DELTA GOVERNOR, OBOREVWORI: WALKING THE TALK

By Christopher Odamah

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, is demonstrating a steadfast commitment to his M.O.R.E agenda, an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. This commitment has been evident in his actions and policies since he assumed office six months ago.

During his election campaign, Oborevwori made several promises to the people of Delta State. He assured them that he would not only continue the projects initiated by his predecessor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, but also introduce new initiatives aimed at advancing the state. Today, he is fulfilling these promises, thereby showing that he is a man of his word.

On September 7, 2023, the governor demonstrated his commitment to ‘walk the talk’ by inaugurating several multi-billion naira projects. These include 500 and double 250-seater auditoriums, a faculty building, and the furnishing of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba. These projects, initiated by the previous administration, are a testament to Oborevwori’s promise to continue the good work of his predecessor.

In addition to these, the governor also launched the construction of 29 roads with 31.45Km line drains around Madonna College road in Asaba and Okpanam areas of Oshimili South and North Local Government Councils. He also initiated the construction of an access road to the Federal Housing Estate, Ugboroke in Uvwie Local Government Council of the State.

Governance, as Oborevwori understands it, is a continuum. It is the duty of every successive administration to continue to put the resources of the state to good use by completing projects initiated by their predecessors. This, he believes, is for the collective good and general wellbeing of the people.

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In line with his M.O.R.E agenda, the governor approved the payment of N5.522bn promotion arrears for civil servants. He also approved the recruitment of over 2500 teaching and non-teaching staff in 22 out of the state’s 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This move is aimed at reducing the unemployment rate among Deltans.

In a bid to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on students, Oborevwori approved a 25% reduction in fees payable in the state’s four universities. He also facilitated and guaranteed a N40bn pensions payment to LGA pensioners. His administration is also overseeing the ongoing construction of the phase 2 of the Orhere-Agbarho-Otokutu link road which includes a bridge across the Otokutu river.

Oborevwori’s administration has also embarked on emergency repair works at PTI junction inward Osubi and has provided a 500KVA Transformer for residents of First Marine Gate in Warri. His administration has also approved and commenced the reconstruction of Uti road, Effurun, and is overseeing the ongoing transformation of Oleh Roundabout on Sector A of Ughelli – Asaba Road.

In a move that underscores his commitment to law and order, the governor issued an executive order for the evacuation of the illegal market at Otovwodo. He also issued another executive order for the demolition of illegal structures that are blocking water channels. His administration is also overseeing the reconstruction of the collapsed Umeh bridge and the ongoing construction of Orere-Ewu bridge at Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

In a bid to tackle flooding in Warri, Uvwie, and environs, Oborevwori’s administration is desilting blocked drainage and gutters. His administration is also overseeing the ongoing construction of Kwale-Beneku bridge, and has approved and commenced the construction of Ohorhe-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete road with a spur from Adagbrasa to Ughwagba community to Okan junction along the Eku-Osubi-Effurun Road in Okpe Local Government Area.

The governor has also approved and commenced the reconstruction of Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads in Warri. His administration has approved and commenced the rehabilitation of Esisi Road from Warri Sapele Road to Estate roundabout with a spur to Nana College to link Ajamimogha. In addition, his administration has approved and commenced the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the failed sections of PTI Road in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

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Oborevwori’s administration has also approved and commenced the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Oviri Court-Adagbrasa Road in Okpe Local Government Area. His administration has approved the construction of roads around Otovwodo junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area and has approved the construction of Nsukwa-Umute-Adonte Road Phase 1 from Nsukwa to Umute in Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The governor has also approved remedial works for the failed approach to the bridge at Bedesegba along Ohoror-Bomadi Road in Bomadi Local Government Area. His administration has approved the installation of all-in-one LED solar powered street lights along NPA – DSC Expressway and its environs in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.

In addition, Oborevwori has approved the payment of the 2023 counterpart fund for the Universal Basic Education Programme and for the organisation/hosting of the 7th Edition of the National Youth Games in the state. His administration is overseeing the ongoing construction of the Isoko and Ogwashi-Uku sections of the Asaba-Ughelli Highway, the ongoing completion of Ishiagu bridge, and the ongoing completion of the New High Court Complex at Asaba.

In line with his pre-election, election, and post-election commitments, Oborevwori is demonstrating that he is a governor who has the interest of the people at heart. This is why the people of Delta State can sleep with both eyes closed, knowing that they have a governor who is fully committed to their welfare.

On November 27, 2023, Oborevwori flagged off a N78bn project for the construction of three flyovers, a cloverleaf, road expansion, and pedestrian bridges in the Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state. This project, which was awarded to the German company, Julius Berger PLC, is aimed at giving the metropolises a facelift.

The South-South Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, recently paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Asaba. During the visit, Orbih described Oborevwori as a “shining example of what leadership is all about”.

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Governor Oborevwori is walking the talk. He started his tenure on a sound footing and came prepared to deliver his M.O.R.E Agenda aimed at advancing Delta State. Delta State is peaceful and safe for investment, and its governor is ready to listen more, do more, and achieve more for the people of the state.

Christopher Odamah is Special Assistant (SA) on Media to Delta State Governor.