FROM PROMISE TO PROGRESS: Sheriff Oborevwori’s Legacy In Motion

On May 29, 2023, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori was sworn in as the fifth civilian governor of Delta State, Nigeria, following a decisive victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election. 

The emergence of Sheriff Oborevwori reminded us that God does not follow trends. He sets them. That true leadership is not always found in the obvious. That sometimes, the one who carries the mantle is not the one the world expects, but the one heaven approves.

His ascension to the governorship marked a historic milestone as the first Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly to become governor.

With his MORE Agenda, Governor Oborevwori promised to build a Delta State that works for all through inclusive development, infrastructure growth, and human capital empowerment. As his administration reaches the two-year mark, it is necessary to look at his midterm performance:

1. Infrastructure Development: Bridging Gaps, Connecting Communities

One of the most visible and commendable aspects of the Oborevwori administration is its sustained focus on infrastructure development across urban and rural areas. Roads, bridges, and drainage systems have been constructed, rehabilitated, and ready for commissioning across the state, including previously neglected riverine communities.

Key projects include:

• The ongoing multi-billion-naira Trans-Warri-Ode-Itsekiri Road and Bridges, linking several riverine communities and unlocking economic activities in those riverine communities.

• Construction of the 18.17km Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene Road, with accompanying township roads and drainage systems.

• Rehabilitation of the 26.61km Bomadi-Gbaregolor Road and the 26.34km Ohoro-Bomadi Road, improving access within Delta's central and southern flanks.

• Ayakoromo Bridge, Beneku Bridge, and Orere Bridge projects have either been completed or are nearing completion, providing vital connections across difficult terrains.

• The Asaba-Ughelli Highway is nearing completion. It will serve as a vital economic artery, linking Warri port to the Onitsha commercial centre. 

• Additional projects, includes the Ishiagu-Ewulu Road and Bridge, Olomoro-Igbide Road, Otolokpo to Boji-Boji Owa Road, Akumazi-Owere-Olubor Road, and Obi-Ibabu Road, and rehabilitation of Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads in Warri. Erosion control in Warri and environ, Owa-Alero among others.

• Over 500 roads covering more than 1,500 kilometers and 933 kilometers of drains have been executed within two years.

This infrastructural push demonstrates the governor’s commitment to inclusive development and rural integration.

2. Economic Growth: Towards a Resilient Economy

Delta State has maintained its position among the top four economies in Nigeria, driven by targeted policies in agriculture, SMEs, and infrastructure.

• Through initiatives like D-CARES and R-YSA, more than 250,000 youths and women have been empowered with skills, tools, and grants.

• MSMEs are supported through grants, training, and access to markets, contributing to poverty reduction and increased economic activity.

3. Education: Commitment to Human Capital Development

Governor Oborevwori has sustained investments in education, recognizing it as the bedrock of development. In the education sector, over 200 schools have been renovated, and facilities upgraded at the State Universities and other tertiary institutions. His administration has:

• Maintained regular payment of staff salaries and subventions to tertiary institutions.

• Supported infrastructure upgrades and laboratory facilities in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

• Expanded access to education through scholarships and bursaries.

• Promoted technical and vocational education to align with job market realities.

• Engaged private stakeholders to invest in educational infrastructure.

4. Healthcare Delivery: Expanding Access and Quality

Health sector reforms under Oborevwori have focused on improved access, especially in hard-to-reach riverine communities:

• Primary Healthcare Centers have been refurbished, equipped, and expanded.

• Strategic investment in Asaba Specialist Hospital, Warri Central Hospital, and DELSUTH Oghara has ensured the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment services.

• The Delta Contributory Health Commission continues to cover thousands of children under five and pregnant women, improving maternal and child health outcomes.

• Emergency response and rural medical outreach have also improved.

5. Empowering People and Building Capacity

• Empowerment programs such as the Delta CARES Program have supported over 50,000 small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers with grants and training.

6. Peace, Security, and Maritime Development: Safeguarding Lives and Assets

Delta State’s geographical challenges, spanning rivers, creeks, and coastal boundaries, have made security a key priority.

