who holds the Guinness World Record for having the largest number of members from a single biological family in the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

    The Governor said that as Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and Senate Committee on Local Contents, Senator Dafinone had made significant contributions to the growth and development of the nation’s democracy.

    The Governor said: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you my dear brother and Senator Representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, on the occasion of your 62nd birth anniversary.

    “Apart from the invaluable and indelible contributions you have made to national development, you have remained committed, diligent, focused and dedicated to the service of mankind.”

    Governor Oborevwori expressed optimism that Senator Dafinone would bring his wealth of experience to bear on the affairs of the Senate and contribute his quota towards advancing Delta to a state of our dreams.

    He prayed God Almighty to guide, protect and grant Senator Dafinone more fruitful years of valuable contributions to nation building.

  • Governor Oborevwori congratulates Olu of Warri at 40

    Governor Oborevwori congratulates Olu of Warri at 40

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, as he clocks 40 years on April 2.

    Governor Oborevwori stated that since His Majesty ascended the throne of his ancestors, the Itsekiri nation has remained peaceful and welcoming to investors.

    In a statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori, said Ogiame Atuwatse’s reign has immensely benefited the people of Warri Kingdom, Delta State and indeed the nation.

    “One thing that stands out is your royal bearing, which is evident in the impeccable way you have carried out your responsibilities and has continued to be a source of glory and pride for the traditional institution.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I felicitate with your Royal Majesty, Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri on the occasion of your 40th birth anniversary.

    “You have exhibited excellent leadership since ascending the throne of your forebears by leading a moral life and serving as a source of inspiration and unity for your subjects,” Governor Oborevwori said.

    The governor prayed God to continue bestowing upon His Majesty health and wisdom so that he could lead the customary business of his kingdom and make significant contributions to the advancement of Delta State.

  • EMMANUEL AZIKEN: Okuama and Oborevwori: Delta’s Big Heart Stays Strong

    EMMANUEL AZIKEN: Okuama and Oborevwori: Delta’s Big Heart Stays Strong

    By Emmanuel Aziken.

     

    After the initial hoopla of the Okuama killings of soldiers and later civilians turning into a channel for ethnic strife in Delta State, the people of the state are remarkably coming out united against the savagery in the state.

    What started as the savage killing of 17 military officers and personnel penultimate Thursday, has now turned into an outcry of lamentations by many Deltans across the state.

    Groups across the state have defied political, cultural, ethnic and other divisions to speak with one voice in protecting the state against the law of the jungle.

    Remarkably, political tendencies that ordinarily would also have made partisan inferences to discomfit the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration have where they have not kept mum, even come out to rally the citizenry around the common interest of the state.

     

    What some supposed would turn out as a war between the Ijaw and the Urhobo has to the consternation of their enemies united them against their common traducers.

    Matthew Ogagavworia, President Atamu Social Club of Nigeria, Lagos, an Urhobo socio cultural group while appearing on Arise News Television on Saturday, 23 March 2024 said:

    “The Ijaw and Urhobo are kith and kin. We are neighbours and also husbands and wives. In fact, it is even said that if you are an Ijaw king and your mother is not from Urhobo that something is wrong with your ancestry. that will tell you that our people have lived together and either we are wives to them or they are fathers to us.”

    His words have found echo in Ijaw groups who have also come out to denounce alleged conspiracies on the part of the different ethnic groups against one another to cause the mayhem.

    The Ijaw Youth Network has also faulted extraneous claims as made by a former minister of telecommunications, Gen. Tajudeen Olarenwaju to the award of oil pipeline contracts to non-state actors.

    The IYN in a statement by its Coordinator, Frank Ebikabo and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, said the general’s statement only reechoed the same misguided and false narrative being peddled by frustrated oil thieves and their cohorts who did not get the pipeline contract of the NNPCL.

    Whatever, what is increasingly becoming an issue for many is the assertion that a community of less than 2,000 persons many of whom are poor would not have had the kind of military prowess to have tackled the military delegation and killed the army officers.

    That claim is what has given credence to the assertion by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the probe into the repugnant killing of the military officers should look into the possible involvement of mercenaries.

    Akpabio who is the highest elected political official from the South-South had said that he knows his people that they could not have done the horrendous act.

