Oborevwori Calls for Visionary Leadership to Strengthen Nigeria’s Democracy

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for visionary, competent and selfless leadership as a cornerstone for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, saying enduring democratic institutions can only flourish under leaders guided by integrity, patriotism and accountability.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday at the inaugural Professor Sam Oyovbaire Public Service Lecture, held at the main auditorium of Southern Delta University, Orerokpe Campus. The lecture was organised in honour of renowned political scientist, public administrator and former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, in recognition of his contributions to scholarship, governance and national development.

Represented by the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Governor Oborevwori described Professor Oyovbaire as an exemplary public servant whose intellectual contributions and commitment to democratic governance have continued to inspire generations of leaders and scholars.

According to the governor, Nigeria’s democratic progress depends not only on constitutional structures but also on leaders who are prepared to place national interest above personal ambition.

He stressed that democracy is sustained through transparent governance, respect for the rule of law, institutional accountability and citizens’ active participation in the political process. He urged public office holders to embrace ethical leadership capable of inspiring trust and delivering meaningful development to the people.

Oborevwori noted that Nigeria’s democratic journey has recorded significant milestones over the years, but argued that the country must continue to strengthen its institutions while promoting inclusive governance that gives every citizen a sense of belonging.

Paying tribute to Professor Oyovbaire, the governor described him as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished political thinkers, whose work in academia and public service has enriched policy formulation and democratic discourse. He commended the decision to institute the annual public lecture in his honour, expressing confidence that it would serve as an important platform for intellectual engagement on governance and national development.

The event attracted prominent traditional rulers, academics, political leaders, students and members of the public. Among those in attendance were the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), and the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Albert Akpomudje (SAN), who both praised Professor Oyovbaire’s enduring legacy in public administration and democratic development.

Participants at the lecture described the gathering as a timely opportunity to reflect on the quality of leadership required to address Nigeria’s political and socio-economic challenges. Many agreed that strengthening democratic institutions must go hand in hand with cultivating leaders committed to transparency, competence and service to the people.

The inaugural lecture is expected to become an annual forum for discussing governance, public policy and democratic reforms, while preserving Professor Sam Oyovbaire’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars and statesmen.