Delta State Civil Society Organizations Forum (DELCOF), the umbrella body of all non state actors, has congratulated, His Excellency, (Rt.Hon) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori on his successful swearing in as executive governor of Delta state.
According to the group, the newly sworn in governor began his political career as a grassroot politician; chairman of the Osubi community but broke into limelight in 2015 after he was elected as the member representing Okpe State constituency in the Delta state House of Assembly under the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP).
“This is after 19 years of serving in several key government positions first beginning as a councillor in 1996. He was elected speaker of Delta State House of Assembly on May 11th, 2023. Please accept our warm congratulations on your victory and our best wishes for your success as you prepare to hit the ground running while taking responsibilities and facing challenges of the highest office in state”, the group stated.
The Chairman of the Forum, Dr Andrew Agboro, while congratulating the new governor on behalf of members of the forum, assured him of their full support to his administration for equitable economic growth, effective service delivery and sustainable development in Delta state.
He added that; “We believe the major driving forces for developmental blockade which is lack of openness, transparency and accountability in governance will be addressed if the government and citizens embrace open government principles in a tailored stakeholder engagement”.
In his contribution, Chief Mulade Sheriff, board chairman of DELCOF said, “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is not just a political scientist but a member of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), a fellow of the Chartered Management Consultant, Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, Canada and Fellow of the Institute Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC).
On May 14, 2018, he was recognized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) with a legislative icon award in honour of his several educational endeavours and scholarship programmes in support of students across Delta state.
He also received a tradition title from his kinsmen as the Ukodo of Okpe by His Royal Majesty, the Orhorho 1, Orodje of Okpe in recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of the Okpe Kingdom.
He has been providing scholarships to indigene and non-indigene students in Okpe local government area and other empowerment programmes.
The educational support programme which was launched under the Oborevwori foundation scholarship scheme was accompanied by other entrepreneurship support and empowerment endeavours to support petty traders, market women and artisans”.
Comrade Mulade recalled that; “His philanthropic gesture witnessed the donation of 24 buses, cars, 10 tricycles, 20 hair dressing saloon kits, including generators, 40 grinding machines for millers, 30 sewing machines for tailors, 20 deep freezers for market women in frozen food business and clothing hundreds of clothing for widows”.
The Niger Delta activist encouraged his administration to continue the good works which he is known for, to bring massive socio-economic development to the good people of Delta state irrespective of ethnicity and tribe.
Expressing optimism about the new Sheriff in town, Mrs. Bridget Affiah, said that ; “On behalf of the Delta State Civil Society Organization Forum, Delta women are looking forward to a cordial working relationship with all sectors irrespective of gender and party to make our state a better place in line with his campaign promises”.