    Remarkably, Governor Oborevwori has while not rushing to judgment has pledged cooperation with all stakeholders towards identifying the perpetrators of the act.

    His commendable act in leading the initial efforts in resolving what was thought to be a communal crisis between the Urhobo of Ukuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Ijaw of Okoloba in Bomadi Local Government Area, has also validated him. His administration had just five weeks before the horrendous act brought the two communities together to sign a peace agreement.

    Mr Edwin Uzor, Special Adviser to Governor Oborevwori on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution had masterminded the agreement between the two communities towards resolving what had been an enduring border dispute between the two communities.

    Present during signing of the peace accord were the members representing Bomadi constituency in the State House of Assembly, Boyo Preyor and his counterpart in Ughelli South, Festus Utuama.

     

    Others present during signing of the peace accord were the Chairmen of both local government areas, representatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and representatives from both communities.

    It is noteworthy that at the time the Oborevwori administration was bringing the two parties together that it was yet a contained conflict and the participation of the army had not been required.

    How a dispute that was being contained and settled just five weeks ago ballooned into a firestorm that consumed the lives of the high level officers is what many are calling for a probe given the claims of some like Akpabio of a wider conspiracy.

    It is interesting that besides the ethnic leaders of Urhobo and the Ijaw that the political leadership of the state have following the mayhem rallied around the state government.

    The Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council (DSA&PBC), a body comprising some of the state’s most eminent personalities led by Babangida era minister, Prof Sam Oyovbaire expressed uneqivocal condemnation of the killing of the army officers and soldiers.

    The Council, at its meeting on Thursday 21st March 2024 at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, presided over by its chairman, Professor Oyovbaire, also expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army authority, the Presidency, the families of the dead officers and soldiers, and to the Government of Delta State for the very unnecessary colossal loss of lives.

     

    In its resolution at the end of the meeting, the DSA & PBC commended the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his timely responses to what it termed the very sad, complex and sorrowful situation.

    The remarkable convergence of positions by the various political, ethnic and cultural divisions in the state is one that the Oborevwori administration surely needs today and thereafter in its quest to take the state to greater heights.

    As Blessed Ughere, president, Urhobo Progress Union youth wing worldwide said in another interview, “Ijaw nation and Urhobo nation are not at war. Since the spokesman of the military say that they know those who are involved they should go after them and leave our people alone.”

    It is a plea that everyone in Delta is pleading for.

  • Development of Delta: Gov Oborevwori’s arrival is blowing us fresh air-HRM, Retd AVM Ararile (Photos)

    Development of Delta: Gov Oborevwori’s arrival is blowing us fresh air-HRM, Retd AVM Ararile (Photos)

    Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom has said the arrival of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Government House is blowing Deltans fresh air from the old order, though it’s too early to assess him but so far he has started well.

    He made this disclosure in an interview with some Abuja based journalists in his Abuja residence on Friday in commemoration with his 70th birthday and 12years as a traditional ruler slated for April 4 in Abraka Kingdom.

    The revered traditional ruler, said: “It’s too early to assess the Governor, but so far so good he has brought us fresh breath of air and because of his legislative background, he knows the grumblings of the people.

    “The N89billion contract he awarded to Julius Berger is a testimony to this fact because what we have in Delta State are seasonal roads, once the rains start, the roads vanish.

    “I have not really done an indepth study of his MORE Agenda but from what we have seen so far there’s going to be massive shift from the old order.

    “Another glaring thing about him is that he’s not a sectional leader like others who concentrated all developments in their communities.

    On insecurity and the role of traditional rulers, he said: “Traditional rulers have a role to play. There is no doubt. Everybody has a role to play in issues of security. Okay?

    “And ours, for example, because we are closest to the people, we certainly have better intelligence than even the intelligence organs because they can tell me. They have confidence in me and things that they would not tell the police, for example, they will tell me.

    “As to powers to effect or control these dynamics, the traditional rulers don’t have it because it is not in the constitution. You don’t have the constitutional authority to do most of the things you ought to do.

    “And ordinarily, traditional rulers rule by influence. And by influence, I mean, your subject, out of tradition, just revere you. They know that you will not go against their interest. So they believe in whatever you are doing, that is in their own best interest. Okay? So, because of that, we can better influence things positively.

