GOVERNOR OBOREVWORI: Paving Delta State’s Future, One Road at a Time

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has made significant strides in transforming Delta State since assuming office on May 29, 2023. Committed to the state’s development, he is building on the achievements of his predecessors and improving the lives of Deltans. His administration has embarked on impactful projects across all local government areas, ensuring development reaches every corner of the state.

This essay is a comprehensive compilation of this administration’s projects, both completed and ongoing, across Delta State.

A key project for socio-economic development, particularly in Ndokwa East, is the multi-billion Naira Kwale-Beneku Bridge, linking Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East LGAs. Since Governor Oborevwori took office, the bridge has progressed rapidly and is now approximately 99 percent complete, much to the delight of neighboring communities who will no longer rely on canoes, boats, or pontoons for transportation. The completion of the Isheagu-Ewulu Road and Bridge, including the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, also stands as a testament to Oborevwori’s determination to do MORE for the state.

Notably, Oborevwori commissioned a series of connecting roads in Asaba to mark his first 100 days in office. The roads—29 in total, featuring drainage systems on both sides—were initiated by Senator Okowa and completed under Oborevwori’s administration, including the key road leading to the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council. Additionally, the administration recently completed the Ugbolu-Onwuka Road and Ogbotobor Avenue in Oshimili South Local Government Area, while rehabilitation continues on Gerald Onianwa Crescent, Odigwe Juwah Avenue, Ify Okeke Street, Nkem Okwuofu Street, Victor Anene Street, and MBA Road, all in Asaba. The High Court building complex in Asaba has also been completed and inaugurated during Governor Oborevwori’s tenure.

The Governor has approved contracts for the construction of Okey and Iyke Oputa Street in Aboh, and the Issele-Azagba-Otulu Road in Aniocha North and South LGAs—projects aimed at transforming these areas. Additionally, approval has been granted for constructing internal roads at the headquarters of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Ibusa, and for building Aziken Avenue and roads in the DDPA Low-Cost Housing Estate, Boji-Boji, Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area.

The administration has also reached out to Dennis Osadebey University in Anwai, commissioning multiple projects, including ultra-modern auditoriums and lecture theatres as part of his first 100 days in office. The management and students of the institution expressed appreciation for the Governor’s empathy and concern for their welfare.

The state government has also approved the construction of the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road Phase 1 and the Eweshi-Utagba-Uno Road, both in Ndokwa West Local Government Area. Similarly, the State Executive Council approved the construction of Odoziobodo/Aninta Street, off Ezenei Avenue, in Oshimili South LGA. Construction of Ofuegbe Street in Amai, Ukwuani Local Government Area, is also underway.

In addition to the three flyover bridges being constructed by Julius Berger around the Effurun and Warri axis, Governor Oborevwori has shown his commitment to restoring Warri, the "Oil City," to its former glory. The twin cities of Warri and Effurun, along with neighboring communities that have long suffered from infrastructural decay and frequent flooding, are receiving significant attention.

To revitalize these cities through urban renewal initiatives and new infrastructure, numerous roads in Warri have been transformed, including the completed Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads, Gabriel Mabiaku Road, and Esisi Road to Estate Roundabout, with a spur to Nana College connecting Ajamimogha.

While the immediate past administration awarded the rehabilitation of the Warri Township Stadium, Governor Oborevwori found the contractors lacked the capacity to meet project specifications after visiting the site twice. Consequently, he reassigned the project to the construction giant Julius Berger Plc for timely and effective completion.

The Governor has also focused on the Trans-Warri Road and bridges, a project immensely beneficial to the people but long left incomplete. Recently, history was made when Governor Oborevwori and His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, traveled together by road to Ode-Itsekiri, the traditional headquarters of the Iwere nation, for the first time.

Governor Oborevwori has completed and commissioned several projects at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro. During his first 100 days, he inaugurated the completed Administrative Building and living quarters for the University’s principal officers, along with internal roads on campus. The construction of the College of Medical and Health Sciences building has also commenced. Approval has also been granted for establishing the College of Health Technology in Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government Area.

