By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Delta State is witnessing an unprecedented wave of progress, defined by infrastructure renewal, strategic governance, and exceptional youth engagement, all under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. But beyond the statistics and ribbon-cuttings, a new political awakening is emerging: the birth of the Isoko Ideological Class, a movement inspired by visible transformation, youth empowerment, and purposeful leadership.
What makes Governor Oborevwori’s administration stand out is not just the physical infrastructure or economic prudence, but the political story behind it. Once underestimated and dismissed by critics, the Governor was embraced by the youths of Delta State who saw in him a promise worth fighting for. Two years after his election, that promise has not only been kept — it has exceeded expectations.
Youth Inclusion at Unmatched Scale
One of the defining achievements of the Oborevwori administration is the unparalleled inclusion of youths in governance. The Delta State Executive Council is now dominated by young, vibrant leaders, a first in the state’s history. This bold move has redefined the political climate and energized a generation.
Governor Oborevwori has also managed state resources with uncommon discipline — repaying over 46% of inherited debts without borrowing a kobo, while executing landmark projects across all senatorial districts. From roads and housing to educational infrastructure, especially the transformation of the Orerokpe campus, the Governor’s legacy is becoming self-evident.
A Turning Point for Isoko Nation
One of the most notable gifts to the Isoko Nation is the appointment of Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, a fellow youth, as Commissioner for Health. His performance has become a case study in modern governance, efficient, inclusive, visionary, and reform-driven.
Under Dr. Onojaeme, the health sector has undergone a comprehensive overhaul:
- Multi-billion-naira investments in equipment: CT scan machines, dialysis units, orthopedic tools, and 4D ultrasound scanners have been procured and distributed across the three senatorial districts.
- Recruitment of over 600 healthcare professionals, along with proactive steps to reverse the brain drain and remove 301 ghost workers from the payroll.
- Establishment of new institutions like the College of Health Technology in Ovrode and the College of Health Sciences at the University in Ozoro, to train the next generation of healthcare workers.
- Delta’s groundbreaking Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) implementation has earned national praise, placing it among only three Nigerian states to fully adopt the scheme.
Nursing Education Reforms
The transformation in nursing education is equally commendable. From merit-based admissions and CBT entrance exams to the upgrading of Schools of Midwifery into degree-awarding Colleges of Nursing, Delta is setting a national benchmark.
Dr. Onojaeme’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption has also sent a strong message. Complaints of extortion were promptly investigated, leading to refunds for students and the prosecution of erring officials — a rare display of integrity in public service.
Primary Healthcare and Global Recognition
Delta’s PHC sector has been rejuvenated, with 250 out of 441 primary health centers revamped under the current administration. These efforts earned the state runner-up position in the South-South zone during the 2024 PHC Leadership Challenge, along with a $400,000 award supported by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation.
The Delta State Contributory Health Commission has also expanded coverage to over 2.4 million enrollees, following the release of ₦1.6 billion in government funding to sustain the scheme.
Anti-Fake Drug Crackdown and Public Health Safety
Under the active supervision of the State Task Force, over 50 illegal patent medicine stores have been shut down, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public health and safety. The war against counterfeit drugs and food items is yielding results.
Birth of the Isoko Ideological Class
It is against this backdrop of purposeful leadership that elite youths and emerging leaders in Isoko North have come together to launch the Isoko Ideological Class — a platform created to galvanize support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the strategic guidance of Dr. Joseph Onojaeme.
This new ideological movement seeks to champion governance based on performance, youth empowerment, unity, and integrity — values currently embodied by Dr. Onojaeme.
In a political era where empty rhetoric often overshadows action, Delta State — and particularly Isoko Nation — has found inspiration in results. The Isoko Ideological Class is not just a support group; it is a symbol of renewed faith in governance, a rallying point for youth-led transformation, and a call to sustain the tempo of progress now sweeping across the state.
As the movement gathers momentum, one message echoes clearly: good governance is no longer a campaign promise, it is now a visible, living reality in Delta State.