Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, said the state has made remarkable progress in spite of trials since its creation on August 27, 1991.

The governor stated this at a Thanksgiving service to mark the 33rd anniversary of the state’s creation on Tuesday at the Government House Chapel, Asaba.

He said the state was growing steadily on all economic development indicators, hence emerging as a powerhouse in the community of states in Nigeria.

Mr Oborevwori said the journey had been eventful and fulfilling, with the road filled with trials and triumphs, tests and testimonies.

“I am proud to say that in 33 years of existence, Delta has evolved into a strong, vibrant, strategic component of the Nigerian federation. Judging by all the indices of development, the state occupies a pride of place in the Nigerian federation. Both locally and internationally, our people are renowned for their entrepreneurial drive, passion and ingenuity.

“Let us continue to unite in prayer, seeking God’s blessings and protection for our state, and may His divine presence be felt in all we do. As we use this opportunity of this anniversary to take stock, I want to assure you all in the state that it can only get better from here.’’

He thanked the youth and people of the state for the peaceful and mature manner they conducted themselves in the recent #Endbadgovernance protests.

The governor called for more support and solidarity in the months and years ahead to enable him to deliver on the promises of his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

He pledged to continue to do his best to ensure peace and security of the state, adding that only through sustainable peace could enduring development thrive in the state.

He said his administration had continued to put the state ahead in terms of development by investing heavily in infrastructural development in all sectors of the state’s economy.

“In the past 15 months, we have demonstrated our resolve to keep Delta ahead on all indices of social and economic development. We are investing massively in infrastructural renewal, upgrading our healthcare institutions, improving the learning climate in our schools, and assisting the poor and vulnerable through our social investment programmes.

“We are also collaborating with security agencies in tackling the issues of kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes to ensure that safety and security of all residents in Delta is guaranteed,” he said.

He paid glowing tributes to former governors and their deputies, past and present political office holders, and civil servants—serving and retired.

In a sermon titled “The power of collective thanksgiving,” Pastor Shiyanbade Adekunle of the Mission Overseer of Living Faith Church, said the people owed God immense thanks for the great things that He has been doing in the state.

Mr Adekunle urged the people to always give thanks to God for all He has been doing in their lives.

He implored them to always hold unto God in any situation they found themselves in life, even as he prayed for sustained peace and unity in the state.

The event, which was low-key, had some state executives, council members, royal fathers and other dignitaries in attendance.

(NAN)