Delta declared off-limits to opposing political groups, says Oborevwori

Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has asserted that Delta has become a no-go area for opposition political parties due to the visible achievements of his administration across the state, with the inauguration of the 4.8-kilometre Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road in Oko Kingdom and other network of roads in Asaba, both in Oshimili South Local Government Area, serving as a testament to this claim.

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The governor made this declaration on Friday, during the inauguration ceremony, where he stated that his administration's extensive infrastructure development had strengthened public confidence in government and positioned the state for continued political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Oborevwori noted that when he contested the 2023 election, he won in 21 out of the 25 local government areas, and with the level of development and projects delivered in almost three years, Delta State has become a no-go area for other political parties, as he stated: “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.

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He emphasized that his APC-led administration remained committed to delivering impactful projects that directly improve the lives of the people, adding that the road projects commissioned were strategic in boosting economic activities and improving connectivity between communities, with the Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road being a prime example.

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The governor 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 reducing poverty and enhancing rural livelihoods, as it would provide a vital link between the communities.

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Oborevwori 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, and many farmers were forced to travel through neighbouring Anambra State to sell their produce, often disposing them at giveaway prices.

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He expressed his happiness that the road had been completed, stating: “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,” and added that the state government had already approved Phase Two of the project at a cost of ₦16.9 billion.

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The contractor, Setraco Nigeria Limited, is expected to complete the work within 24 months, although Oborevwori expressed optimism that the contractor would complete the project earlier than scheduled, given the importance of the road to the local economy.

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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 that made the roads almost impassable, but the completed road network and drainage system would now improve transportation, support businesses and address flooding challenges in the area.

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Oborevwori noted that Delta State was currently witnessing what he described as “harvest of projects,” with numerous completed and ongoing developments across the state, including the Government Technical College in Omadino and new faculty buildings at the University of Delta, Agbor, and the Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

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He listed several recently commissioned projects, adding that more projects were lined up for commissioning in the coming weeks, and stated that his administration’s focus remained on delivering results rather than making empty promises, as he said: “As I always say, we are working.

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Oborevwori 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 key to sustaining development in the state, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms introduced in 2023.

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He noted that the policies had improved the financial capacity of states to undertake more development projects, and earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the newly constructed Oko road was built above the flood level recorded during the devastating 2012 flood to prevent future disruptions.

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Izeze noted that residents of the community had already expressed overwhelming appreciation for the project and pledged their continued support ahead of 2027 general elections, and the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, disclosed that over 70 kilometres of roads had been completed and ongoing within the capital territory.

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Ukah announced that the long-awaited Asagba Road project in Asaba had been approved by the governor and construction would commence soon, and also stated that about 50 kilometres of roads were executed directly by his agency alongside more than 20 kilometres of drainage works.

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Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili, commended Oborevwori for his sustained commitment to infrastructure development, describing the newly commissioned roads as transformational projects that would boost economic growth and improve livelihoods, and noted that communities within the area had previously struggled with poor access roads.

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Palace Secretary to the Asagba of Asaba, Chief Patrick Ndili, and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRH Osita I, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the project, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that would open up the community for greater development, and assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Oshimili South ahead of 2027.