Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has on Thursday, bagged the Most Local Government Friendly Governor Award.
The award was presented to him by the President-General, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Aliyu Haruna during during the 2025 NULGE Day celebration in Asaba.
Comrade Haruna listed what made Governor Oborevwori to bag the award to include but not limited to his administration’s exceptional support and uncommon commitment to the welfare of local government workers and retirees.
“We sincerely commend Your Excellency for
outstanding arrears of gratuity owed to local government retirees, through the release
the historic payment of six (6) years of an unprecedented N40 billion.
‘This singular intervention restored hope, dignity,
and peace of mind to thousands of retirees who had served the state and local government system diligently.
“Even more commendable is Your Excellency’s further approval and release of
additional N3.55 billion, which has ensured the payment of gratuities.
“This is not only a demonstration of responsive leadership but also testament to your administration’s belief that retirees deserve honour, not hardship,” he said, amidst applause from members of NULGE who came from all the local government areas of Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori at the occasion, thanked NULGE for the award asserting that his administration promised to do more for Deltans which he is already doing as Governor.
Represented at the colourful ceremony by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., the Governor said, “I am profoundly honoured and deeply grateful for the unanimous nomination and award conferred upon me by the National Body of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, recognizing me as a Local Government and NULGE-Friendly Governor.
“I accept this recognition with profound sense of responsibility, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serve.”
“This recognition, particularly for our efforts in addressing long-standing arrears of gratuities and pensions of local government workers in Delta State, is deeply meaningful to us.
“From the outset of our administration, we made a conscious decision to confront these challenges head-on, guided by the belief that a government must honour its obligations to its workers if it is to earn trust and inspire excellence.
“By prioritising the welfare of serving and retired local government employees, we have sought to restore dignity, strengthen morale, and reinforce the moral foundation of public service.
“When workers are secured and respected, service delivery improves, communities thrive, and democracy is strengthened.
“Let me assure you that this recognition will only spur us to do more, we remain committed to prompt payment of salaries, sustained settlement of pension obligations, capacity building, and reforms that will further enhance local government administration in Delta State.
“I sincerely thank the national leadership of NULGE for this honour and for recognising Delta State as a model of labour-friendly governance.
“I dedicate this award to the men and women of the local government system in Delta State and across Nigeria.
“May this recognition strengthen our collective resolve to build a system where labour is respected, service is valued, and governance truly serves the people.
‘Let it inspire all of us, government, labour, and citizens alike to work together for a more accountable and people-centred local government system.
“I am delighted to be in the company of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), a union I hold in very high esteem, because of its critical role in strengthening governance at the grassroots.
“Local government administration remain the closest tier of government to the people, and their effectiveness largely depends on the commitment, welfare, and motivation of the workforce.
‘This is why our administration continues to place premium value on the local government system as a vital instrument for touching lives and deepening development at the grassroots.
“Let me also emphasise that local government councils should strive to improve their internally generated revenue while entrenching transparency and accountability in their management structures.
“The notion that local government resources are for the personal use of those in authority undermines the dignity and integrity of the third tier of government.
“Practices such as exploiting environmental or administrative interventions as avenues for misappropriating council funds are deeply unacceptable.
“Local government Chairmen should resist the temptation to use intermediaries or any pretext to divert public resources.
“Actively involving citizens in the planning and execution of projects will foster trust, enhance transparency, and reinforce accountability and good governance.
The Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku in a goodwill message, commended the state government for the support and uncommon commitment to the welfare of workers.
The Chairman, Trade Union Congress Of Nigeria, Delta State Council, Comrade Wilson Asekutu said, NULGE members are the heartbeat of that connection.
“Whether it is in primary healthcare, rural infrastructure, or administrative excellence, the work you do directly impacts the lives of every Deltan in our 25 Local Government Areas,” he said.
Earlier, in an address, the President, NULGE Delta State, Comrade Ogberetitinor Obatarhe said the the NULGE Day Celebration of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Delta State Chapter, is a cherished annual tradition that brings local government workers together as one united family.
According to him, “NULGE Day gives us the opportunity to reconnect, renew old friendships, share experiences, reflect on our journey so far, and take a well-deserved break from the demands of service. More importantly, it reinforces the spirit of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood that defines our great Union.
“We sincerely appreciate the approval of the Governor and timely release of funds for our annual NULGE Day celebrations.
“This clearly reflects your strong belief in workers’ welfare and your understanding that a motivated workforce is vital for effective service delivery.
“Since assuming office, Governor Oborevwori has approved and disbursed over N43,000,000,000 (Forty-Three Billion Naira) towards the settlement of outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to Local Government retirees.
“As at today, pension and gratuity arrears have been fully cleared up to April 2025.
“This represents a significant milestone, particularly when contrasted with the period prior to His Excellency’s assumption of office, during which retirees were owed arrears spanning up to six years.
“This remarkable achievement unquestionably merits the highest commendation.”
