‘Without Divine Intervention, I Wouldn’t Be Here’ – Isoko South Boss Says at End of Year Thanksgiving

Friday Ovoke Warri, Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area in Delta State, described his rise to political office as an act of divine intervention, stating that the least “we can offer to God is to praise His name.”

Warri stated this on Monday when he led council staffers, appointees, political class and residents to a thanksgiving service to mark the end of year 2025, with fervent praises and heartfelt prayers and supplications to God Almighty.

The event which was held at the council secretariat, Oleh, headquarters of the council witnessed the presence of several esteemed gospel vocalists contributing to the chorus of praise and worship leaving the atmosphere filled with a profound sense of unity and optimism.

Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Abigail Warri, the council chairman expressed gratitude for divine guidance and pledged to foster unity and prosperity within the local government area. He attributed the achievements of the 2025 administration to God’s benevolence, emphasizing that perseverance is essential to overcoming challenges.

Warri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uniting the local government, alleviating poverty, and advocating for the local government’s interests and expressed gratitude to the executive governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori for his support and reiterated his resolve to enhance initiatives that will further the state government’s Renewed Hope for More agenda at the local level.

The council chairman stated, ‘In the forthcoming years, we will undertake initiatives that will enhance our lives.’ and based his address on Exodus 15:11, which contains a powerful declaration from the song of Moses, highlighting God’s unparalleled greatness, holiness, and miraculous power, as it rhetorically asks, ‘Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?’

“Without divine intervention, I wouldn’t be here today. While some individuals may take certain things to bed, they may not necessarily wake up to take medication. The least we can offer to God is to praise His name.

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“Annually, in December, since taking office as council chairman, we designate a specific day to express gratitude to God for our collective well-being throughout the year. In addition to our monthly praise sessions held every last Friday, we also allocate a special day in December to offer thanks and praise to God at the end of the year.” Warri explained.

The council chief took the opportunity to express gratitude to the political class, civil servants, religious leaders, and traditional leaders for their consistent support.

In his sermon, Bishop Benjamin Idume, the pioneer bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)’s Diocese of Ozoro, advised the chairman to maintain steadfastness and seek divine direction in his actions and initiatives.

Drawing from Lamentations 3, the central theme emphasizes the unwavering nature of God’s compassion and faithfulness, as articulated in the passage: ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’

The bishop seized the opportunity to offer prayers for the sons and daughters of Isoko South, including those residing outside the region, that doors of opportunity would be opened. He exhorted, “Let us step into these open doors, for the God of victory is working on behalf of Isoko South.”

The event which was packaged by the Chapel of Light and Power under the auspices of the Isoko South Local Government Council, featured intercessory prayers, music, and special blessings aimed at promoting peace, unity, and prosperity in Isoko South.

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Present at the event were Theresa Ikrike, Vice Chairman of the Council and leader of the legislative arm; Olokor Friday, Chairman of All Progressive Congress in Isoko South; Vincent Egbogbo; Lucky Okperi, a former member of the House of Assembly; Joe Arusi; James Obeuwou; Evans Egbo; and the Odiologbo of Irri, Ovie of Igbide and Aviara Kingdoms.

Others include Revd. John Usiwoma Aruakpor, Bishop of Oleh Diocese, councillors, supervisory councillors, staff members of the Isoko South and party loyalists.

Highlight of the event was a special prayer session for the local government area in anticipation of the forthcoming year 2026.