    “But do you have the resources? Do you have the legal backing? For example, there is an issue; you take a decision in council, this is the best way for this kingdom to go about it.
    And somebody objects to that method, despite the fact that the community as a whole has agreed and goes to court. What other influence, what other authority does the traditional ruler have to make him cooporate? There is none!

    ” And once you have somebody within the community that is a non-conformist, he can throw this into the dustbin. So we are constrained by the law or by the absence of the law, more appropriately.

  • Tinubu, Oborevwori, Dafinone, Ogboru attend Kokori’s funeral+Photos

    Tinubu, Oborevwori, Dafinone, Ogboru attend Kokori’s funeral+Photos

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone and Chief Great Ogboru, prominent Nigerians on Friday graced the burial ceremony of elder statesman and hero of Nigeria’s democracy, Chief Frank Kokori at Oviorie-Ovu, Ethiope East Local Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The quiet Agbon clan stood still to give last respect and final rites to their illustrious son, Kokori who passed on December 7, 2023.

    In his eulogy at the funeral held at St James’ Anglican Church Oviorie-Ovu, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, President Tinubu while condoling the government and people of Delta State and members of the Kokori family, described the late Labour leader and elder statesman as one of the foremost nationalists Nigeria had ever produced.

    Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Tinubu said: “Chief Frank Kokori is one of the foremost nationalists Nigeria has ever produced. He was a man of uncommon courage, a selfless leader who put the interest of Nigeria first before his personal interest.

    “Kokori was a man of proven integrity and a democrat who fought the dreaded military regime for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

    “Even when top leaders were afraid and running away, Kokori stood and was the voice of the voiceless people, he was the voice of the less privileged people and was the voice that was heard both locally and internationally.

    “The legacies of your father cannot be surpassed by anybody because in life it is not when you die that matters but the legacies you left behind.

    “Frank Kokori has left indelible marks in the history of this country and what is left for the children is to carry on with the baton.

    “Kokori has done his own and it is left for the children to leverage on the outstanding legacies of their father to continue to render outstanding services to humanity.”

    Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Christian Ide who spoke extensively on ‘Hope’, said when life seems impossible, God brings eternal hope to those who believe in Him.

    Bishop Ide whose text was taken from the Bible book of first Thessalonians, Chaper four, verses 13 to 18, harped on the need to be hopeful in God for a fulfilling and rewarding life, adding that without hope, people will give up in life.

    The Anglican Bishop said the late Kokori was a devoted Christian who worshipped God until the last day of his life and commended Governor Oborevwori for identifying with the deceased despite being political adversaries.

    Other dignitaries who graced the funeral ceremony include; Senator Ede Dafinone, Mr Ayodele Olawande Minister of State for Youth Development, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, President of Nigerian Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG, Comrade Williams Akporeha, Chief Great Ogboru, Comrade Joseph Akinlaja among others.

    The late Chief Frank Kokori was Secretary General of NUPENG and spearheaded the June 12 struggle for the recognition of Chief MKO Abiola as winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election.

  • Delta Councils’ achievements excite Oborevwori +Photos

    Delta Councils’ achievements excite Oborevwori +Photos

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, expressed appreciation to Local Government Council Chairmen in the state for their numerous contributions to grassroot development.

    The governor spoke while inaugurating Legislative Arm Complex, and Traditional Rulers Secretariat in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state and Skills Acquisition and Multipurpose Hall, and Water scheme, in Aniocha North Local Government Area. The projects were executed by the local government councils.

    Speaking in Ogwashi-Uku, Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, commended Council Chairmen in the state for their contributions to his administration’s MORE Agenda.

    At Aniocha South, he said, “Let me say with a sense of duty that you have done very well. The two projects for inauguration today are very key projects because lawmakers need conducive environment to make laws, and our highly respected traditional rulers also deserve a befitting Secretariat.

    “These two star projects are crowning the end of your first tenure in office, you have done very well and I am very proud to say that in the last couple of weeks, I have been going round so many councils to inaugurate projects.

    “I have just discovered that these present crop of council chairmen seems to be different from the ones we have had in the past; these present crop of Council Chairmen are young, energetic and they come in with vision and mission to accomplish.

