Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for the establishment of a legally backed, periodic national conference to promote inclusive governance and strengthen unity across Nigeria.
He made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a United Nigeria” during the centenary celebration of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos.
Oborevwori cautioned against treating national dialogue as a temporary response to crises, urging instead a structured and continuous approach. According to him, Nigeria needs to institutionalize regular engagements that bring together key stakeholders from across society.
He explained that such a conference should include representatives from federal and state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society, youth groups, women, and marginalized communities. The aim, he said, is not just discussion but a deliberate review and adjustment of national priorities, especially in areas such as inclusivity, regional development, and fair resource distribution.
The governor proposed that the conference be held every ten years to maintain consistency without overburdening the system. Each session, he added, should focus on critical issues like fiscal federalism, security, youth unemployment, and infrastructure gaps across regions.
Oborevwori also emphasized the importance of implementation, suggesting the creation of a non-partisan body to monitor progress and publish annual reports. He stressed that outcomes from the conference should go beyond recommendations and directly influence legislative and executive actions.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace unity built on fairness, justice, and shared prosperity, encouraging citizens to rise above ethnic, religious, and cultural differences in pursuit of national development.
