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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his commitment to serving all Deltans with fairness, dedication and inclusiveness, declaring that his administration remains focused on prudent resource management, sustainable development and ensuring that no ethnic group is left behind in governance.

The governor made the declaration on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of Catholic priests from the Warri, Issele-Uku and Bomadi dioceses, led by Rev. Monsignor John Ike Aduba, at Government House, Asaba.

Oborevwori expressed gratitude to the clergy for their prayers, support and guidance, describing their contributions to peace, stability and good governance as invaluable. He noted that the prayers of the faithful had played a significant role in the successes recorded by his administration.

“The Bible enjoins us to pray for those in authority so that they may govern well. If people say today that I am doing well, it is because of the prayers being offered on my behalf. God has given us the strength and wisdom to serve the people of Delta State,” he said.

The governor commended the Catholic Church for its responsible engagement on public issues, noting that the clergy had consistently offered constructive advice through appropriate channels.

According to him, his administration is driven by the fear of God and a determination to deliver the dividends of democracy through infrastructure development, human capital advancement, empowerment programmes and improved security across the state.

Oborevwori also highlighted his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, stressing that workers’ salaries and contractors’ payments have been met promptly without borrowing.

“Every project we award has financial backing. From the day I assumed office, I made it clear that any contractor engaged by this administration would be paid for work duly executed. We have been able to pay workers and contractors without borrowing, and that is by the grace of God,” he stated.

On the recent tensions surrounding the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation issue, the governor disclosed that he had convened a meeting involving leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“We have witnessed crises in Warri in the past, and we do not want a return to those difficult days. There is no reason for conflict. We must continue to embrace peaceful coexistence, and I am glad that all parties have shown understanding,” he said.

Reiterating his position on inclusive governance, Oborevwori emphasized that he governs for all Deltans irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

“Delta State is blessed with diverse ethnic nationalities, and the only way to govern successfully is to ensure that every group has a sense of belonging. If a government is not inclusive, it cannot enjoy the trust and support of the people.

“I am not governor for any particular ethnic group; I am governor for all Deltans. Everything we have done has been guided by the principle of inclusiveness,” he added.

The governor assured the delegation that his administration would continue supporting mission-owned educational institutions and other development-oriented initiatives. He also promised to consider requests for government support to the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri in Udu Local Government Area, including the possibility of constructing an access road to the facility.

Reflecting on his background, Oborevwori recalled his Catholic upbringing and his late father’s devotion to the Church, stressing that public service, not personal enrichment, remains his motivation in office.

“I did not become governor to enrich myself. I became governor to serve. I am already comfortable. My passion is the work and improve the lives of our people. By God’s grace, when I leave office in 2031, there will be tangible achievements to point to,” he said.

Earlier, Very Rev. Prof. Jude Obiunu, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, commended the governor for promoting equitable development and inclusive governance across the state.

He assured Oborevwori of the Catholic Church’s continued prayers and support, stating that the administration’s projects and programmes had positively impacted communities across Delta State.

“The Church desires good governance and the delivery of the dividends of democracy to all people. From what we have seen, you are not a sectional or tribal-minded governor. Your projects and programmes have touched every nook and cranny of Delta State,” Obiunu said.

The cleric also appealed for sustained government support for mission schools and requested intervention on the access road and security lighting leading to the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri.

The visit concluded with special prayers offered by the priests for Governor Oborevwori, Delta State and Nigeria.