Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians to show compassion to victims of tragedies and grieving families instead of turning their misfortunes into political issues.
Oborevwori made the call in his Independence Day message on Wednesday as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary, urging citizens to reject attempts to exploit human suffering for political gain.
“When people suffer loss or face misfortune, our first response should be empathy and support, not political advantage. Behind every tragedy are real people and families who are grieving. Their pain deserves our respect and compassion,” he said.
The governor also urged Nigerians to put national interest above political and other narrow interests, stressing the need for unity and dialogue in addressing the country’s challenges.
He acknowledged the difficulties Nigeria had faced since independence, including the civil war, economic hardship and political uncertainty, but said the country had continued to endure.
“The challenges before us are real, but so is our capacity to overcome them. If we remain united, work hard, act responsibly and put the national interest above narrow considerations, we will build the Nigeria we desire,” Oborevwori said.
On Delta State, the governor said his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic opportunities for youths, women, farmers and artisans.
He said inclusive governance remained central to his administration, promising that communities across the state would be carried along in the development process.
“At the heart of our agenda is inclusive governance. We are determined to ensure that no community, ethnic group, gender or generation is left behind,” he said.
Oborevwori urged Deltans in both riverine and upland communities to work together towards the development of the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Pat Ajudua, thanked God for Nigeria’s 66 years of independence and prayed for continued peace and progress in the country.
“We are grateful that Nigeria is 66 today. First and foremost, we have to give thanks to God because some people are born and they don’t even get to grow,” Ajudua said.
