ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated his administration’s determination to create a thriving investment climate as he inspected the ongoing construction of a five-star Hilton Hotel in Asaba on Friday.
The governor, who was received at the site by the hotel’s proprietor, Chief Joseph Ukeji, Chairman of J.I. Ejison Group, and the project’s Technical Manager, Mr. Daniel Marais, described the development as a landmark stride in the state’s tourism and economic growth.
Expressing satisfaction with the standard and pace of work, Oborevwori said the presence of an international brand like Hilton in Asaba was a clear demonstration of confidence in Delta’s investment opportunities. “When the owner of this hotel approached me and said he was bringing a five-star hotel to Asaba, I asked what brand. He said Hilton. I said, ‘Ah, Hilton? That means something big is coming,’” the governor remarked.
He noted that the state government had provided access roads to support the project, stressing that infrastructure investments were key to attracting and sustaining private ventures. According to him, investors continue to find Delta State profitable. “If someone can come from across the Niger and invest billions here, it means there is value. There is nobody who has come to invest in Delta State who hasn’t seen a return on investment,” he stated.
Oborevwori assured that the project, billed for completion within nine months, could be ready earlier based on the pace of work. “From what I have seen today, if they put in more effort, in six or seven months this hotel can be ready. And I will be here to inaugurate it,” he said.
The governor attributed the steady inflow of investments to peace and security in the state, noting that stability remained a catalyst for economic development. “If there’s no peace in Delta, there will be no investment. People are moving here from Lagos to invest. Many from across the Niger own property here because Asaba is safe,” he said.
While commending private sector investment, Oborevwori also highlighted ongoing government projects across the state. He announced that the groundbreaking for the Ugbolu/Okpanam Road would take place next week, while the first phase of the Oko Road had been completed and was set for inauguration, with the second phase commencing soon.
Similarly, the governor disclosed that the Nnebisi Road to Abraka junction project had been awarded and contractors mobilized to site. He added that additional drainage works would be installed along the Abraka axis to enable proper road resurfacing during the dry season.
He further mentioned major projects in other parts of the state, including the Uromi Junction flyover in Agbor and the Otovwodo flyover in Ughelli, stressing that more developments were underway. “This government is about more,” he said. “With our Renewed Hope for More agenda, we are committed to doing much more for Delta State.”
Oborevwori was accompanied on the inspection by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, whom he said had earlier been briefed about the Hilton project. Together, they toured the site, underscoring government’s support for private sector-led growth.
As construction of the Hilton Hotel advances, the project stands as a symbol of Delta’s growing appeal to investors and its emergence as a rising hub for tourism, hospitality, and commerce in Nigeria.
