Sheriff Oborevwori: Establishing New Standard For Governance In Nigeria

The confidence placed in public officials is fundamentally rooted in their accountability and the execution of projects.

As we approach the conclusion of 2025, The Papers Nigeria has acknowledged the commendable accomplishments of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over the past twelve months, highlighting his significant advances in governance in comparison to his counterparts throughout the nation.

After a thorough examination of the performance records of governors across Nigeria, The Papers Nigeria asserts that no other governor has matched the achievements of the Delta State Governor.

Despite the challenges associated with his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Oborevwori effectively managed this transition into the new political platform without any significant turmoil. He has successfully positioned Delta State as an emerging global tourist destination, enhancing its infrastructure and facilities to align with those of developed nations.
In 2025, the administration of Governor Oborevwori prioritized infrastructure development, particularly focusing on road construction, flyovers, and urban renewal initiatives, as part of his “MORE Agenda.” Numerous projects received approval, and many existing initiatives were designated for completion or inauguration throughout Delta State.

Governor Oborevwori is methodically transforming the developmental landscape of the state through a combination of visionary investment strategies, robust infrastructure execution, grassroots empowerment, and a strong emphasis on transparency. From strategic partnerships in power generation to the realization of long-awaited road projects, his administration is implementing initiatives that address current needs while also aligning with future aspirations.

One notable advancement in his administration’s investment agenda occurred in Asaba, where Governor Oborevwori engaged in strategic discussions with the Jampur Group. These discussions focused on transformative projects related to gas-powered electricity, renewable energy, and fertilizer production, all of which are designed to ensure reliable power supply, enhance Delta’s industrial foundation, and generate thousands of employment opportunities.

“We had a very successful meeting with the Jampur Group,” the governor said. “We discussed gas-powered electricity from production to distribution to ensure Delta State is not only energy-sufficient but also able to power its growth.”
Jampur Group’s CEO, Mohammad Shafiq, described the partnership as promising, pointing to the new Electricity Act of 2023 which allows states to regulate their own power. He disclosed plans to commence with a floating 100-megawatt power board, similar to one in Lagos, and to expand into fertilizer blending, solar panel manufacturing, and smart metering.
The engagement initiated by Oborevwori signifies the core of his MORE Agenda, which is focused on expanding opportunities, modernizing infrastructure, and repositioning Delta as a prime destination for investment. If realized, the partnership with Jampur is poised to deliver not only energy sufficiency but also significant transformations in agriculture and industry.

Strengthening Local Governance  
In addition to major projects, Oborevwori has underscored the importance of grassroots governance as a cornerstone of sustainable development. During the Delta State Councillors’ Forum Symposium 2025, entitled “Repositioning the Grassroots: Strengthening Local Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria in the Wake of Local Government Autonomy,” he called upon local government chairpersons and councillors to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Supreme Court’s ruling granting full financial autonomy to local governments.

“With this independence, it is anticipated that development at the grassroots level will be enhanced and unimpeded by political interference,” he asserted, while adding that “Chairpersons and councillors must now fulfill their mandates without excuses.”

He emphasized the necessity for proactive security measures at the ward level, advocated for civility in tax collection processes, and instructed local government chairpersons to involve councillors in ward-based projects. For him, the role of councillor must continue to embody “service, sacrifice, and accountability,” acting as an essential bridge between government and the citizenry.

Defying Political Distractions  
As the political atmosphere begins to intensify in anticipation of the 2027 general election, the governor has encountered criticism from adversaries. Nevertheless, his administration remains resolute in its focus. The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated that the administration will not be swayed by what he termed “campaigns of calumny.”

A Proposed ₦1 Trillion Budget for 2026

Recent announcements regarding the proposed budget for 2026 have effectively addressed any uncertainties surrounding the developmental priorities of the current administration. During a citizens’ engagement forum, the governor disclosed intentions to allocate ₦1 trillion, with 67 percent designated for capital projects.

“This administration is committed to upholding fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability,” stated the governor’s representative, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen. He highlighted the significant achievements attained in revenue generation without imposing additional financial burdens on citizens, emphasizing the improvements in tax compliance, the identification and rectification of revenue leakages, and the expansion of the tax base. These strategic measures have enabled Delta State to reduce its debt profile while simultaneously sustaining investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social initiatives.

Community leaders and civil society representatives praised the administration’s inclusive approach, characterizing the engagement as evidence of transparency in governance.

Utilizing Data as a Tool for Development

Governor Oborevwori has underscored the importance of data-driven decision-making as a mechanism for long-term development strategies. At the Second International Conference of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON) in Asaba, he advocated for the establishment of a comprehensive national data ecosystem. He articulated that “the true promise of big data lies not in the sheer volume of numbers collected, but in our capacity to transform those numbers into actionable knowledge.”

The governor disclosed that his administration has financed multiple surveys, including poverty mapping, GDP analyses, and labor force studies, which have informed targeted interventions for over 300,000 impoverished and vulnerable households. He asserted, “As we transition into an era where knowledge and information drive economic growth, the necessity of a robust and integrated national data ecosystem cannot be overstated.”

*Advancements in Infrastructure: The Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road and Bridges Project*

A notable testament to Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to completing long-delayed projects is the historic completion of the multi-billion-naira Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road and Bridges project, a feat that finally brings to a close nearly two decades of anticipation, setbacks, and renewed hope for the Itsekiri nation.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Governor Oborevwori described the completion of the 20.95-kilometre road, which includes an impressive network of 15 bridges of varying spans, as a “landmark achievement and a deeply cherished milestone for the Itsekiri people.”

The Governor noted that the project, first awarded 19 years ago and abandoned under successive administrations, has now been delivered under his leadership, fulfilling a long-standing promise.

“We are proud to announce that yesterday marked the completion of the 20.95 km Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road, featuring 15 bridges of various spans. With this, the project is essentially complete — 19 years after the contract was first awarded,” he wrote.

“This is a landmark achievement and a deeply cherished milestone for the Itsekiri people. A promise made, and a promise kept.”

Governor Oborevwori attributed the success of the project to divine providence, expressing gratitude for what he described as God’s faithfulness in bringing the long-awaited vision to reality.

According to him, arrangements are underway for the formal commissioning of the project, slated for the first quarter of next year.

For many Itsekiri communities and thousands of Deltans who have waited nearly two decades for a direct, modern access route into Ode-Itsekiri and surrounding areas, this completion signals not just improved connectivity, but renewed economic prospects, easier transportation, and a restored sense of trust in government promises.

The Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road and Bridges project, long considered one of Delta State’s most ambitious infrastructural undertakings, stands as a major highlight of the Oborevwori administration’s developmental drive and a powerful testament to its commitment to delivering legacy projects that uplift communities and strengthen unity across the state.
Setraco’s Project Manager, George Maron, affirmed that the project has been completed and commended Governor Oborevwori for his governor’s continued financial support. Upon its inauguration, the road is expected to enhance connectivity to the Itsekiri heartland and promote economic, cultural, and social integration.

A Consistent Development Pathway

Governor Oborevwori’s governance has been characterized by a commitment to consistent and inclusive practices, spanning from high-level investment dialogues to grassroots empowerment initiatives, and from fiscal prudence to infrastructural advancements.

For Governor Oborevwori, the measure of effective leadership lies not in mere rhetoric but in tangible outcomes—reliable electricity, functional local governance, prudent budgetary allocations, actionable data, and roads that connect communities after prolonged delays.

If this trajectory persists, as there is no reason to suggest otherwise, Delta State, under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori, may not only achieve significant milestones but also establish a new benchmark for governance within Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.

Additional reports from The Guardian Nigeria