Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has inaugurated the 4.8-kilometre Phase 1 of the Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road project in Oko Kingdom and other adjoining road networks in Asaba.
Speaking during the ceremony on Friday, the Governor declared that the state had effectively become a “no-go area” for opposition parties due to the visible achievements of his administration across the state.
Oborevwori noted that when he contested the 2023 governorship election, he won in 21 out of the 25 local government areas even before he was tested as Governor. He said the level of development and infrastructure projects executed in almost three years had further strengthened public confidence in his administration.
According to him, the completed Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road will significantly improve transportation for farmers in the area, enabling them to move their farm produce to markets more easily, increase their income and improve rural livelihoods.
The Governor recalled that the terrain around Oko was previously difficult, especially during the rainy season, making it nearly impossible for farmers to transport their produce to markets. Many were forced to travel through neighbouring Anambra State to sell their goods, often at very low prices.
He expressed satisfaction that the road had now been completed, stating that farmers could now move their fresh produce more easily to markets.
Due to the strategic importance of the road, Oborevwori announced that the state government had approved Phase 2 of the project at a cost of ₦16.9 billion. The contract was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited with a completion timeline of 24 months, although the Governor expressed optimism that the contractor could deliver earlier.
Oborevwori also highlighted the Amaechi Agusi and adjoining roads project in Asaba, explaining that the area previously suffered severe erosion and flooding which made the roads almost impassable. He noted that the completed road network and drainage system would improve transportation, support businesses and address flooding challenges.
The Governor added that Delta State was currently witnessing what he described as a “harvest of projects,” listing several recently commissioned developments including projects at University of Delta and Southern Delta University.
He reiterated that his administration remained focused on delivering tangible results rather than making empty promises, stressing that the people of the state could see the impact of government projects.
Oborevwori also assured that more empowerment programmes for youths and women would soon be rolled out under the administration’s MORE Agenda, emphasizing that peace and stability were essential for sustaining development.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms introduced in 2023, noting that the policies had improved the financial capacity of states to execute more development projects.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, explained that the road was constructed above the flood level recorded during the devastating 2012 Nigeria Floods to prevent future disruptions.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Patrick Ukah, disclosed that more than 70 kilometres of roads had been completed or were ongoing within the capital territory.
He also revealed that the long-awaited Asagba Road project in Asaba had been approved by the Governor and construction would commence soon.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Kelvin Ezenyili, commended the Governor for his sustained commitment to infrastructure development, describing the newly commissioned roads as transformational projects that would boost economic activities and improve livelihoods.
Representing the host communities, Palace Secretary to the Asagba of Asaba, Patrick Ndili, and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, Osita I, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the long-awaited project and assured continued support for him and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
