By Tola O Ajemisogbe
The recent bestowal of the 2024 Telegraph Governor of the Year Award upon His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is more than just an accolade; it’s a resounding vote of confidence in his leadership and a testament to the transformative impact of his MORE Agenda in Delta State. The award, meticulously earned through a demonstrably successful year of infrastructural development, decisively silences the chorus of opposition, exposing the hollow rhetoric of detractors and validating the undeniable progress unfolding across the state.
For far too long, the narrative surrounding Delta State’s development has been marred by the discordant voices of critics. Figures like Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, Oliver Fejiro, and Progress D Gateway have sought to undermine Governor Oborevwori’s administration, their criticisms echoing in the background as the governor meticulously implemented the MORE Agenda. However, their persistent agitation has now been decisively dwarfed by the burgeoning evidence of tangible progress. The recent wave of infrastructure projects, meticulously planned and expertly executed, stands as a monumental rebuttal to their claims. The sheer scale and rapid pace of these developments have rendered their allegations increasingly irrelevant, effectively relegating them to the margins.
Governor Oborevwori’s approach isn’t merely reactive; it’s proactive and strategic. His MORE Agenda, a meticulously planned blueprint for progress, seamlessly integrates the principles of Total Quality Management and Management By Objectives. This approach ensures a laser-focus on measurable results, verifiable progress, and the concrete benefits for the people of Delta State. The impressive infrastructural developments, from roads and bridges to schools and hospitals, meticulously adhere to these principles. Each project, rigorously vetted and efficiently implemented, contributes directly to the overall vision of the state.
The Telegraph Governor of the Year Award is a validation not only of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership but also of his administration’s comprehensive approach. It stands as clear evidence of his ability to translate a vision into tangible results, a critical skill in today’s complex political landscape. The deafening silence of the critics echoes this reality: the robust infrastructure developments have demonstrably proven the efficacy of the MORE Agenda, silencing opposition and proving its success.
This achievement will undoubtedly have ramifications for the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election. Governor Oborevwori’s accomplishments firmly cement his position as a formidable contender for re-election. The significant and visible impact of his administration’s efforts on the lives of Deltans speaks volumes, not only to his effectiveness but also to the broad support he enjoys. His achievements provide a concrete anchor against which any opposition must contend. Any attempt to challenge his leadership would require not just hollow rhetoric, but concrete proposals and tangible achievements to counter the overwhelming evidence of his successful governance. Any such attempt is likely to be seen as not only futile, but also fundamentally out of touch with the aspirations and needs of the people. The current momentum is unmistakably in Oborevwori’s favour.
While political opposition is a legitimate aspect of the democratic process, resorting to petty criticism and unfounded accusations will no longer hold sway in the face of demonstrable progress. The Telegraph Governor of the Year award affirms not only Governor Oborevwori’s hard work and dedication, but also the will of the people, who recognize and appreciate the transformative changes underway in Delta State. His future is secure, built on the solid foundation of his unprecedented successes.
Tola O Ajemisogbe is a Strategic Management Researcher at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