    “We used to think that nothing can come out of local government councils but these crop of council Chairmen have proven us wrong because the Councils are very much alife because of the likes of Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, Chairman, Aniocha South Local Government Area.”

    He said that the harvests of projects from the Councils were clear demonstration of the Chairmen’s contributions to the MORE Agenda.

    “The administration is very pleased with the performances of Council Chairmen in the state and by the grace of Almighty God and the support of the electorate, Deltans will continue to feel the impact of good and purposeful governance for the benefit of the people,” the governor said.

    At Issele-Uku, Governor Oborevwori said that the state government was interested in the education of the youths of the state and commended the Council boss for the Skill Acquisition Centre.

    He commended the people of Delta North for the peace in the Senatorial District and urged them to continue to support the government for greater dividends of democracy.

    In an address he read at the occasion, Chairman, Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike said that his administration executed over 50 projects across communities in the area in the last three years.

    He called on the Governor to provide industrial boreholes in the three clans of the local government and thanked Governor Oborevwori and leaders of the local government for their support towards the success of his administration.

    In his goodwill message, Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Delta North Senatorial District, Elder Moses Iduh while commending Hon. Chukwunwike for his outstanding accomplishments in the council area, lauded leaders of the local government for giving the council Chairman free hand to operate.

    Also, the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Kelvin Okwechime, said that the people have been the centre of his administration in line with the MORE Agenda of the state government.

    He disclosed that the Skill Acquisition Centre and Multipurpose Hall was undertaken to take care of the urgent need of inculcating skills to the teeming youths of the local government.

    “It is with a view to creating jobs, reducing unemployment, curbing youth restiveness and reducing crime in the society while the Multipurpose Hall will serve as a Civic and Recreational Training Center for the people of Aniocha North.

    “We have also reactivated the Aniocha North ten thousand gallons capacity comprehensive water scheme to provide water free to residents of Issele-Uku and neighbouring communities,” Okwechime said.

    Deputy National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Hon Pascal Adigwe; State Secretary of the PDP, Engr. Daniel Ossai; Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi; member representing Aniocha South Hon. Isaac Anwuzia; Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor; Chief Nkem Okwuofu, among others attended the ceremonies.

  • Siakpere takes Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda to UK

    Siakpere takes Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda to UK

    Director-General Team Siakpere for Oborevwori, Mr. John Ewhubare Siakpere has charged diasporan appointees to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to arm themselves with the M.O.R.E Agenda policy to contribute their quota in advancing peace and progress of the state.

    Siakpere made the call yesterday while playing host to diasporan appointees to Governor Oborevwori who paid him solidarity visit at his London home.

    Addressing his August guests, Siakpere said, “As diasporan aides to the Governor, you are expected to acquaint yourselves with the policy thrust of his administration which is anchored on the M.O.R.E. Agenda geared towards advancing Delta State economically.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the MORE Agenda is explained –

    M – Meaningful Development: The Governor is determined to embark on developmental initiatives and projects that have significance and purpose for the overall development of the state.

    O – Opportunities for All: The Governor is determined to run an open, transparent, and responsive government where there is shared prosperity, and everybody has a sense of belonging.

    R- Realistic Reforms: In consolidating the work already done by previous administrations and moving Delta forward, the Oborevwori government hopes to implement realistic and impactful reforms.

    E- Enhanced Peace and Security: The Oborevwori administration will ensure peace and security and create the right atmosphere for social and economic life.

    “With the implementation of MORE Agenda, Governor Oborevwori is very confident that Delta State shall experience the following outcomes: Job Creation, High GDP & IGR Generation, Capital Inflow, Export of raw and processed agricultural products, Improved Economy of the State, Improved living condition, Environmental rejuvenation, Improved infrastructural facilities, Social stability and security of lives and property and Improved educational and healthcare systems.

    “With food inflation rising to an all time high, it is our duty to ensure we assist in providing farming inputs, and also attracting foreign direct investments to our dear state to boost our economy and provide food for the people.

    “As diasporan appointees it is our duty to ensure we encourage investors and also bring our investments home so that our people can gain employment and feed themselves.

    “As party faithful and stakeholders in the Sheriff Oborevwori’s gubernatorial project we thank God immensely for the final resolution of all the 38 court cases in favour of the Governor.

