Oborevwori calls for peace and unity in Warri, warns against social media crisis

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo leaders to embrace peace and unity, stressing that only togetherness can bring sustainable development to Warri and Delta State.

The Governor made the appeal at the funeral service of the late Mrs. Grace Agbolayah, held at the African Church, Central Missionary Diocese, Warri. He cautioned against the misuse of social media, warning that it was increasingly being used to spread falsehood and incite crisis.

Reaffirming his resolve to develop Warri, Oborevwori said he would not take sides but serve all Deltans equally. “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,” he said.

The Governor recalled a past experience during a crisis when his father’s house in Igoruwe was spared destruction simply because it bore the inscription, “Sheriff Papa House,” while other houses in the neighborhood were razed. He said the incident taught him the devastating impact of conflict on communities.

Expressing his deep connection to the city, Oborevwori declared, “Warri dey sweet me for body,” adding that he has no other home outside Warri. “I am a man with street credibility and local content, not from the diaspora. Now that I am Governor, I am a Governor for all, and I will not take sides,” he added.

The Governor assured that he would not disappoint the people of Delta State, promising to fast-track development across the state. “I want to do more for Deltans. I don’t want to fail. I will continue to show love to the people and deep respect for our leaders,” he noted.

Oborevwori also appealed to critics outside the state to avoid sowing discord and urged parents and guardians to guide their children against misusing social media for hate campaigns.

Paying tribute to the late Mrs. Agbolayah, he described her as a shining example of faith and integrity. “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 in his sermon, Primate of the African Church, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Abbe, speaking on the theme “Fight a Good Fight” from II Timothy 4:7, urged Christians to live as beacons of peace, integrity, and service. He described the late Mrs. Agbolayah as a God-fearing woman whose life was devoted to service.

The Primate also commended Governor Oborevwori for his leadership and for appointing Dr. Toyin Agbolayah as Special Adviser on Community Development, which he said was a source of strength to the family during Mama’s lifetime. “Your Excellency, you are doing a great job, and from the way you are going, Delta State will soon compete with Lagos in infrastructure. The people of Delta love you and we pray that God strengthens you to do more,” he said.