A good leader is like a farmer who plants trees knowing he may never sit in their shade. True leadership is not about grand speeches but about rolling up one’s sleeves and laying the foundation for a better tomorrow. In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is proving that leadership is not just about occupying an office but about making a difference in people’s lives. With his MORE agenda – Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security – he is weaving a story of progress, one that Deltans can see, touch, and experience. His governance model bears a striking resemblance to that of Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the Indonesian leader who transformed his country through strategic infrastructure investments, rural development, and human capacity building. Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, is the 7th president of Indonesia who presided over the country from 2014 to 2024. He is the first Indonesian president, who never emerged from a political or military elite.
When the rain falls, it does not fall on one roof alone. Development, too, must reach everyone, not just a privileged few. This was the philosophy that guided Jokowi, who, despite leading one of Asia’s most complex democracies, prioritized inclusive growth. He built over 2,000 kilometers of toll roads, connected rural villages to economic hubs, and revolutionized Indonesia’s transportation system. He knew that infrastructure is the backbone of development, and without roads, bridges, and connectivity, economic progress would be stunted. Governor Oborevwori understands this as well. Across Delta State, roads that were once impassable are now being built, linking farmers to markets, traders to buyers, and communities to opportunities. It is said that a road is more than just a path; it is a bridge to the future. By investing heavily in infrastructure, Oborevwori is not just constructing roads; he is paving the way for economic expansion, social mobility, and a better quality of life for all.
The wise (people) say that teaching a man to fish is better than giving him fish. Jokowi transformed Indonesia’s workforce by emphasizing vocational education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. His government established thousands of training centers, ensuring that Indonesians, especially the youth, had the skills to compete in a fast-changing global economy. Governor Oborevwori is following a similar path. Through scholarships, vocational training, and empowerment programmes, he is ensuring that the youth are not left behind. The world is shifting, and those without skills are like birds without wings. By prioritizing education and skill development, he is giving Deltans the wings to fly.
A tree that refuses to shed old leaves cannot welcome new growth. For too long, rural communities in Delta State have been trapped in cycles of neglect and stagnation, but change is here. Jokowi’s biggest success in Indonesia was ensuring that economic growth was not just concentrat ed in Jakarta but spread to the villages. He initiated agricultural reforms, gave micro-loans to farmers, and provided incentives for small businesses in remote areas. Governor Oborevwori is ensuring that Delta’s prosperity is felt in every corner of the state. From agricultural investments to small-scale industrial development, rural communities are experiencing a revival. The saying goes, “When the water rises, all boats are lifted.” By fostering inclusive growth, he is lifting not just a few but the entire state.
Governance is like a cooking pot; it requires balance. Too much of one ingredient and the soup is ruined. Jokowi understood this balance, combining infrastructural development with economic policies that encouraged foreign investment while maintaining social welfare for the masses. He was pragmatic, cutting through bureaucracy and ensuring that policies were implemented swiftly. Oborevwori understands this delicate balance and is not just focused on physical development but also on peace and security. Development cannot thrive in chaos, just as seeds cannot grow in rocky soil. Through strategic reforms and policies aimed at fostering stability, he is creating an environment where businesses can flourish, communities can thrive, and investors can feel confident.
At the end of the day, history does not remember leaders for the titles they held but for the impact they made. A river does not boast of its depth; it simply flows and nourishes everything in its path. Like Jokowi, whose leadership transformed Indonesia from an emerging economy into one of Asia’s most competitive markets, Oborevwori’s MORE agenda is setting Delta on a course for greatness. The State could well be on its way to becoming a model of sub-national development in Nigeria. If he stays the course, Delta State may well become a model of progress, just as Indonesia rose from the shadows to become one of Asia’s strongest economies.
They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but what truly matters is the direction of that step. Governor Oborevwori has taken the right steps, and with sustained commitment, Delta’s future will not just be a promise – it will be a reality. It is no surprise that his leadership and commitment to development were recently recognized when he was honoured with the Governor of the Year Award in Infrastructural Development by ThisDay Newspaper & Arise Television. They recognized him for his fiscal discipline and significant contribution to infrastructural development in Delta state. Like a goldsmith refining raw metal into treasure, his efforts are transforming Delta into a shining example of visionary governance.
*Olise, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos
Culled from the Independent Newspaper