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By Johnbull Nakpodia
In a remarkable testament to effective governance at the sub-national level, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was last week honored with two prestigious awards as Governor of the Year from two leading national newspapers: Leadership and New Telegraph. These accolades underscore the governor’s transformative leadership and his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, inclusive governance, and sustainable progress. Receiving such double recognition from prominent media outlets is no small feat; it speaks volumes about the visible impact of Oborevwori’s administration on the lives of Deltans.
As the governor’s MORE Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—continues to unfold, these awards serve as a validation of his command performance in turning promises into tangible realities.
The first honor came from Leadership Newspapers Limited, which named Oborevwori the Governor of the Year 2025 during its 18th Annual Conference and Awards ceremony held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The event, themed “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” brought together political leaders, policymakers, and thought influencers to discuss pressing continental challenges. Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, was celebrated for his outstanding contributions to infrastructure renewal and social investments that have reshaped Delta State.
Leadership Newspapers highlighted how Governor Oborevwori has translated his MORE Agenda into widespread development initiatives. Central to this recognition is the administration’s aggressive push in infrastructure, particularly road projects and landmark flyovers that span the state’s three senatorial districts. These efforts have not only improved mobility for residents but have also catalyzed economic growth by facilitating smoother commerce and trade. For instance, hundreds of road projects have been initiated or completed, connecting urban centers with rural communities and reducing travel times that once hindered business activities. The flyovers, strategically placed in high-traffic areas, have alleviated congestion and enhanced safety, making Delta State a model for urban planning in Nigeria.
Beyond roads, the award organizers praised Governor Oborevwori’s interventions in education. The administration has rehabilitated numerous schools, recruited teachers and support staff, and sustained bursary schemes to ensure access to quality education for all. These measures address long-standing gaps in the education sector, empowering the youth and building a skilled workforce for the future. In healthcare, improvements include upgrading facilities, expanding health insurance coverage, and launching programs that make medical services more accessible to vulnerable populations. Empowerment initiatives have reached hundreds of thousands of citizens, providing skills training, financial support, and entrepreneurial opportunities that foster self-reliance and reduce poverty.
Fiscal discipline was another key factor in Leadership’s decision. Governor Oborevwori’s government has demonstrated prudence in managing state resources, implementing the new minimum wage ahead of schedule, and maintaining transparency in financial dealings. This balanced approach—combining compassion with responsibility—has promoted equity and long-term stability. As Sir Onyeme noted while accepting the award, these achievements are a direct result of the support from Deltans. “I thank Deltans for the huge support they have been giving to this administration. It is because of their support that we have been able to achieve all we have achieved,” he told newsmen. He further enumerated legacy projects like bridges, market developments, and investments in the state’s four universities as evidence of the government’s dedication.
The ceremony featured inspiring addresses, including one from Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who chaired the occasion and delivered a lecture on Africa’s urgent realities. Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, Chairman of Leadership Newspapers’ Board of Directors, emphasized that the awards celebrate innovation, commitment, and consistent service. Governor Oborevwori was honored alongside other governors such as Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Uba Sani of Kaduna, with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, named Person of the Year 2025. This collective recognition highlights a ]broader narrative of progressive leadership across Nigeria.
Hot on the heels of the Leadership award, Governor Oborevwori clinched the Overall Governor of the Year 2025 from the New Telegraph Newspapers Limited. The presentation occurred at the New Telegraph Awards/Dinner Night 2025, hosted at the Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel in Lagos. Once again, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme stood in for Governor Oborevwori, receiving the accolade amid applause from dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Dr. Andrew Oru, members of the Urhobo Social Club Lagos, commissioners, and other top officials.
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The New Telegraph’s selection process was rigorous and transparent, focusing on excellence, accountability, and impactful leadership across sectors. The organizers lauded Governor Oborevwori for “astonishing even his most ardent critics” through massive infrastructural strides achieved in under three years. Delta State has seen an unprecedented expansion in road networks, with over 3,500 kilometers of roads constructed or rehabilitated, complemented by approximately 2,000 kilometers of drainage projects. These initiatives have transformed urban and rural landscapes, improving connectivity and mitigating flooding—a perennial issue in the oil-rich state.
Urban renewal under Governor Oborevwori’s watch has been particularly noteworthy. Ongoing constructions of roads, bridges, and flyovers are not just engineering feats but economic boosters, enhancing accessibility and elevating living standards. Communities that were once isolated now enjoy better integration into the state’s economy, with increased trade, tourism, and investment inflows. The administration’s focus on balanced development ensures that no senatorial district is left behind, aligning with the MORE Agenda’s emphasis on opportunities for all.
In his welcome address, New Telegraph’s Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Ayodele Aminu, explained that the awards aim to spotlight leaders driving positive changes. Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor and chairman of the occasion, congratulated the honorees and urged them to see the recognition as a mandate for greater service. Sir Onyeme, in his response, again dedicated the award to God and the people of Delta State, describing it as an endorsement of the MORE Agenda.
“This recognition clearly shows that we are on the right track. The infrastructure is visible. In education, human capital development, healthcare delivery, youth and sports development, we are making steady progress,” he stated. He promised intensified efforts, with more projects on the horizon.
These dual awards justify Governor Oborevwori’s reputation as a leader of action. Legacy projects like the extensive road networks simply exemplify his vision for a connected Delta. For example, major flyovers in Warri and Asaba have decongested key arteries, while two new ones in Ughelli and Agbor are undergoing construction. And rural road upgrades have empowered farmers by easing access to markets. In education, the rehabilitation of schools and bursary programs have increased enrollment and reduced dropout rates, investing in human capital. Healthcare advancements, including expanded insurance, have saved lives and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for families. Empowerment schemes, touching hundreds of thousands, include vocational training and microfinance, particularly benefiting women and youth.
Fiscal prudence has enabled these feats without burdening future generations. Early minimum wage implementation has boosted worker morale and productivity, while transparent governance has built public trust. In youth and sports, investments in facilities and programs nurture talents, fostering social cohesion. These holistic approaches address immediate needs while laying foundations for sustainable growth.
The double recognition arrives at a pivotal time, as Nigeria grapples with economic challenges. Governor Oborevwori’s model offers a roadmap: prioritize infrastructure for economic stimulus, invest in people for long-term gains, and maintain fiscal responsibility for stability. As Onyeme aptly put it, these honors encourage the administration to “do more in delivering dividends of democracy.”
Without a doubt, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s back-to-back awards from Leadership and New Telegraph affirm his impactful leadership. They celebrate not just projects but the lives transformed—farmers reaching markets faster, students learning in better environments, patients accessing affordable care, and entrepreneurs thriving. This double honor is a beacon for sub-national governments, proving that visionary, inclusive governance yields national acclaim. As Delta State marches forward under the MORE Agenda, these recognitions will undoubtedly inspire even greater strides, ensuring a legacy of progress for generations to come.
• Nakpodia, development economist and good governance advocate, writes from Asaba, Delta State
