ASABA/Nigeria: The apex socio-cultural organization of the Ndokwa people, Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, citing his inclusive leadership style, equitable distribution of projects and commitment to the development of all parts of the state.
The endorsement was the highpoint of a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NNU, elders and key stakeholders of Ndokwa Nation to Government House, Asaba, where they commended the governor for what they described as purposeful governance and visible infrastructural development in Ndokwa land and across Delta State.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, President-General of the NNU, Chief Amaechi Asugwuni, said the visit was aimed at expressing appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his numerous interventions in Ndokwa communities and his commitment to fairness in governance.
According to him, the Ndokwa people have continued to enjoy the governor’s goodwill, accessibility and dedication to inclusive development, adding that his administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to improving the welfare of residents across the state.
Asugwuni particularly lauded the completion and handover of the Ndokwa House project, describing it as a historic achievement that would serve as a rallying point for consultation, planning and decision-making for present and future generations of Ndokwa people.
He also praised the completion of the Asaba-Kwale-Ughelli Road, noting that the project has significantly enhanced connectivity between Asaba and Ndokwa communities while providing a strategic alternative route for commuters and businesses.
The NNU President-General further commended Governor Oborevwori’s open-door policy, saying requests for engagement and consultation from the Ndokwa people had consistently received prompt attention.
While expressing gratitude for the developmental strides recorded by the administration, Asugwuni raised concerns over the lingering electricity challenges facing Ndokwa communities and appealed to the governor to facilitate the establishment of the proposed Okpai Step-Down Facility to improve power supply in the area.
He, however, condemned the vandalism of public infrastructure, stressing that such acts undermine development efforts and deprive communities of essential services.
“As a people, we condemn in the strongest possible terms every act of vandalism directed at public infrastructure. We cannot continue to demand development while allowing a few individuals to sabotage facilities meant to improve our lives,” he stated.
Asugwuni apologized for the losses occasioned by the destruction of power facilities and assured the governor that community leaders were intensifying local security measures to safeguard public assets and prevent future occurrences.
He also appealed for the siting of more higher institutions and critical infrastructure projects in Ndokwa land, including key road projects capable of stimulating economic growth and improving connectivity within the area.
The NNU President-General thereafter announced a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Oborevwori on behalf of the National Executive Council of the union and the entire Ndokwa ethnic nationality.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council of Ndokwa Neku Union and the entire Ndokwa ethnic nationality, we unanimously pass a vote of confidence in Your Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in recognition of your exemplary, inclusive and development-oriented leadership,” he declared.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori thanked the people of Ndokwa Nation for their support and confidence in his administration, assuring them that his government would continue to pursue balanced development across all parts of Delta State.
The governor commended the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, for his contributions to governance and described him as a dedicated public servant who has continued to play a vital role in the state’s development.
He also praised Chief Asugwuni for his leadership of the NNU, describing him as passionate, articulate and deeply committed to the progress of the Ndokwa people.
Addressing concerns over electricity supply, Oborevwori acknowledged the challenges facing the area and lamented that repeated acts of vandalism had slowed efforts to restore power to affected communities.
He disclosed that the state government had approved additional funding for ongoing electrification projects and assured that work would soon commence in the affected areas.
The governor added that the state was engaging the Transmission Company of Nigeria and other relevant stakeholders to address the power challenges, while noting that the proposed Okpai Step-Down Facility remained under active consideration.
He commended the Ndokwa Nation for publicly condemning vandalism, stressing that the destruction of public infrastructure often increases project costs and delays development.
On requests for additional higher institutions, Oborevwori noted that Ndokwa Nation already hosts a federal university and advised stakeholders to focus on strengthening existing educational institutions while assuring them that government would continue to support the sector.
The governor further disclosed that several road projects requested by the people had either been approved or were already under construction.
He assured the delegation that Ndokwa people remain adequately represented in his administration, pointing out that they occupy strategic positions, including the offices of the Deputy Governor, Commissioner for Energy and Commissioner for Finance.
Speaking on the political atmosphere ahead of 2027, Oborevwori said the prevailing arrangement in Delta State promotes continuity, stability and inclusiveness, adding that his administration remains focused on delivering projects rather than engaging in unnecessary publicity.
Reaffirming his commitment to equitable governance, the governor declared: “What I do for Ndokwa, I will do for Isoko, Ijaw, Urhobo, Anioma and every other part of the state. The evidence is visible across Delta State. Our projects are spread throughout the state. We are showing results and we are showing our work.”
He thanked the delegation for presenting a united front comprising traditional rulers, political leaders, lawmakers and local government officials, assuring them of government’s continued partnership in advancing the unity, development and prosperity of Delta State.