The Governor’s focus on road infrastructure continues with the recent commissioning of the first phase of the Emevor-Orogun Road. Other completed road projects include the Enwhe-Olomoro Road and Enhwe Internal Roads, while ongoing work includes the Enhwe-Uwheru Road and the reconstruction of the 24km Isoko Ring Road, covering Ellu, Ovrode, Ofagbe, Orie-Irri, Okpe-Isoko, Uro-Irri, and Ada-Irri roads in Isoko North and South LGAs.

Work is also advancing on the Isoko section of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway. The Governor has ensured that the project proceeds unhindered by making prompt payments to contractors to keep them on site throughout the year. Other approved projects include the construction of the Olomoro-Igbide Road, Emevor-Ivrogbo-Orogun Road Phase 2, and the Otekpo Road in Ellu.

The state government has completed remedial works on the failed approach to the bridge at Bedesegba along Ohoror-Bomadi Road in Bomadi Local Government Area. Approval has also been granted for reconstructing Ohoror-Bomadi Road, Ekeye-Ovedhe Close in Okumagba Layout, Warri, internal roads and drains in Kurutie, and rehabilitating Odimodi and Ogulagha roads in Burutu Local Government Area. Construction of a rigid concrete pavement for Stadium Road in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, is also underway. Work is progressing on constructing Oloma/Eyewuoma internal roads at Koko Beach and the Ogbogudu community road in Egbema, Warri North Local Government Area. Other projects include the construction of Uduophori Secondary Commercial School Road in Patani Local Government Area. Internal roads in Kiagbodo Phase 1 and the rehabilitation of Odimodi/Okonto/Ogulaha Road in Burutu Local Government Area have been approved for construction.

Sapele metropolis has seen significant focus on infrastructure, with over 16 kilometers of roads with drainage currently under construction. These projects include the reconstruction of Major Bowen Road from Okpe Road to New Ogorode Road, the construction of Benin Road from Green Egbedi Road at Olympia to Abeke Road, and the construction of Uko Road from Benin Road through Otuedor Road to Ugberikoko Road. Other projects include the construction of Obule School Road from Orodje Grammar School to Okirigbagha by the Okirigwe Police Station, Alegbe Road from Abeke Road to New Ogorode Road, and the extension of Hausa Road from Ogodo Road to Commercial Avenue, among others.

Additional rehabilitation efforts in Sapele include the Old Sapele-Warri Road from Amukpe Junction to Ikwewu Community, with a spur to Austin Ayemidejor Close, and the overlay of Okirighwre-Benin Road from Sapele-Warri Road to Gammon Bridge. Roads such as Orhorhor, Chechester, and Benjamin Oseregbaje are also undergoing reconstruction.

Despite these significant infrastructural strides in Sapele, a protest by a skit maker over road conditions recently drew negative attention to the area. While he has the right to protest and demand government intervention, it was unfortunate that some bloggers falsely linked Oborevwori and the state government to his alleged arrest. The Oborevwori administration values public feedback and firmly opposes any attempt to silence dissent. Therefore, the administration categorically dissociates itself from the skit maker’s arrest and any related actions.

The state government has approved the construction of several new roads to alleviate traffic congestion around the popular Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli. These projects include constructing Uduere Road, Okogbe Road, Oyakemeagbegha Street, Ohre Street, and Edo Road. Additionally, the Okan Junction to Agbarho road has received attention to ease traffic around the PTI Junction, Effurun Roundabout, and DSC Roundabout, with flyover construction underway. In the Okpe axis, several roads have been completed, while others are at various stages of completion, including the dualization of Ezesi Road in Orerokpe, Orerokpe-Okulohor-Oviri Road, Ugolo Road, and Ohorhe-Adagbrasa-Ugolo Road.

The construction of the main access road to the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; the construction of Sokoh Estate Road and Okito Street off Airport Road, Effurun, in Uwvie Local Government Area; the rehabilitation of Ekakpamre/Ekrokpe/Usiefrun and Orhuwhorun Road; and the construction of Bezi Road off College Road in Aladja are also underway.

Governor Oborevwori's administration has undoubtedly made notable progress in a short time, leaving a lasting impact across Delta State. His focus on infrastructure, education, and community development is clear, and his commitment to ensuring that development reaches every part of the state remains unwavering.