    “With the cases now over, the Governor can now concentrate further to provide Deltans with massive dividends of democracy as earlier encapsulated in his MORE Agenda.”

    The UK-based lawyer and businessman further said that Governor Oborevwori had hit the ground running and did not allow the court cases to slow down delivery of his MORE Agenda for Deltans.

    “He defied all odds to award a contract worth N78bn to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the construction of three flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis.

    “This is the first time Julius Berger is working for the State Government in the history of the state and we must commend our amiable Governor for taking this wise decision.

    “The Governor has also awarded contracts for the construction of adjoining roads through Adagbrasa, Oka junction and Agbarho to ease traffic during construction of the flyovers at PTI junction and DSC Roundabout.”

    Earlier, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora, Prince Patrick Umerah who spoke on behalf of the delegation said they were at the London home of Siakpere to appreciate him for his efforts before, during and after the 2023 general elections.

    “We came to pay homage to our Director-General Mr John Ewhubare Siakpere and to say a big thank you and appreciation to him for all his support before, during and after the 2023 General elections leading to the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State.

    “John Siakpere a very very committed and dedicated member of the UK community, he has received us beyond our expectation and as head of Team Siakpere for Oborevwori, we will continue to rally round him to support our amiable Governor to ensure that Delta is united and progressive to support the MORE Agenda of the Governor.

    “As diasporan aides to the Governor we will ensure that the vulnerable and youths across the state are trained to have the best of life.

    “Investment is an important agenda for Delta State and we have brainstormed on how to attract foreign direct investments to our great state,” he stated.

    Those in attendance were: Dr. Richard Stephen, Okakuro Godwin Ogholo, Chief Ochuko Avwerono, Prince Patrick Azu Umerah and Chief Patrick Idama.

  • Oborevwori tasks workers’ union on advancement of development of Delta

    Oborevwori tasks workers’ union on advancement of development of Delta

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta,  on Wednesday, charged labour unions to partner with the government to deliver his administration`s agenda to advanced the development of the state.

    The governor gave the charge at a One-Day Workshop for state Labour union  Leaders on Wednesday in Asaba.

    The workshop was organised by the Office of Labour Relations and SERVICOM, domiciled in the office of the Senior Policy Adviser to the governor

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is, “Enhancing Labour-Government Relations”.

    The governor was represented by his deputy, Mr Monday Onyeme.

    The governor said workshop was timely and most appropriate, given the contemporary national economic experience.

    “When we talk about the organised labour, we talk about umbrella bodies of all workers in all sectors of the economy, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),  Trade Union Congress (TUC),“he said.

    Oborevwori appealed to the union and the workers to key into the administration’s agenda to ensure success for all in the state.

    ” This is the best way to go if we must be comfortable in our place of work, our homes and wherever we find ourselves.

    “As a government, we shall continue to encourage people of Delta to put in their best in their jobs to excel in their chosen fields of life.

    “Be assured that we shall continue to place high priority on the welfare of workers, implement staff-friendly policies, and you should reciprocate such by bringing out your best for us to get it right as a people,” he said.

    In a remark, the Delta State Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, said that the dialogue between organized labour and government in Nigeria had been fraught with challenges.

    Bayoko said that miscommunication, unmet expectations and unresolved grievances had often escalated into conflict, which had undermined public service delivery and welfare of workers.

    He said that the era of frosty relations must give way to a new dawn of partnership and collaboration.

    “We are here to redefine our approach to labour-government relations to embrace dialogue over confrontation, and to seek solutions that benefits all stakeholders.

    “Accordingly, the significance of today’s workshop cannot be overstated. It offers a platform to reflect, learn and plan,” Bayoko said.

    Earlier, the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Mr Funkekeme Solomon, thanked the governor for the support to organise the workshop.

    “It underscores the premium the governor attaches to building and sustaining the harmonious and good working relationship existing between the state government and organised labour,“he said

    On his part, the Chairman, State Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Martins Bolum, lauded the state government for the training and collaboration with the workers’ union.

    He pledged the union`s readiness to sustained the peaceful relationship between the workers and the government.

    ”In Delta we don’t fight, we preempt the challenges, our relationship with government has remained cordial,” he said.