The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for the deepening of inclusive governance as a critical pathway to strengthening national unity and achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.
Oborevwori made the call in Lagos at the centenary celebration of the Yoruba Tennis Club, themed “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a United Nigeria.”
He described inclusive governance as a system anchored on fairness, participation, and adequate representation of all segments of society, particularly marginalized groups.
Highlighting his administration’s development blueprint, the governor pointed to Delta State’s “MORE Agenda”—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—as a practical model of inclusive leadership.
According to him, the state has recorded significant strides in expanding access to healthcare and improving education infrastructure, alongside empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.
He disclosed that over 2.7 million residents have been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, while more than 300,000 people have benefited from various empowerment initiatives.
Oborevwori also underscored the importance of dialogue-driven security strategies involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies, stressing that national unity must be built from the grassroots.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the club’s 100-year milestone as a remarkable achievement in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Sanwo-Olu commended the founding fathers of the club for their foresight and praised its enduring relevance in shaping national discourse and nurturing leadership.
He further lauded Oborevwori’s leadership style, describing it as visionary and impactful, while noting that Delta State remains one of Nigeria’s most resourceful and economically significant states.
Earlier, the Chairman of the club, Olawumi Gasper, said the centenary celebration goes beyond ceremony, serving as a moment of reflection on the institution’s legacy and future direction.
Gasper noted that the event provided an opportunity to honour the club’s founding fathers and past leaders whose contributions have sustained its relevance over the decades, adding that the club remains committed to fostering dialogue on national issues and promoting responsive leadership.
