Governor Oborevwori of Delta State is one man that needs to be celebrated in the annals of governance in the state. We must applaud his resolute commitment to govern without accruing new debts. Since taking office on 29th May 2023 Oborevwori has not taken a single dime in fresh loans even as he is delivering measurable progress across the State.
Governor Oborevwori inherited a daunting N465 billion debt, accumulated by past administrations, yet within two years more than half was repaid. By May 2025, the State’s debt had shrunk to N199.6 billion, marking an impressive 54% reduction. The Oborevwori administration relies on internally generated revenue (IGR) and the State’s share from the Federation Account to fund heavy capital projects and recurrent expenditures.
One of the pillars of the state’s prudence is that contracts are awarded with 20%-40% upfront mobilization – a measure done to offset inflationary costs and eliminate unnecessary financial charges while at the same time saving the State billions of naira in variations and contractor interest charges on loans by banks. This symbiotic relationship between contractors and the State government has the added advantage of ensuring quality jobs.
The no-borrowing policy of the Delta State government has the concomitant effect of freeing funds for upgraded roads, vocational training centres, new hospitals and equipping of old ones. It also provides a veritable window to engage in State welfare initiatives such as bursaries to students, empowerment programmes for women, youths, artisans and people with disabilities – all which are now fully funded and sustained.
The Oborevwori’s no borrowing policy leaves a legacy anchored on some enduring legacies such as;
– Self-reliance over debt dependence – a clear demonstration that a state can grow using its resources intelligently.
– Fiscal responsibility – prioritizing value for money, prudent contract management and minimizing wastage.
– Trustworthy Leadership – upholding integrity by refusing to promise or engage in expenditure beyond the state’s means.
– Empowerment over austerity- ensuring that citizens benefit directly, not through cutting essential services.
DELTA FRESH VISION urges future governors to draw inspiration from this legacy of fiscal restraint, integrity and impactful stewardship.
The financial prudence of Governor Oborevwori has not gone unnoticed. The Governor is a recipient of the ThisDay Newspaper and Arise Television “Governor of the year 2024 Award” for his fiscal discipline and infrastructural development in the State. In another development, Delta State under Oborevwori’s watch ranked second in Nigeria in budget implementation. In the figures published by AGORA POLICY, A think tank evaluating group, Delta State scored 97.9% second to Yobe State only which scored 98.6%.
DELTA FRESH VISION posits that Governor Oborevwori is adept in the management of men and resources and should be given a pat on the back. He should also be supported to finish strong till 2027 and proceed for a second term to unveil further development plans for Delta State. If he is doing so well now he surely will do it again and better when he is re-elected.
Wilberforce Arinze
Ag. Chairman
Grace Akaighe
PRO
