Inaugurates Multiple Roads in Oko, Asaba, Awards Phase Two of Oko Road Project for ₦16.9bn
By Chibuzor Kingsley
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday declared that Delta State has effectively become a no-go area for opposition political parties following the visible achievements of his administration across the state.
The governor made the declaration during the inauguration of the 4.8-kilometre Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road in Oko Kingdom and the commissioning of other network of roads in Asaba, all within Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori said the extensive infrastructure development recorded under his administration had strengthened public confidence in government and positioned the state for continued political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, his performance in office had further consolidated the electoral support he received during the 2023 governorship election.
“When I contested the 2023 election, I won in 21 out of the 25 local government areas even when I was not yet a governor. With the level of development and projects we have delivered in almost three years, Delta State has become a no-go area for other political parties,” he said.
The governor said his APC-led administration remained committed to delivering impactful projects that directly improve the lives of the people, noting that the road projects commissioned were strategic in boosting economic activities and improving connectivity between communities.
Oborevwori explained that the Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road would significantly improve transportation for farmers in the area, enabling them to move their produce to markets more efficiently while enhancing rural livelihoods.
He recalled that in the past, the terrain around Oko was extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season, making it almost impossible for farmers to transport their produce to markets.
According to him, many farmers were forced to travel through neighbouring Anambra State to sell their produce, often disposing of them at giveaway prices because of the challenges involved in transporting them back.
“Today, I am happy that we have completed this road. Farmers can now transport their fresh produce easily to markets, increasing their income and improving their standard of living,” the governor said.
Oborevwori added that due to the strategic importance of the road, the state government had approved Phase Two of the project at a cost of ₦16.9 billion, with the contractor, Setraco Nigeria Limited, expected to complete the work within 24 months.
He, however, expressed optimism that the contractor would complete the project ahead of schedule.
The governor also highlighted the significance of the Amaechi Agusi and adjoining roads project in Asaba, noting that the area had previously suffered severe erosion and flooding which made the roads almost impassable.
According to him, the newly completed road network and drainage system would improve transportation, support businesses and effectively address flooding challenges in the area.
Oborevwori said Delta State was currently witnessing what he described as a “harvest of projects,” with several completed and ongoing developments across the state.
He listed some recently commissioned projects to include the Government Technical College in Omadino and new faculty buildings at the University of Delta, Agbor, as well as Southern Delta University, Ozoro, adding that more projects would be commissioned in the coming weeks.
The governor reiterated that his administration remained focused on delivering results rather than making empty promises.
“As I always say, we are working. When you come to Delta State, you will see the evidence of what we are doing. Governance is about performance, and the people can clearly see our report card,” he said.
Oborevwori also assured that more empowerment programmes for youths and women would soon be rolled out under the administration’s MORE Agenda, stressing that peace and stability remained essential for sustained development in the state.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms introduced in 2023, noting that the policies had improved the financial capacity of states to undertake more development projects.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the newly constructed Oko road was deliberately built above the flood level recorded during the devastating 2012 flood to prevent future disruptions.
He noted that residents of the community had already expressed overwhelming appreciation for the project and pledged their continued support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA), Chief Patrick Ukah, disclosed that over 70 kilometres of roads had been completed and were ongoing within the capital territory, including about 50 kilometres executed directly by the agency alongside more than 20 kilometres of drainage works.
Ukah also announced that the long-awaited Asagba Road project in Asaba had been approved by the governor and that construction would commence soon.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili, commended the governor for his sustained commitment to infrastructure development, describing the newly commissioned roads as transformational projects that would boost economic growth and improve livelihoods.
He noted that communities in the area had previously struggled with poor access roads that hindered business activities and the transportation of farm produce.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the Palace Secretary to the Asagba of Asaba, Chief Patrick Ndili, and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRH Osita I, expressed appreciation to the governor for the project, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that would open up the community for greater development.
They assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Oshimili South ahead of the 2027 general elections and also reaffirmed their support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.