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The governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, (SUVs) to traditional rulers across the state, pin pointing their roles as tools of service, guardians of peace and stability.
The presentation, which took place in Government House, Asaba, saw 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers SUVs handed over to the royal fathers for ease of movement.
Oborevwori said the occasion was a very important and symbolic one in his administration”, noting that the beneficiaries represent a special class of leaders whose contributions to governance are critical, but often understated.
The Governor who reiterated that traditional rulers are far more than custodians of culture, reassures that his government is committed to working with them as long they cooperate to safeguard the norms and custom of the people at the grassroot level . This is even as he bestowed his faith in them.
“I can confidently state that traditional rulers have made governance easier, and more effective in Delta State. I commend their unwavering commitment to peace, progress and prosperity. Our Royal Fathers are often on the road, responding to government directives, mediating in communal disputes, engaging in peace-building and conflict resolution. They do all these voluntarily and willingly. For this, we are truly grateful,” Oborevwori added.
He explained that the decision to provide rugged SUVs was deliberate, given the rural and difficult terrains many traditional rulers operate in.
“These vehicles are not luxuries; they are tools of service. What is required is strength, durability and functionality, and that is what these vehicles provide,” the Governor declared.
Governor Oborevwori linked the gesture to his administration’s broader philosophy of inclusive governance under the MORE Agenda, particularly its pillar of Opportunities for All.
He highlighted a wide range of social intervention programmes already implemented by his government, including financial support for over 307,600 vulnerable persons under the DCARES Programme, grants to petty traders and artisans, empowerment of women and youths, and monthly stipends for 10,000 widows across the state.
He also reeled out landmark achievements in workers’ welfare, pension payments, scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance for Delta indigenes in Nigeria Law Schools.
“From the foregoing, it is clear that every segment of our population has been touched. So, when we turn our attention today to our traditional rulers, it is not out of favouritism, but fairness,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori; “you have not stressed me. You have not made demands. Wherever I go in your domains, I receive warmth, culture and cooperation. This gesture today is from the heart”.
On his part, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, praised Governor Oborevwori, for a foresight governance and quality leadership, even as he acknowledged that traditional rulers are the guardians of peace within their domains.
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu who outlined the various developmental strides of the Oborevwori’s administration across different sectors of the state, noted that Delta State was being governed with empathy, foresight, and a deep commitment to the collective welfare of its people.
Speaking separately during the ceremony, the Obi of Owa, HRM, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor (JP); the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM, Emmanuel Sideso Abe l and the Pere of Ogulagha, HRM, Elder Capt. King Joseph I. Timiyan (JP) expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for the gesture, adding that the car gift would significantly go a long way in enhancing their efficiency in the discharge of their traditional roles.
Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, in a vote of thanks, described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s presentation of 65 SUVs to traditional rulers as a timely and deeply symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.
He said mobility remains central to the effective discharge of traditional rulers responsibilities, stressing that “a vehicle is not just a means of transportation to a traditional ruler; it is a symbol of authority and service.”
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