Oborevwori Wins Leadership Governor of the Year 2025 Award
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been named Governor of the Year 2025 by Leadership Newspapers Limited in recognition of his administration’s strides in infrastructure development 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 event by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Themed “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria,” the conference brought together key political figures, policymakers and thought leaders.
According to the organisers, Oborevwori was honoured for effectively translating his MORE Agenda into tangible infrastructure renewal and social investment across Delta State. Leadership Newspapers noted that the administration has executed hundreds of road projects and constructed landmark flyovers, significantly improving mobility and stimulating economic activities across the three senatorial districts.
The award citation also highlighted interventions in education, including school rehabilitation, recruitment of workers and sustained bursary schemes, as well as improvements in healthcare infrastructure and expanded health insurance coverage.
The organisers further commended the administration’s empowerment programmes, which they said have supported hundreds of thousands of residents, alongside prudent fiscal management and the early implementation of the new minimum wage.
They described the governor’s leadership style as one that balances compassion with responsibility, promoting equity, consistency and long-term stability anchored on fiscal discipline.
Governor Oborevwori was honoured alongside Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Uba Sani (Kaduna). Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was named Person of the Year 2025.
Speaking to journalists after receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Sir Monday 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,” Onyeme said.
He pointed to numerous road projects, bridges, market development initiatives, healthcare interventions and investments in education—including Delta State’s four state-owned universities—as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development.
According to him, the award serves as motivation for the government to intensify efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy.
Chairman of the occasion and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, delivered an address focusing on the urgent political and developmental challenges facing Africa within the context of global instability.
In her welcome remarks, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Newspapers, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the conference was designed to foster meaningful dialogue while celebrating Nigerians who have made significant contributions to national development. She noted that the awards recognise innovation, commitment and consistent service.
The event attracted top government officials, policymakers and other distinguished guests from across the country.
