Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, advocated inclusive governance as the key to deepening national unity, economic growth and social stability in Nigeria, insisting that equitable leadership remains the strongest antidote to ethnic division and political tension.

Speaking at the annual lecture series of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos, Oborevwori delivered a lecture titled “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a More United Nigeria,” where he urged leaders across the country to embrace policies that guarantee fairness, representation and equal opportunities for all citizens.

The governor said Nigeria’s complex diversity makes inclusive governance unavoidable, stressing that no nation can achieve lasting peace and development when sections of the population feel excluded from governance and economic opportunities.

According to him, Delta State’s governance structure under his MORE Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security — has become a practical model for promoting unity through balanced development and social inclusion.

Oborevwori noted that his administration has deliberately pursued equitable infrastructure distribution across the three senatorial districts, expanded healthcare access and strengthened educational investments to ensure no part of the state is left behind.

Highlighting the administration's achievements, the governor disclosed that over 2.7 million residents are currently enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, while major projects such as the Effurun-Warri flyovers and several rural road networks were designed to drive economic integration and improve connectivity across communities.

He also emphasised youth empowerment as a major pillar of inclusive governance, revealing that more than 300,000 persons have benefited from government programmes focused on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

Oborevwori said initiatives such as the Widows Welfare Scheme and support programmes for vulnerable groups demonstrate the administration’s commitment to socio-economic inclusion, adding that development opportunities in Delta State are available to both indigenes and non-indigenes.

On national economic reforms, the governor commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as courageous economic decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.

He argued that the reforms have improved financial capacity at the subnational level, enabling states and local governments to execute impactful projects capable of stimulating grassroots development and inclusive growth.

The Delta governor further called for deliberate efforts to build a stronger national identity through education, media engagement and youth-focused programmes, urging Nigerians to see the country’s cultural diversity as a strength rather than a source of conflict.

As part of measures to strengthen cohesion, Oborevwori proposed the institutionalisation of a national conference every ten years involving governments, traditional rulers, civil society groups and other stakeholders to review progress on inclusivity and national integration.

He maintained that true national unity can only be built from the grassroots through fair and inclusive governance at state and local government levels, stressing that equitable development across the federation would significantly reduce distrust and political tension.

Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, described the centenary celebration of the Yoruba Tennis Club as a remarkable achievement, noting that sustaining relevance for 100 years was no small feat. He commended Oborevwori for his developmental strides in Delta State and welcomed guests from the state.

Also speaking, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, appreciated the organisers for hosting the event and thanked the Delta governor for honouring the club’s invitation.

Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Olawunmi Gasper, welcomed guests and reflected on the club’s rich history as it progresses toward its centenary anniversary.