Apostle Joshua Selman has urged Nigerian leaders to remain connected to God to ensure continuous growth, prosperity, and sustainable development across the nation. He made this call during the 2026 Delta State Thanksgiving and Praise Day held in Asaba, Delta State, emphasizing that enduring progress can only be achieved through divine guidance and unwavering faith.
Selman's Message at the Event
Delivering a sermon titled 'Ever Increasing Progress,' the renowned cleric commended the Delta State Government for sustaining the annual tradition of thanksgiving and praise, describing it as a demonstration of gratitude and dependence on God for the state's achievements. He also offered prayers for Delta State and its leadership, applauding Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to development and infrastructural project delivery across the state.
According to Selman, leaders and citizens must remain focused on their vision and purpose despite challenges, criticisms, and distractions that may arise along the path of leadership and development. He outlined seven biblical principles necessary for sustained progress and national transformation: abiding in Christ, avoiding distractions, pursuing greater knowledge and illumination, courage, humility, building strategic relationships, and maintaining a lifestyle of thanksgiving. Selman noted that genuine progress is not accidental but requires discipline, wisdom, and a strong spiritual foundation rooted in God.
Governor Oborevwori's Address
Speaking at the event, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori attributed the successes recorded by his administration over the past three years to the grace, wisdom, and mercy of God. The governor stated that the occasion provided an opportunity for the state government and the people to appreciate God's faithfulness and guidance as his administration marks its third anniversary in office.
Addressing political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, residents, and other stakeholders at the gathering, Oborevwori expressed gratitude to Deltans for their support since he assumed office on May 29, 2023. He described the journey of governance over the past three years as 'eventful, exciting, and enlightening,' adding that his administration had remained focused on delivering people-oriented programs and infrastructure projects aimed at improving the living standards of citizens.
According to the governor, the state had achieved notable developmental milestones through prudent management of resources without resorting to borrowing. 'Today, we are celebrating three years of this administration. Indeed, this is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our sight. I remain eternally grateful to God for finding me worthy to serve the people of Delta State in this capacity,' Oborevwori stated.
He explained that despite economic and administrative challenges, his government had successfully navigated them through sincerity of purpose, divine wisdom, and fiscal discipline. The governor emphasized that every contract awarded by his administration was backed by available funds, stressing that Delta State had continued to execute projects and meet contractual obligations without borrowing from financial institutions.
'We are here to thank God for the wisdom to execute development projects all over the state without borrowing a kobo from anybody or bank. Every contract that we give out, the money is available. We have constantly discharged our obligations to our contractors,' he said.
Oborevwori further thanked God for the prevailing peace and security in the state, describing peace as the bedrock of development, economic growth, and investment attraction. He noted that Delta State, as one of Nigeria's leading oil-producing states, had continued to attract investors due to its stable and peaceful environment.
The thanksgiving service attracted a large gathering of political leaders, government officials, clergy, traditional rulers, and residents from across the state.