• Governor Oborevwori has revamped the waterways security architecture, equipping local security personnel and supporting national security agencies with logistics.

• Regular State Security Council meetings ensure coordination and response readiness.

• The creation of a Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure Development further institutionalises the state’s commitment to riverine development and peace.

7. Housing and Urban Renewal: Building for the Future

The administration launched a  housing scheme aimed at building 50 housing units in each of the 25 LGAs. The project has commenced with pilot schemes in Ozoro, Owa-Oyibu, and Kwale, which targets civil servants and low-income earners.

Urban renewal projects, improved street lighting, and beautification efforts have also enhanced the aesthetics and safety of urban centres, especially in Asaba and Warri, .

8. Governance and Transparency: Prudence as a Guiding Principle

Over N200 billion has been paid to liquidate the State’s debt stock. In May, official data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) provided clarity on the status of indebtedness by Delta State. From an intimidating sum of N465 billion, Delta State’s debt profile has now dropped to N199.575 billion, thus making it the biggest debt reduction among the 36 states of the federation. What that translates into is that under the watch of Governor Oborevwori in 24 months, the State has repaid N265.425 billion. And that means over 50 per cent has been paid with only about 42.79 percent of the debt now left.

This is an eloquent testimony to Oborevwori’s fiscal discipline and financial engineering prowess. Of course, critics have argued that revenue of the State has tripled because of the policy of the removal of fuel subsidy and a deregulated exchange rate but they have forgotten that so also has the the cost of projects gone up and the minimum wage that is now above N70,000 and most importantly his refusal to obtain fresh loans while still executing many capital projects.

The Governor has also completed most inherited projects and initiated of new ones, all funded without external borrowing. His commitment to fiscal discipline has not hindered development but has instead enabled strategic investments across infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Oborevwori government has:

• Maintained the prompt payment of salaries and allowances to the State workforce.

• Sustained prompt payment for ongoing projects.

• Avoided new debt accruals.

• Strengthened the public service through training and digitization.

• Ensured accountability and transparency in public finance.

9. Political Strategy and Vision

The defection of Governor Oborevwori and other PDP members to the APC was a strategic move aimed at safeguarding Delta State’s development amid the PDP’s internal crisis. With a weakened national leadership and post-2023 election conflicts, the PDP’s capacity to support State-level progress diminished.

Oborevwori’s switch was not an act of political opportunism but a pragmatic decision to align with a platform better positioned to sustain his administration’s momentum.

10. Upcoming Milestones

In celebration of his second anniversary, several key projects are slated for commissioning, including:

• Beneku Bridge

• Ishiagu-Ewulu Road and Bridge

• Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads, Warri

• Okpanam Erosion Control Project

• Olomoro-Igbide Road

• Otolokpo to Boji-Boji Owa Road

• Akumazi-Owere-Olubor Road

• Obi-Ibabu Road

• Warri-Effurun Urban Renewal Project (Phase 1)

• Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass

These projects highlight the administration’s focus on connectivity, urban renewal, and environmental resilience.

11. Conclusion: A Steady Hand on the Plough

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s two years in office reflect measured, impactful, and inclusive governance. His administration has prioritized practical projects over populist rhetoric, delivering on the promise of “MORE” across key sectors. As he enters the second half of his tenure, the focus should be on consolidating gains, scaling innovations, and driving deeper economic transformation.

Delta State stands today on the foundation of stability, growth, and hope, thanks to a government that listens, acts, and delivers. The best may yet be to come, but the past two years already offer a scorecard worthy of commendation.

As the governor moves into the second half of his term, sustaining momentum, addressing rural needs, and enhancing communication will be critical to fulfilling his vision of a greater Delta State. His administration’s ability to navigate these challenges while building on its achievements will determine the legacy of the “new Sheriff in town.” With continued support from Deltans and strategic policy execution, Oborevwori has the potential to deliver a transformative tenure that aligns with his promise of a Delta State where everyone can thrive.