Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed the commitment of the state government towards ensuring sustainable housing that does not come at the expense of the environment.
The Governor made the pledge on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the Delta State chapter of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations Annual General Meeting (AGM)/ Public Lecture 2025 held in the Multi-purpose Hall, Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori who was Special Guest of honour at the event, was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza.
While acknowledging that the theme of this year’s lecture “Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Housing Development in Delta State” was both timely and urgent, Oborevwori said that Housing was more than just shelter, but about creating sustainable communities that improve lives while protecting the environment for future generations.
He said: “Delta State, like many others, is grappling with rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. The demand for affordable housing continues to rise, driven by population growth and migration. However, unchecked development, poor waste management, flooding and deforestation threaten our ecological balance.”
While pointing out the imperative of ensuring that environmental sustainability is embedded in housing development, the Governor said failing to do so risks biodiversity loss, health hazards and increased vulnerability to climate change.
“Our administration is committed to sustainable housing that does not come at the expense of our environment. Key steps include: promoting green housing, urban planning and smart growth, flood control and climate resilience.
“We are also fostering partnerships with private developers to build eco-friendly, affordable housing. Engaging communities, professional bodies like the NIPR, civil society organisations, and the private sector is essential in driving this agenda forward,” Governor Oborevwori said.
He continued: “NIPR plays a vital role in shaping public perception. Together we can raise awareness on sustainable housing, advocate for responsible construction and promote corporate social responsibility.
“Environmental Stewardship is not optional; it is critical for the future of Delta State. As we grow, we must balance development with environmental protection. Together, let us build a Delta State where progress and sustainability go hand-in- hand,” the Governor said.
Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, Chairman , NIPR Delta State chapter, appreciated guests and participants in his welcome address, and while noting that the need for adequate housing for people is crucial because of its direct impacts to people’s well-being and quality of life, emphasized that NIPR as an institute, can engender the conversation that will offer solutions on how best to turn the curve on housing development in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration which is anchored on an innovative approach to sustainable housing and environmental responsibility in Delta State and Nigeria.
Chairman of the occasion, Pharm. (Dr) Paul Enebeli who said that the NIPR topic was apt, observed that Asaba was one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria.
Pharm Enebeli said: “There’s a need to plan Asaba and make Asaba eco-friendly. There’s a need to get a better briefing to make Asaba stand on a greater pedestal for the new Asaba to emerge.”
The lecture was delivered by Mr. Reginald Bayoko, Mni, Head of Service, Delta State said among many other things that housing development was more than just constructing buildings – “it is about creating livable, functional and environmentally friendly communities that cater to present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.”
Bayoko proposed that as the Government and private sector strive to bridge the housing deficit, there’s an urgent need to ensure that housing policies, land use planning, and urban development frameworks align with environmental Stewardship principles.
The Annual Lecture programme equally featured a panel discussion /interactive session, titled: Innovative Tactics for Sustainable Housing Development, with Thelma Okoh, Principal Consultant, Winstarbel Communications Ltd and also an NIPR Council member, Surveyor Michael Mbagwu, Principal Consultant, Mike Mbagwu Consulting and Engr. Philip Ugbomah Chukwumah, Chairman, CPU Construction LLT Nig. Ltd and Executive Assistant, Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Audit to the Delta State Governor, as discussants, amongst others.
The event was also attended by Chief. Patrick Ukah, DG, Asaba Capital Territory, Barr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, DG Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, SP Bright Edafe who represented the Delta State Commissioner of Police, as well as representatives of the President and Chairman, Governing Council, NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku and DESOPADEC amongst others.
The highlight of the well coordinated event was the presentation of a large portrait photograph to the Guest Lecturer and Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, in recognition of his considerable contributions to NIPR Delta Chapter and appreciation for his meritorious service to the people of Delta State, as he exits from the State Civil Service at the very pinnacle of his career, after 35 years of sterling exemplary stewardship, on March 29, 2025.
