Business
A Wake-Up Call to Public Servants: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Bold Stand for Nigeria’s Revival
A Wake-Up Call to Public Servants: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Bold Stand for Nigeria’s Revival
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
At a time when Nigeria’s public service is plagued by inefficiency, lethargy, and endemic corruption, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has sounded an urgent clarion call to public servants: return to diligence, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to national development. His message, though direct and seemingly simple, strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s governance crisis and poses a fundamental question to every civil servant: What is your contribution to the rebirth of Nigeria?
Governor Oborevwori’s charge comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s history. The nation is on the brink of socio-economic collapse—crippled by mass unemployment, a failing naira, staggering debt levels, and institutional decay. In the face of this reality, Oborevwori’s words serve not just as a political speech, but as a necessary moral awakening. He dares to demand from public servants what Nigeria has lacked for far too long: accountability, productivity, and an ethic of service.
“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” – Ralph Nader
Public servants, as the machinery of governance, are expected to be the vanguard of national transformation. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many have become the very clog in the wheel of progress. From the highest federal agencies to the most remote local councils, stories abound of dereliction of duty, inflated contracts, ghost workers, absenteeism, and outright theft of public funds.
Governor Oborevwori rightly emphasized that without a dedicated, ethical, and service-oriented public service, no government policy, no matter how visionary, can yield fruit. Echoing this, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once noted, “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.” And good governance cannot exist where public servants are more committed to personal enrichment than public service.
The Nigerian civil service, once regarded as one of the most professional in Africa during the post-independence era, has deteriorated to a bastion of inefficiency. A World Bank report in 2023 estimated that Nigeria loses over $18 billion annually to public sector inefficiencies and corruption. These are not just numbers—they represent schools not built, hospitals without medicine, roads abandoned mid-construction, and millions of dreams deferred.
In light of this, Governor Oborevwori’s statement is not a routine call to duty; it is a rallying cry for national redemption. “We must reawaken the consciousness of public servants to understand that they are not just employees, but stewards of national hope,” he stated.
“Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation.” – Margaret Chase Smith
Nigeria is in dire need of such dedication. For decades, leadership has been reduced to a feeding trough for the political elite and their cronies in the bureaucracy. Meritocracy has been sacrificed on the altar of nepotism. Promotions are often based not on performance, but on connections and bribes. This cancer has metastasized across all levels of government.
The call for diligence must go beyond rhetoric. There must be a deliberate and structured overhaul of the public service system. Recruitment should be based strictly on competence. Training must be prioritized, and performance should be objectively measured. Those who fail to meet standards should be sanctioned without fear or favour.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” In Nigeria today, too many public servants are still asking what they can steal from their country. This mindset must change, and change fast. Governor Oborevwori’s words should be amplified across all states and ministries.
His administration in Delta State has shown promising signs. The state has recorded improvements in internally generated revenue, infrastructural development, and youth empowerment programs. These successes are not accidental—they are the result of focused leadership and a growing insistence on performance-driven governance.
“A nation is not defined by its borders or the boundaries of its land, but by the collective spirit of its people.” – Barack Obama
Nigeria’s greatness will never come from oil reserves or abundant landmass. It will come from Nigerians who are willing to build rather than loot; to serve rather than exploit; to lead with integrity rather than deceive with slogans. The public service is the engine room of this transformation.
Public servants must also embrace innovation and transparency. In an era of digital governance and open data, Nigeria cannot afford to operate a 21st-century economy with a 19th-century bureaucracy. Oborevwori’s call must be followed by practical measures: e-governance platforms, performance-based incentives, public service audits, and whistleblower protections.
Nations like Rwanda and Singapore rose from instability to prosperity not through divine luck, but through visionary leadership and a professional, efficient civil service. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, aptly observed, “Africa’s story has been written by others; we need to own our problems and solutions and write our own story.” Nigeria must do the same—and it starts with the stewards of the state: public servants.
The Nigerian public deserves better. The citizens have endured years of broken promises, collapsing infrastructure, power outages, and unpaid pensions. They deserve a civil service that works for them—not against them. As citizens struggle with inflation and insecurity, it is unconscionable for government employees to remain indifferent or complicit.
Diligence must be revived as a national virtue. Patriotism must no longer be reserved for Independence Day speeches—it must be lived out daily in government offices, in the accuracy of data entry, the timeliness of memos, the fairness of policy implementation, and the integrity of budget execution.
Governor Oborevwori has lit a torch. It is now the duty of every true Nigerian public servant to carry it forward. Let every government worker ask themselves: If Nigeria’s success depended on my daily performance, what kind of nation would we have?
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” – Plato
Let the message ring from Abuja to Asaba, from Kano to Calabar: public service is not a privilege to be abused; it is a sacred trust. Governor Oborevwori has reminded us of that trust. The question now is—will the Nigerian public servant rise to the occasion, or continue to dig the grave of a nation gasping for rebirth?
The world is watching. History is waiting. Nigeria cannot afford another decade of bureaucratic betrayal.
Business
Valentine Season: Adron Homes Encourages Nigerians to Build Lasting Love Through Real Estate
Valentine Season: Adron Homes Encourages Nigerians to Build Lasting Love Through Real Estate
Adron Homes and Properties has continued its ongoing “Love for Love Promo” as part of its Valentine season initiatives, encouraging couples, families, and investors to move beyond traditional gifts by embracing shared property ownership as a lasting expression of commitment and financial stability.
