Oborevwori Tasks Judges on Integrity, African Youths on Leadership, Innovation

…Reaffirms Commitment to Judiciary, Youth Empowerment as SILB Africa 2026 Opens in Asaba

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged judges and lawyers to uphold integrity, impartiality and the rule of law, while urging African youths to take active roles in leadership and politics to drive sustainable development across the continent.

The governor gave the charge at separate events in Asaba, where he emphasised the importance of an independent judiciary in strengthening democracy and the need for youth participation in governance, innovation and community development.

At the thanksgiving Mass marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Delta State, held at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba, Oborevwori urged judicial officers and legal practitioners to resist undue influence, favouritism and personal interests in the discharge of their duties.

The governor, who took the first Bible reading from Exodus 23:1, 3, 6-8, said the judiciary played a critical role in protecting citizens’ rights, resolving disputes and upholding the rule of law.

He commended judicial officers, members of the Bar and other stakeholders for their dedication and resilience despite the challenges encountered during the previous legal year.

Quoting Micah 6:8, which calls on believers to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God, Oborevwori stressed that the administration of justice required fairness, impartiality, compassion and integrity.

He maintained that justice went beyond the mere application of the law, noting that it must be administered with conscience, fairness and respect for human dignity.

“As we begin the new Legal Year, I urge judicial officers and legal practitioners to remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of their profession. Let justice be administered impartially and expeditiously. Let integrity remain the foundation of our conduct, and let the rule of law prevail over influence, favouritism or personal interest,” he said.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through the provision of infrastructure, improved welfare and an enabling environment for effective justice delivery.

He described a strong, independent and effective judiciary as essential to peace, security and sustainable development, emphasising its constitutional responsibility to check the other arms of government.

The governor also prayed for wisdom and courage for judges, integrity and professionalism for lawyers, and patience and compassion for all those involved in the administration of justice.

In his homily, Bishop Elue stressed the need for fairness, transparency and accountability in the administration of justice, describing the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy with the responsibility to hold government accountable, protect citizens’ rights and ensure compliance with the Constitution.

Citing Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Centesimus Annus, the cleric said authentic democracy could only thrive under the rule of law and a firm foundation of moral values.

He called for transparency in judicial proceedings, insisting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.

The bishop cautioned that the misconduct of a few judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the entire judiciary, urging judges and lawyers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

At another event, the governor called on African youths to take an active interest in leadership and politics, stressing that their participation was crucial to shaping the continent’s future.

Oborevwori spoke while declaring open the fifth edition of the Social Innovation and Leadership Bootcamp (SILB) Africa 2026, themed “Architects of Change,” at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

Represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, the governor urged young people to move beyond complaints about governance and become actively involved in the political process to drive meaningful change in their communities and countries.

He said effective leadership demanded courage, service, commitment and the ability to translate ideas into practical solutions to societal challenges.

According to him, Africa needs young people who can innovate, create opportunities, build sustainable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to community development.

The governor noted that the bootcamp aligned with his administration’s MORE Agenda, particularly its commitment to youth empowerment through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and technological innovation.

He cited the activities of the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, and the Delta State Innovation Hub as initiatives designed to equip young people with practical skills and opportunities for economic independence.

Oborevwori also referenced targeted training programmes, including a recent workshop on electric vehicles for young Deltans, as part of efforts to prepare youths for emerging industries and evolving economic opportunities.

He commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mentoring and Development, Elvis Akpobi, alongside the organisers, mentors, facilitators and partners, for investing in the development of emerging African leaders.

Earlier, Akpobi explained that the bootcamp was designed to equip young people with the leadership skills, knowledge and exposure needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and the progress of the African continent.

He disclosed that about 50 international delegates were participating in the fifth edition of the programme in Asaba, stressing the need to expand opportunities for young people to participate actively in governance and policymaking.

Akpobi also commended Oborevwori for supporting youth-focused initiatives under the MORE Agenda, noting that the governor’s commitment to youth development went beyond rhetoric.

Speaking with journalists, Barr. Eugene Uzum said sustainable good governance depended largely on the ability of leaders and other critical stakeholders to recognise the role of young people in nation-building.

He described the bootcamp as an initiative aimed at nurturing a patriotic generation of young Africans capable of taking responsibility for the continent’s future.

Similarly, the founder of Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal, emphasised the need to sustain youth participation in politics and governance, describing leadership training as essential to preparing young Africans for future leadership responsibilities.

The two events highlighted the importance of ethical leadership, institutional accountability and youth empowerment in building a democratic society where the rule of law is respected and young people are equipped to contribute to sustainable development.

While the commencement of the new legal year provided an opportunity to reinforce the judiciary’s responsibility to protect justice and constitutional governance, the SILB Africa 2026 bootcamp underscored the need to prepare a new generation of leaders equipped with the skills, integrity and innovation required to address Africa’s development challenges.