Advocates Periodic National Conference Of Stakeholders To Foster Unity

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for a fresh National Conference whose outcomes will be backed by law to foster inclusive governance and a more united Nigeria.

Oborevwori made the call yesterday during his lecture titled, “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a More United Nigeria,” organised by the Yoruba Tennis Club in commemoration of the 100th anniversary (Centenary) of the club, 1926-2026, held at Lagos Island.

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, members of the Delta State Executive Council, Delta Local Government Chairmen, media executives, and other dignitaries attended the event.

According to Oborevwori, 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.

“Rather than treating national dialogue as an ad-hoc response to crisis, Nigeria must embed structured, recurring engagement into its governance architecture.

“This conference should bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—federal and state actors, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, civil society organisations, youth representatives, women’s groups, and marginalised communities.

“The objective is not merely discussion, but systematic review and recalibration of national priorities, particularly in relation to inclusivity, regional development, and equitable distribution of resources.

“These conferences should be designed around clear, measurable goals like: Assessment of Inclusivity in Governance, Regional Development Audit, Policy Feedback Loop, Conflict Prevention, and Trust Building.

“Implementation is vital in ensuring that these stakeholders’ engagements yield the necessary results.”

The Delta state Governor, therefore, suggested the following structures and frequency: “A Decennial National Conference: A conference that holds every 10 years to ensure continuity without governance fatigue.

“Thematic Focus Areas: Each session should prioritise key issues such as fiscal federalism, security, youth unemployment, and regional infrastructure gaps. Independent Secretariat: A non-partisan body to track implementation of resolutions and publish annual progress reports.

“Legislative Backing: Outcomes should not remain recommendations; they should feed directly into legislative and executive action.

“By institutionalising this periodic national conference and implementation structure, we can move from reactive governance to proactive nation-building.

“We must forge ahead with a national consensus, grounded on the enduring pillars of mutual respect, shared prosperity, fairness, and justice.

“This approach charts the course towards a more unified, prosperous, and greater Nigeria. Such an outcome is feasible; thus, in our respective endeavours, we all must embrace it by transcending ethnic, religious, and cultural biases while championing the unifying values and ideals that bind us together.”

The governor said his administration’s MORE Agenda, which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, was designed to spread development equitably across the state.

He cited major infrastructure projects such as the Effurun-Warri flyovers, the dualisation of the Ughelli-Asaba Road and the Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri roads and bridges as examples of projects aimed at economic integration rather than sectional benefit.

Earlier, Sanwo-Olu, the host governor, commended the club for organising the event and the governor for delivering an “incisive lecture.”