The people of Delta State on Tuesday marked the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state, which the governor, Rt Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, said has been growing steadily on all economic development indicators.
According to him, the state now occupies a pride of place, emerging as a powerhouse in the community of states in Nigeria.
However, the governor declared that “only God can protect, guide and lead us to succeed as a state.”
Speaking at a Thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, Gov. Oborevwori said the journey had been eventful and fulfilling, with the road filled with trials and triumphs, tests, and testimonies.
Hear him: “I am proud to say that in 33 years of existence, Delta State has evolved into a strong, vibrant, strategic component of the Nigerian federation.
“Judging by all the indices of development, the state occupies pride of place in the Nigerian federation. Both locally and internationally, our people are renowned for their entrepreneurial drive, passion, and ingenuity.
“Let us continue to unite in prayer seeking God’s blessings and protection for our state, and may His divine presence be felt in all we do, and may we all remember that our trust is in Him alone. Only God can protect, guide, and lead us to succeed as a state.
“As we use this opportunity of this anniversary to take stock, I want to assure all Deltans and residents in the state that it can only get better from here.”
While appreciating Deltans for the peaceful and mature manner they conducted themselves in the recent #Endbadgovernance protests, Governor Oborevwori called for more of such support and solidarity in the months and years ahead to enable him to deliver on the promises of his administration’s MORE Agenda.
On security across the state, Governor Oborevwori pledged to continue doing his best to ensure peace and security of the state, stating that only through sustainable peace could enduring development thrive in the state.
He said his administration had continued to put the state ahead in terms of development by investing heavily in infrastructural development in all sectors of the state’s economy.
He added, “In the past 15 months, we have demonstrated our resolve to keep Delta State ahead on all indices of social and economic development.
“We are investing massively in infrastructure renewal, upgrading our healthcare institutions, improving the learning climate in our schools, and assisting the poor and vulnerable through our social investment programmes.
“We are also collaborating with security agencies in tackling the issues of kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes to ensure that safety and security of all residents in Delta State is guaranteed.
“Like I promised Deltans in my MORE Agenda, we will continue to enhance peace and security; we are doing our best because when you look at what is happening in other states, you will know that we are trying as a state.
“I know that there are lots of challenges, but I will continue to encourage the security agencies; we will continue to partner to ensure peace in Delta State because it is only through sustainable peace that development can come to this state.”
He paid glowing tributes to former governors and their deputies, past and present political office holders, civil servants—serving and retired—royal fathers and fathers of faith, community leaders, and all Deltans at home and in the diaspora whose selfless sacrifices had contributed to the peace and progress of the state.
Earlier in his sermon titled “The Power of Collective Thanksgiving,” the State Mission Overseer of Living Faith Church, Pastor Shiyanbade Adekunle, said every Deltan owed God immense thanks for the great things that He has been doing in their lives in particular and the state in general.
Pastor Adekunle, who harped on the unique importance of thanksgiving, disclosed that those who acknowledged what God had been doing for them in their lives through thanksgiving would never remain the same.
While applauding the state government and Deltans for celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state, he implored Deltans to always cleave unto God in any situation they found themselves in life, even as he prayed for sustained peace and unity in the state.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Monday Onyeme, read the only lesson taken from Psalm 136 at the Thanksgiving service, which also featured prayers for the state.
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