By Reen Chidi
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to close ranks, embrace dialogue and show compassion for one another, declaring that despite decades of challenges, “the Nigerian spirit has endured.”
Oborevwori made the call on Thursday in Asaba during activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, saying the country’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of division.
The governor said Nigeria had passed through difficult periods since gaining independence, including the Civil War, economic challenges, political transitions and other periods of uncertainty.
According to him, the nation had continued to rebuild, adapt and move forward despite the challenges.
“Sixty-six years ago, the Green-White-Green flag was raised, marking the beginning of our journey as an independent nation. Today, we remember our founding fathers and all those who sacrificed and contributed to the building of a united Nigeria and to moving our nation forward,” he said.
Oborevwori said the country’s unity must remain central to its quest for sustainable development, urging citizens to place national interest above narrow personal, ethnic or sectional considerations.
He said such a commitment was necessary to build a Nigeria where citizens could live with dignity, justice and fairness, while young people would have opportunities to pursue meaningful futures.
The governor also outlined Delta State’s contribution to national development through his administration’s MORE Agenda, highlighting investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, artisan support and peace-building.
“Here in Delta State, we remain committed to playing our part in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Through our MORE Agenda, we are investing in infrastructure, healthcare and education; supporting our youths, women, farmers and artisans; expanding opportunities; and sustaining peace across our communities,” he said.
Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that no community, ethnic group, gender or generation would be excluded from the state’s development agenda.
He particularly stressed the need for balanced development across riverine and upland communities.
“True progress is measured by how widely its benefits are felt,” the governor said.
He further appealed to Nigerians to demonstrate empathy towards individuals and families experiencing difficult circumstances, warning against exploiting tragedies for personal or sectional interests.
“Behind every tragedy are real people and families who are enduring pain. Their pain deserves our respect and compassion. Let us, therefore, reject division, embrace dialogue and continue to respect one another,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 133:1, Oborevwori said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” stressing that despite Nigeria’s differences, citizens remained bound by a common destiny.
The governor congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary, while praying for continued peace, wisdom, courage and prosperity for the nation.
The anniversary ceremony, held at the Cenotaph on High Court Road, Asaba, featured a ceremonial match-past by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Youth Service Corps, Police Officers’ Wives Association, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and representatives of local government councils across Delta State.
The event also featured the cutting of the 66th Independence Anniversary cake.
