Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for the institutionalization of inclusive governance across Nigeria as a pathway to national unity. He made this call on Wednesday while delivering the Yoruba Tennis Club 100th anniversary annual lecture in Lagos, speaking on the theme “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a More United Nigeria.”
Addressing National Divisions
The governor noted that ethnic mistrust, religious divisions, and resource-based conflicts have continued to strain Nigeria’s unity. However, he emphasized that deliberate and equitable governance at the sub-national level could help bridge longstanding divides. According to him, inclusive governance goes beyond sharing political appointments; it entails ensuring fair representation, broad participation, and equal access to opportunities for all segments of society.
Proposal for Periodic National Conference
Oborevwori proposed a periodic national conference involving government officials, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, civil society groups, youths, women, and marginalized communities to review national priorities and strengthen inclusive governance. He suggested that such a conference should be held every 10 years, with clear thematic priorities, legislative backing, and an independent secretariat to monitor the implementation of resolutions.
Call for Unity
The governor urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and cultural biases and embrace shared values capable of strengthening national unity. He stated: “A unified Nigeria must be nurtured organically from the states and local governments. When each of the 36 states and 774 local government areas cultivates economic inclusivity and social cohesion, the divisive forces that destroy national cohesion will be substantially mitigated. Consequently, citizens who perceive the equitable impact of federal governance in their respective local government areas and states are more inclined to embrace their Nigerian identity. Rather than centralizing authority among elites or dominant groups, inclusive governance seeks to distribute power, resources, and opportunities equitably, ensuring that all citizens are consulted and acknowledged.”
Delta State’s Inclusive Governance Model
Drawing from Delta State’s experience, Oborevwori said his administration has pursued inclusivity through geographic and ethnic balance, political tolerance, and socio-economic interventions. He highlighted the state’s MORE Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security — as the policy framework guiding his administration since he assumed office in May 2023.
Infrastructure Development
On infrastructure, the governor cited projects such as the Effurun-Warri flyovers, the Ughelli-Asaba Road dualization, and the Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri roads and bridges as examples of developments designed to connect communities and stimulate shared prosperity.
Healthcare and Education
He also said Delta State has expanded healthcare access through its insurance scheme, with over 2.7 million enrollees, while investing in MRI machines, dialysis units, CT scanners, and ultrasound equipment across the three senatorial districts. In the education sector, Oborevwori noted that the state has sustained balanced development through universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, and technical colleges spread across its districts.
Youth Empowerment and Social Inclusion
The governor further disclosed that more than 300,000 residents have benefited from youth empowerment and entrepreneurship programs, including D-CARES, the MORE Grant Scheme, MORE Biz-Up, and ICT-focused initiatives. He said widows, women, persons living with disabilities, and non-indigenes have also been included in welfare and empowerment programs, stressing that prosperity in Delta State is not tied to ethnic origin.
Peace and Security
Oborevwori said peace and security remain central to development, adding that the state has embraced dialogue involving traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and security agencies through peace-building structures.
National Leadership and Federal Reforms
Speaking on national leadership, the governor commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market. He said although the measures initially created hardship, they have placed Nigeria on the path of recovery, growth, and stability. According to him, improved revenues to states and local governments following federal reforms have enabled sub-national governments to undertake more developmental projects.
He commended the Yoruba Tennis Club, founded in 1926, for sustaining a tradition of intellectual engagement and national discourse through its annual lecture series.
