Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has called on leaders and elders of Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to shun divisive tendencies and embrace peace.
Oborevwori stressed that unity remained the only path to sustainable development in Warri and Delta State at large.
Speaking at the funeral service of the late Mrs. Grace Agbolayah at the African Church, Central Missionary Diocese, Warri,
Oborevwori warned against the misuse of social media to fuel crisis and spread falsehood, urging parents and guardians to caution their children against hate campaigns.
“In all, what we need is unity. I have witnessed crisis and I know its consequences. People are using social media to cause problems, this must stop.
”I want to develop Warri because this is my home, and some of the young people today have not enjoyed the Warri we experienced back then,” Oborevwori said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Warri, noting that as governor, he would not take sides but serve the interests of all Deltans.
Oborevwori shared a personal experience during a past crisis, where his father’s house was spared from destruction due to an inscription, “Sheriff Papa House”.
Oborevwori emphasised that unity was essential for sustainable development in Warri and Delta State.
He pledged to serve the people of the state without taking sides and reaffirmed his resolve to fast-track development across the state.
Recalling his personal experience during a past crisis, the Governor revealed that his father’s house in Igoruwe was spared from destruction simply because it bore the inscription, “‘Sheriff Papa House”, while neighboring homes were razed.
He described the incident as a lesson on the devastating impact of conflict on communities.
Paying tribute to the late Mrs. Agbolayah, the governor described the late Mrs. Agbolayah as a shining example of faith, integrity, and commitment to family.
“Mama came, saw, and conquered. She served God faithfully and raised her children well, with one now a bishop.
”My prayer is that the wisdom with which Mama raised you will also guide you in raising your children,” he said.
Earlier, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Abbe, Primate of the African Church, in a sermon titled “Fight a Good Fight” from II Timothy 4:7, urged Christians to live as beacons of peace and integrity in a world filled with darkness.
The Primate urged Christians to be nation-builders, steadfast in faith, and accountable to God.
Primate Julius Abbe commended Governor Oborevwori for his contributions to the family and his leadership.
