Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reignited the call for the restructuring of Nigeria, emphasizing the need for devolution of powers to state governments to enhance efficiency and foster development.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, made this appeal on Tuesday during a colloquium in Warri, Delta State, marking the 20th anniversary of the Wellmann Group. The event, themed “Coast to Coast X-Ray of the Nigerian Project: What Panacea?” provided a platform to deliberate on Nigeria’s structural challenges and explore viable solutions.
In his keynote address, Oborevwori highlighted the long-standing debate on restructuring, describing it as a crucial step to address Nigeria’s inherent systemic issues.
“Nigeria remains a patchwork of diverse nationalities pieced together by colonial experiences. While we’ve made progress, the gaps in this union continue to grow,” he said.
He argued that empowering states with greater responsibilities—such as managing resources, producing goods, and collecting taxes—would spur competition and development while reducing the Federal Government’s overburdened role.
The governor emphasized that restructuring and constitutional amendments could strengthen the nation’s unity and functionality.
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“Restructuring may not solve all our problems, but it is a critical step toward creating sustainable systems that work for all Nigerians. States must be allowed to develop at their own pace, leveraging their unique comparative advantages,” he stated.
Oborevwori also called for the revival of the 2014 National Conference resolutions as a starting point for renewed national dialogue.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the event, underscored the importance of fostering unity among Nigerians. He expressed concern that divisive rhetoric had overshadowed efforts to build a cohesive national identity.
“The concept of Nigeria as a nation is still evolving. Leaders must focus more on what unites us than on our differences,” Jonathan said.
Renowned speakers at the colloquium, including Ambassador Arakana Chihombori-Quao, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, and Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, proposed strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s economy and position Africa as a global economic powerhouse.
Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, MD/CEO of the Wellmann Group, reflected on the company’s 20-year journey, celebrating its milestones and contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
The event drew a diverse audience, including traditional rulers, industry leaders, and stakeholders across various sectors, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
