Amid solemn prayers and hushed reflection, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Friday, February 26, 2026 charged Nigeria’s political class to rise above bitterness, rivalry and ego, declaring that the nation’s progress can only be secured through unity, mutual respect and a shared sense of responsibility.
The Governor spoke at the Funeral Mass of the late Peter Nwaoboshi, held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, where eminent Nigerians from across political, ethnic and religious divides converged to honour a man he described as a bridge-builder and patriot.
Oborevwori said the life and passing of Senator Nwaoboshi offered a sobering lesson to leaders at every level, reminding them that public office is a sacred trust bestowed by God and the people for the common good.
“Power is transient. Positions are temporary. But the legacy of service endures,” the Governor said. “History will not judge us by titles held, but by lives touched. Let us govern with humility, engage one another with respect, and remember that Nigeria must always come first.”
He stressed that national development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division, warning that political hostility weakens the country’s moral foundation. According to him, unity is the bedrock of strength and cooperation the engine of progress.
“When we are united, there is strength. When we cooperate, there is progress. But when division defines us, we diminish ourselves as a people,” he said.
Reassuring Deltans, Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, responsible governance and people-centred policies. Turning to the family of the deceased, he urged them to wear the late senator’s name as a badge of honour, allowing his legacy of service, integrity and patriotism to inspire future generations.
Reflecting on life and mortality, the Governor noted that true greatness is measured not by longevity but by impact. “What matters most is not how long we live, but how well we serve humanity and our nation,” he said.
He described the gathering as more than a farewell, but a moment of national introspection. “The life of Senator Nwaoboshi challenges us to place service above self, unity above division, and country above personal ambition,” he added.
Citing John 11:25, Oborevwori spoke on the Christian hope of resurrection, urging Nigerians to draw strength from faith even in moments of collective reflection. “We do not grieve as those without hope. As we commend our brother to God, we must also renew our commitment to the ideals he stood for—courage, representation and dedication to his people,” he said.
In his homily, the Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Mobuogwu, preached on hope, accountability and divine justice, reminding the congregation that time and destiny rest in God’s hands. Quoting the Book of Wisdom, he affirmed that “the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God.”
The Funeral Mass attracted a distinguished assembly of national leaders, underscoring the enduring influence of the late senator and the wide respect he commanded in life and in death.
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