Asaba: Delta State Civil Society Organizations Forum (DELCOF), the umbrella body of all non State actors has congratulated His Excellency, (Rt.Hon) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori on his successful swearing in as Executive Governor of oil-rich Delta State.
According to the group, the newly sworn in Governor, began his political career as a grassroot politician; Chairman of the Osubi Community and progressively broke into limelight in 2015 after he was elected as the member representing Okpe State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly under the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP).
“This is after 19 years of serving in several key government positions, beginning as a Councillor in 1996.
“He was elected speaker of Delta State House of Assembly on May 11th, 2023. Please accept our warm congratulations on your victory and our best wishes for your success as you prepare to heat the ground running and taking responsibilities and tackling the challenges of the highest office in State headlong”, the group stated.
The Chairman of the Forum, Dr Andrew Agboro, while congratulating the new Governor on behalf of Members of the Forum assured him of full support to his administration towards engendering unprecedented economic growth, effective service delivery and sustainable development in Delta State, adding that, “We believe the major driving forces for developmental blockade which include lack of openness, transparency and accountability in governance will be addressed if the government and citizens embrace open government principles in a tailored stakeholder engagement.”
Also speaking, Chief Mulade Sheriff, Board Chairman DELCOF said, “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is not just a political scientist but a member of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), a fellow of the Chartered Management Consultant, Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, Canada, and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC).”
He continued, “On May 14, 2018, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was loudly honoured by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) with a ‘Legislative Icon Award’ in recognition of his several educational endeavours and scholarship programmes in support of students across Delta State. He also received a traditional title from his kinsmen as the ‘Ukodo’ of Okpe, conferred on him by His Royal Majesty, the Orhorho 1, Orodje of Okpe, in recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of the Okpe Kingdom.
Chief Mulade further stated, “He has been providing scholarships to indigene and non-indigene students in Okpe Local Government, including other empowerment programmes.”
Chief Mulade continued, “The educational support programmes which had been launched under the Oborevwori Foundation Scholarship Scheme included other laudable entrepreneurship support/empowerment programmes targeted at supporting petty- traders, market women and artisans.”
Comrade Mulade recalled that, “His philanthropic gesture is unprecedented and evident in the donation of 24 buses/cars, 10 tricycles, 20 hair dressing saloon kits, including generators, 40 ‘grinding’ machines for millers, 30 sewing machines for tailors, 20 deep freezers for market women in frozen food business, and clothing of hundreds of widows.”
Continuing, the Niger Delta Activist encouraged his administration to continue the good works that trail his legacies to engender massive socio-economic development that improves the wellbeing of the good people of Delta State, irrespective of ethnic and tribal leanings.
Expressing optimism about the “new Sheriff” in town, Pastor (Mrs.) Bridget Affiah, said, “On behalf of the Delta State Civil Society Organization Forum, Delta women are looking forward to a cordial working relationship with all sectors, irrespective of gender and party affiliations, to make our state a better place, in line with his campaign promises.”