The company stated that the promo, which has been running throughout the Valentine period, was designed to inspire Nigerians to build long-term value and legacy through real estate investments. It noted that the initiative offers attractive discounts, flexible payment options, and a variety of exclusive gift items across its estates and housing projects nationwide.
Under the promo structure, clients who pay ₦100,000 receive cake, chocolates, and a bottle of wine, while those who pay ₦200,000 receive a Love Hamper. Subscribers who commit ₦500,000 receive a Love Hamper with cake, and those who pay ₦1,000,000 enjoy a choice of a Samsung phone or a Love Hamper with cake.
The incentives increase with higher commitments. Clients who pay ₦5,000,000 receive either an iPad or a romantic couple’s getaway at a top Nigerian hotel, while payments of ₦10,000,000 come with options including a Samsung Z Fold 7, a three-night stay at a premium resort, or a full solar power installation.
High-value investors are also rewarded, as clients who pay ₦30,000,000 on land receive a three-night couple’s trip to Doha or South Africa. At the same time, purchasers of houses valued at ₦50,000,000 are presented with a double-door refrigerator, further reflecting the company’s focus on combining lifestyle experiences with strategic investments.
The company added that the promo covers estates located in Lagos, Shimawa, Sagamu, Atan–Ota, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger states. It reiterated its commitment to secure land titles, affordable pricing, and prime locations, urging Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of the ongoing Valentine campaign to build a future rooted in love, security, and prosperity.
14 Reasons Nigerians Should Own Property with the Trusted Real Estate Brand
As part of activities marking its 14 years of transforming Nigeria’s real estate landscape, Adron Homes and Properties has unveiled 14 compelling reasons why individuals and families should consider owning property with the company reinforcing its commitment to accessible, stylish, and sustainable homeownership.
In a statement released by the company, Adron Homes described property ownership not just as an investment but as a strategic lifestyle decision rooted in long-term security, wealth creation, and community development. The company noted that over the past 14 years, it has remained consistent in providing affordable housing solutions while delivering well-planned estates that cater to diverse income levels.
According to the statement, Adron Homes’ success is anchored in its strong value proposition, which ranges from affordable pricing and flexible payment structures to prime estate locations nationwide. The company emphasized that its gated communities are designed with security, modern architectural standards, and structured infrastructure that ensure comfort and functionality for residents.
Adron Homes further highlighted its transparent documentation process and verified property titles, which have continued to boost investor confidence and encourage long-term property ownership among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. The company added that its developments are intentionally designed to promote thriving communities, environmental sustainability, and long-term urban planning.
With a proven track record of helping thousands of customers achieve their property dreams, Adron Homes reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-value investments that appreciate over time while maintaining strong customer service support from initial inquiry to allocation and beyond.
The organisation also noted its culture of appreciation for clients, partners, and staff through consistent reward programmes and promotional incentives. This strategy has strengthened loyalty and deepened engagement across its growing customer base.
Reflecting on its 14-year journey, Adron Homes reiterated that its mission goes beyond selling land and houses; it focuses on building vibrant communities where families thrive, investments grow, and futures are secured. The company encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of its flexible ownership opportunities, stressing that the best time to invest in property is now.
As it continues to expand its footprint across Nigeria, Adron Homes remains committed to innovation, excellence, and redefining the real estate experience through sustainable developments that stand the test of time.
Ogun Unveils Plan for ₦1bn AI-Driven Digital Classroom at Remo Secondary School
The Ogun State Government has announced plans to deliver a 900-capacity, Artificial Intelligence-enabled digital learning complex at Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, in a move aimed at strengthening technology-based education across the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed activities marking the institution’s 80th anniversary, noting that the proposed facility represents a deliberate investment in modern learning infrastructure designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving, knowledge-driven global economy.
He explained that the digital classroom project complements ongoing smart-education initiatives within the school, which already features a functional resource centre and a state-of-the-art robotics laboratory established to nurture innovation, problem-solving skills, and digital competence among learners.
Reaffirming his commitment to the school’s growth, the governor announced a financial pledge of ₦100m, stating that ₦50m representing half of the amount would be released immediately to kick-start development efforts. He also assured stakeholders that at least one of the outlined projects would be fully executed before the end of his administration.
Abiodun further disclosed that the state government had upgraded the school’s science laboratories, equipping them with modern facilities and teaching tools to ensure safer and more effective practical learning experiences for students.
He added that renovation works had also been completed on both the male and female hostels to improve accommodation standards, enhance security, and promote the overall well-being of boarding students.
Describing Remo Secondary School as a symbol of enduring heritage, the governor said the anniversary celebration went beyond mere commemoration of years of existence, emphasising the institution’s long-standing role in shaping generations of leaders and professionals.
He praised members of the old students’ association for their unwavering support and contributions to the school’s development, stressing that their collective efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to sustaining its legacy of excellence.
According to him, the projects and improvements carried out at the school reflect a strong belief in education as a foundation for future growth, as well as the power of collaboration between government, alumni, and the wider community.
Abiodun also revealed that the institution had been recognised as one of Ogun State’s model schools, urging students to remain focused on their academic pursuits, uphold strong moral values, and continue the tradition of excellence for which the school is known.
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