Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has advocated the adoption of inclusive governance across Nigeria, describing it as essential to fostering national unity and achieving sustainable development.
The governor made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a More United Nigeria” at the annual lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos.
Oborevwori noted that Nigeria’s diversity requires a governance framework that promotes fairness, representation, and active participation of all groups, particularly marginalized communities.
He presented Delta State’s governance approach as a practical model, driven by his administration’s MORE Agenda, Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
According to him, the implementation of inclusive policies in the state has resulted in balanced infrastructure development, improved access to healthcare, and equitable distribution of educational resources across the three senatorial districts.
He disclosed that over 2.7 million residents are currently enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, while strategic projects such as the Effurun-Warri flyovers and rural road networks are designed to enhance economic integration.
The governor also highlighted progress in youth empowerment and social inclusion, stating that more than 300,000 individuals have benefited from various programmes focused on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
He added that initiatives like the Widows Welfare Scheme and other social support programmes underscore the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, extending opportunities to both indigenes and non-indigenes.
On national economic reforms, Oborevwori commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing bold policies such as fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira, which he described as necessary steps toward long-term economic stability.
He noted that increased financial capacity at the subnational level has enabled states to execute impactful development projects that support inclusive growth.
The governor further called for deliberate efforts to strengthen national identity through education, media engagement, and youth-focused initiatives, urging stakeholders to embrace Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a unifying force.
He also proposed the institutionalisation of a national conference every ten years, involving government, traditional institutions, and civil society, to assess progress on inclusivity and national cohesion.
Oborevwori stressed that national unity must be built from the grassroots through inclusive policies at state and local government levels, noting that equitable development across federating units would help reduce tensions and reinforce Nigeria’s collective identity.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, described the club’s centenary as a significant milestone, commending its enduring relevance.
He also praised Governor Oborevwori’s developmental strides in Delta State and welcomed participants from the state.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, expressed appreciation to the organisers and lauded the Delta governor for honouring the invitation.
Earlier, Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Olawunmi Gasper, warmly received guests, highlighting the club’s rich history as it approached its centenary celebration.
