The power of the individual is an idea that comes up frequently these days in both business and politics conversations. It’s because there’s a lot one person can do to effect positive changes in his environment. The people and the society in general can profit from the ideas and from the discipline of mind by which they are formulated and executed. That is an essential trait that’s required for the present and next generation of leaders, especially in Nigeria. It was the renowned Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu who said, “as for the best leaders, the people[sometimes] do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honour and praise… But when the best leader’s work is done, people say, ‘We did ourselves’ “.
Given the greasy pole and graft-filled politics of Nigeria especially in recent years, creative, fiscally-disciplined leadership has never been as more important than now. For example, in show business and sports, there’s a saying that goes: “You never want to be the person who replaces a legend. You want to be the person who follows the person who replaces the legend”. The thinking is sound, isn’t it? And, this is why: If you follow a superstar, you are destined to be compared to him forever. That’s why most performers- be they athletes, entertainers, or even businesspeople – are reluctant to follow in a superstar’s wake.
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta state, is not ‘most people’. He’s neither a talker nor a tackler. He’s a practical credential and testimonial of a doer, with an incisive thrust of thought. You see, in 2023, few people gave him a chance to succeed Sen.Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of the state after he completed 8 years in office. As Mr. Felix Ofou, the Governor’s aide on New Media wrote last week, Oborevwori was a ‘surprise choice’ to succeed Okowa, and he didn’t have the usual qualms, that queasiness after he was picked to be Okowa’s successor. He masterfully survived all the conspiracies and landmines set by critics, some of who swore with their dead forefathers that he would not succeed Okowa. But he did, and remains a calm, strategy man, comfortable in his own skin.
His wisdom wrapped around the power of the individual, is what has helped him navigate turbulent times, even after leaving the People’s Democratic Party, on which he contested and won the governorship election in 2023. Until 2023, he was rarely known, and not a constant mention in the politics of Delta state. The most visible position he held was Speaker of the State of Assembly for a record 8 years, the longest by any politician in the state. As Speaker, he championed the financial autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary in the state. He was also treasurer and later, vice chairman of Speakers’ Conference of Nigeria. But, unknown to his critics, destiny was tugging at his every step. Perhaps that’s why his supporters fondly call him “God’s pikin”. It is not for nothing. While the nickname may be hyperbolic, it does make the point, a man of destiny.
In the changing world of politics, and just two years in saddle of governance in Delta state, Gov Oborevwori has shown impressive track record. He understands the vital tools of successful leaders, one of which is, using great power to achieve great purposes. Indeed, he must have learnt that many politicians who wanted to be leaders failed, because they were not leaders in the true sense of it. While pragmatism is essential to the pursuit of political power and the actualisation of set agenda, so is idealism. A leader determined and committed to working for a higher purpose, must have a vision, a vision that’s not driven by personal interest but by the larger benefits of the people. Without a vision beyond one’s own advancement, a leader is almost paralyzed once the goal of acquiring power has been achieved.
As a political scientist, Oborevwori needs no reminding that both success and failure have a pattern. For him, being a governor isn’t just about honour and praise, but a privilege to serve. It’s not about sitting down to drink champagne and other luxuries and grandiose thoughts. It’s about a combination of discipline of the mind, clarity of thinking, passion for the work, high energy level, putting one’s ego in check, inner peace, positive attitude and focusing on ‘Doing the Right things right”. That’s why he’s expanding the frontiers of governance in Delta state.
A key component of his success is his eyes on fiscal prudence and inclusive growth that will impact development of infrastructure across the 25 local government areas of the state. Gov Oborevwori is not one of those state governors that are always whining about the huge debts left behind by their predecessors and doing nothing to reduce them. His focus has been to increase the Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) of Delta. At a time like this, when many states are walking the financial tightrope despite increase in Federal allocations, Oborevwori has changed the financial profile of Delta state.
Between 2023 and 2024, he raised the state’s IGR from N83bn to N158bn. This translates to 90.4 percent increase in just one year. This was achieved without additional any tax burden on the people. For the current financial year, his administration has projected its IGR to surpass N165bn. According to him, it’s in line with his administration’s pro-people agenda. This ensures that personal income tax liabilities remain unchanged. The present conducive business environment in the state also supports peace-building efforts and impactful landmark infrastructural projects that have boosted public confidence and tax compliance.
All of the fiscal successes are not without the professional teamwork of the state’s Revenue Board officials who have been able to plug most of the leakages that have improved the collection of revenue. This goes hand in hand with reducing the total debt of N465bn the administration inherited. As of December 31, 2024, the total debt has dropped significantly to N249bn, a reduction by N216bn, representing 46.4%. This accomplishment in short a time was one of the reasons many newspapers, among them, ThisDay and Arise News, Vanguard and Independent newspapers honoured him with the “Best Governor Award 2024 for ‘fiscal discipline and infrastructure development’.
This feat was achieved without any borrowing from any financial institution. Former Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a man known for his unflappable honesty, who presented him with the ThisDay/Arise News award, described Gov Oborevwori as an “achiever with great positive accomplishments”. It was an honour well deserved, according assessment experts. Also of worthy mention for which history will be kind to Gov Oborevwori, is the approval last week to register 10,000 widows across the state’s 25 LGAs and 270 federal wards. Each widow will receive a monthly stipend of N15,000 and access to free medical care. This amount may look little in the face of the present economic situation and cost of living in the country, it is a demonstration of the governor’s empathy for the plight of widows in the state.
It also tells the story and the recognition of a ‘servant leader’ who sought power to accomplish goals and is working passionately towards achieving the vision and mission, not forgetting that governance is a human enterprise. The test of it is how a leader connects with his people. Altogether, this is my advice to Governor Oborevwori : don’t become self-satisfied, don’t be complacent. Keep pressing yourself to improve to reach levels that you will be remembered after you must have left office. As Winston Churchill said, ‘Success is never final’, you have to keep earning it over and over again.