Delta gov calls for periodic national conference to deepen unity

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has put forth a compelling argument for a fundamental shift in Nigeria's approach to national unity and governance, advocating for the institutionalization of periodic national conferences. Speaking at the 100th anniversary lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos, Oborevwori framed inclusive governance not merely as a policy choice but as Nigeria's most viable pathway to enduring unity, suggesting that structured, regular dialogue should supplant the current reactive, crisis-driven engagement.

His proposal envisions a formal, recurring national conference that would convene a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including federal and state actors, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, youth and women's groups, and private sector leaders. This platform, he argued, would facilitate a systematic review and recalibration of national priorities. Oborevwori outlined a concrete framework designed to ensure that the outcomes of these conferences are substantive and impactful, featuring measurable objectives such as assessing inclusivity in governance, conducting regional development audits, establishing policy feedback loops, and fostering conflict prevention and trust-building.

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One of the most practical pathways towards achieving inclusive governance and strengthening national unity in Nigeria is the institutionalisation of a periodic national conference of stakeholders.

Drawing from his administration's "MORE Agenda" in Delta State—which emphasizes Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—Oborevwori presented his state as a working model for inclusive governance. He highlighted achievements in infrastructure expansion across ethnic lines, significant healthcare access expansion, and widespread empowerment programs. By proposing mechanisms like a Decennial National Conference, thematic focus areas, an independent secretariat, and legislative backing, Governor Oborevwori aims to embed dialogue into the fabric of Nigerian governance, ensuring that resolutions translate into actionable policy rather than remaining mere advisory suggestions.

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He defined it as a system built on “representation, participation, and safeguarding of all societal strata,” warning against reducing it to token appointments or political patronage.