The Giant Strides of Delta State Gov. Oborevwori :
They call him THE Sheriff, and for good reason. And no, it’s not because that happens to be his given name, but because, over the course of his professional and political career, he has lived up to the connotations of that name – in theory as well as in practice.
How so? Though the term ‘Sheriff’ is not of common official usage in these parts, many of us are at least familiar with the phrase, “There’s a new sheriff in town” – which is used when a new authority figure takes charge – which is another way of saying that a new individual has come to power and will be making changes – some of them far-reaching and even radical changes. In the workplace, this could mean a sale, a merger, some form of restructuring, termination of employment or contract, a reassignment – indeed, any event which results in a new mode of supervision and its impact on employees and subordinates.
And that’s exactly what Governor Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori has done since his assumption of office on Monday, May 29, 2023 – making him the 4th chief executive of the state since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, and the 5th since its creation in 1991. In the roughly 14 months of his stewardship, the people of Delta State (commonly known as Nigeria’s Big Heart) have enjoyed the benefits of his steady hand in the areas of peace and stability; infrastructural development; security; the timely payment of salaries to public workers, as well as other financial obligations.
By all accounts, Oborevwori’s leadership, and his hands-on engagement with stakeholders and interest groups across the state is a sublime blend of strength and empathy.
True to Dr. Martin Luther King’s assertion that the ultimate measure of a man (and a leader) is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy, recent difficulties in the nation’s life – the perfect storm of hardship, insecurity and social unrest – have served to project Gov. Oborevwori’s leadership skills into bolder relief. While other states in the country are embroiled in chaos and protests, Delta State remains a bastion of peace and stability, thanks to the visionary leadership of Governor Oborevwori.
To those, however, who might question whether the maintenance of peace and harmony in one’s domain is any indicator of progress, and might use the provision of physical infrastructure as a more tangible yardstick in that regard, the Delta State helmsman has not been found wanting, either. His administration has revolutionized the state’s infrastructural landscape in the last one year. From constructing modern roads and bridges to building state-of-the-art public buildings, his projects have transformed the state’s physical landscape. These initiatives have not only improved the quality of life for residents of the state, but also created jobs, stimulated economic growth, and attracted investments.
It is said that the social contract between government and the governed in any given entity rests on two critical pillars – welfare and security. Thanks to Gov. Oborevwori’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of his people, Delta State is today one of the few states in the country where citizens can go about their daily activities without fear of kidnapping, armed robbery, or other violent crimes. This state of affairs is a tribute to the administration’s deliberate and systematic implementation of effective security measures, its close collaboration with security agencies, and its proactive engagement with local communities in a bid to ensure a secure environment for all Deltans.
A labourer, says Scripture, is deserving of his wages. In many jurisdictions in our clime, that injunction is observed only in the breach. Not so, however, in Gov. Oborevwori’s Delta State, where his administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of civil servants, and ensured that their salaries are paid promptly, without fail, thereby boosting morale and enabling workers to meet their basic needs.
All in all, as previously mentioned, the Sheriff has struck a fine balance between strength and empathy in his leadership style, an attribute borne out of his deep understanding of the needs of his people, his willingness to listen and respond to the concerns of his fellow citizens, and a desire to promote inclusive development in a way that empowers vulnerable groups. This combination of attributes and motivations predates the Governor’s ascension to the leadership of Delta State – or even his entry into the murky waters of politics. It dates all the way back to his early days, and to the beginning of his interest in the affairs of his fellowmen and women. Born born on June 19, 1963, to the family of Chief Samuel and Mrs. Esther Oborevwori of Osubi Town in Okpe LGA of Delta State, the Right Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori had his early education in various schools within his locality of birth, before proceeding to the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma in neighbouring Edo State, from where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2004. He went on to receive a Master’s degree in the same field from the Delta State University, Abraka in 2010. He is also an alumnus of the Alliance Manchester Business School’s Leadership Executive Certificate Programme, and the London School of Economics and Political Science Certificate Programme on Leading Inclusive Development. His passion for personal development has also seen him being inducted into the fellowships and memberships of several reputable professional institutions in Nigeria and across the globe.
His contributions to the development of his native Okpe Kingdom have also earned him the traditional title of Ukodo of Okpe.
His political career, which culminated in his election to the Delta State House of Assembly and his rise to become the Speaker of that august body before his current position, has been no less meteoric and impactful. But perhaps one title of which Gov. Oborevwori is probably most proud of is that of ‘philanthropist’ – for the simple reason that, more than any official designation, it resonates most deeply with his instincts and values, and informs his mission in politics. At various times before and during his career in public life, he has provided scholarships to both indigenous and non-indigenous students in Okpe LGA, as well as other empowerment items worth millions of naira. The Oborevwori Foundation Scholarship Scheme, in particular, has impacted the lives, not only of students, but also petty traders, market women and artisans.
It is this philanthropic instinct that drives his programmes and policies as Governor of Delta State today. “I am committed to building a Delta State that works for all,” he says, “… and I am excited about what we can achieve together. I envision a Delta State where everyone can thrive and have access to sustainable, inclusive development. By working together and leveraging the strength of our people, I believe we can achieve this vision.”
Hand in hand with the state’s Deputy-Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, the ‘Sheriff with the Big Heart’ is actualizing that vision – one programme, and one policy, at a time.