Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called for the institutionalisation of a periodic national conference as a practical way to promote inclusive governance and strengthen national unity in Nigeria.

He made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at the 100th anniversary of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a More United Nigeria,” Oborevwori argued that national dialogue should become a regular governance mechanism rather than something convened only during crises.

“One of the most practical pathways towards achieving inclusive governance and strengthening national unity in Nigeria is the institutionalisation of a periodic national conference of stakeholders,” he said.

The governor proposed a recurring national forum that would bring together federal and state governments, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, and private sector representatives.

According to him, such a platform would help review national priorities, address grievances, assess development gaps, prevent conflicts, and rebuild trust among citizens.

He recommended that the conference be backed by legislation, supported by an independent secretariat, and structured around measurable outcomes so that decisions can translate into policy implementation.

Oborevwori used Delta State as an example of inclusive governance, highlighting his administration’s MORE Agenda, Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

He said the agenda has supported infrastructure projects across communities, expanded access to healthcare, and created empowerment programmes for hundreds of thousands of residents.

The governor stressed that development must be balanced geographically and socially, noting that roads, flyovers, hospitals, and diagnostic facilities should serve all groups rather than a few privileged areas.

He also called for political inclusiveness beyond party lines, saying governance should focus on collective progress after elections rather than prolonged partisan divisions.

Oborevwori further linked national cohesion to equitable governance at the grassroots, arguing that citizens are more likely to embrace national identity when they feel included and fairly treated.

He urged the use of education, media, and cultural institutions to build shared national consciousness, warning that divisive narratives could weaken unity.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the centenary celebration of the Yoruba Tennis Club as an important milestone in Nigeria’s civic history.

Founded in 1926, the Yoruba Tennis Club has long served as a platform for elite discussions on governance, policy, and national development.