The Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Sir Monday Onyeme, has urged Deltans resident in Calabar, Cross River State, to remain united, peaceful and worthy ambassadors of the state in their various places of residence.
Sir Onyeme made the call in Calabar when he hosted leaders of Delta State ethnic groups and members of the Delta State Progressives, an umbrella body of Deltans resident in Cross River State.
The Deputy Governor was in Calabar to represent the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the South-South Governors’ Forum meeting held in the Cross River State capital.
Speaking during the meeting, Sir Onyeme thanked and commended the President of Delta State Progressives, Chief (Dr.) Masor Elvis, and leaders of the various Delta ethnic groups for taking time to meet with him during his official visit to Calabar.
He described the gathering as a remarkable demonstration of unity and solidarity among Deltans living outside the state, stressing that their presence and commitment to the affairs of Delta State remained commendable.
The Deputy Governor urged Deltans in Calabar to maintain peace in their place of residence and foster unity among themselves, noting that as indigenes of Delta State living outside the state, they were proud ambassadors of their home state.
According to him, Deltans should conduct themselves in ways that would promote the good image of the state and contribute positively to the development of their host communities.
Sir Onyeme further highlighted the developmental strides of the Governor Oborevwori administration, noting that Delta State was witnessing significant infrastructural development, improved peaceful coexistence and other initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people.
He called on Deltans resident in Cross River State to continue to support the administration of Governor Oborevwori, while also encouraging them to support the leadership of the Cross River State Government under His Excellency Senator Bassey Otu and the administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the commitment of the Delta State Government to the wellbeing of its people, stressing the importance of an inclusive approach to governance in which Deltans, including those residing outside the state, remain connected to the development agenda of the government.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of Delta State Progressives, Cross River State Chapter, Chief (Dr.) Masor Elvis, thanked the Deputy Governor for creating time to meet with Deltans resident in Calabar despite his busy official schedule.
Chief Masor, who was represented at the meeting by the President of Isoko Development Union, Calabar Branch, and Secretary-General of Delta State Progressives, Cross River State Chapter, Mr. Agare Onoriode Israel, commended the Delta State Government for what he described as viable and visible infrastructural projects across the state.
He assured the government of the continued support of Deltans resident in Cross River State for the administration’s development agenda.
Chief Masor stressed the need for the Delta State Government to further incorporate Deltans living outside the state into its programmes and activities, describing such inclusion as essential to achieving a truly inclusive government.
He assured that Deltans resident in Cross River State would continue to conduct themselves responsibly and represent the state positively wherever they reside.
In their separate contributions, leaders of the various Delta ethnic groups emphasised the need for unity, collaboration and peaceful coexistence among Deltans, describing these as critical ingredients for the continued development and progress of Delta State.
Those in attendance include, the President of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Engr. Alex Oboripo; the President of the Anioma group, who was represented by Mr. Tony Adah; the President of Ukwani People, who was represented by Dr. Peter Ada;
Others include, Vice President of Delta State Progressives, Cross River State Chapter, Mr. Ogun Joseph; and the Delta State Women Representative of APC Non-Indigenous People, Barr. Meg Eloho Adah and Mr. Alex Afcyra
The leaders expressed their readiness to work together in promoting the interests of Delta State and pledged their continued support for the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the development of the state.