By Yinka Giwa
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday emerged Governor of the Year 2025, following his recognition by Leadership Newspapers Limited for what the organisers described as outstanding strides in infrastructure renewal and inclusive governance.
The award was presented at the 18th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Governor Oborevwori was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme. The conference, themed “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” drew prominent political leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from across the country.
According to Leadership Newspapers, the Delta governor earned the honour for translating his MORE Agenda into tangible infrastructure expansion and broad-based social investment across the state.
The organisation cited hundreds of completed and ongoing road projects, as well as landmark flyovers across the three senatorial districts, which it said have significantly improved mobility and stimulated commercial activity.
The award committee also highlighted interventions in the education sector, including rehabilitation of public schools, recruitment of workers and sustained bursary schemes for students. Improvements in healthcare infrastructure and expanded health insurance coverage were equally referenced as part of the administration’s impact.
In addition, the organisers pointed to empowerment programmes supporting hundreds of thousands of residents, alongside fiscal discipline and the early implementation of the new minimum wage, as indicators of responsible governance.
They noted that the administration’s approach reflects a balance between social compassion and fiscal responsibility, anchored on equity, consistency and long-term stability.
Governor Oborevwori was honoured alongside Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Uba Sani (Kaduna), while Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, was named Person of the Year 2025.
Speaking with journalists after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Onyeme expressed appreciation to the people of Delta State for their support.
“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. I thank God that our efforts are being recognised across the nation,” he said.
He reeled out several road projects, bridges, market development initiatives, healthcare interventions and investments in education — including Delta State’s four public universities — as evidence of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.
According to him, the recognition would spur the government to intensify efforts in delivering further dividends of democracy.
Chairman of the occasion and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, delivered a keynote address reflecting on Africa’s governance challenges within an increasingly unstable global system.
In her welcome remarks, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Newspapers, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the annual conference was designed to promote meaningful dialogue while celebrating Nigerians making significant impact in public service.
She added that the awards recognise innovation, commitment and consistent service to the nation.