By Mokobia Rita.
OKWAGBE/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has described the ongoing construction of internal roads in Okwagbe Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, as a historic intervention that is ending decades of infrastructural neglect and opening a new chapter of economic growth for one of Urhobo land’s oldest commercial settlements.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, stated this during an inspection of the ongoing road projects in the community, saying the development reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development under his MORE Agenda.
According to Izeze, the roads currently under construction are the first internal road infrastructure ever undertaken in Okwagbe since the community’s establishment, bringing to reality a long-standing aspiration of residents who, despite the town’s economic significance, had lived for generations without a functional internal road network.
He described Okwagbe as one of the largest and most historically significant communities in Urhobo land, renowned for its bustling weekly market and strategic role in regional commerce dating back to the colonial era. The commissioner recalled that the community once flourished as a major trading centre through the John Holt anchorage, which linked it to the Forcados River and the Atlantic Ocean, attracting merchants from different parts of the country and beyond. Yet, despite its rich commercial heritage, the community had remained without the basic road infrastructure needed to support its growth.
“Okwagbe occupies a unique place in the economic history of Delta State and Urhobo land. For decades, however, it lacked the internal road infrastructure required to enhance commerce and improve the quality of life of its people. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has changed that narrative by ensuring that development reaches communities that have long been overlooked,” Izeze said.
He explained that the intervention is not merely about constructing roads but about unlocking economic opportunities, improving connectivity, facilitating access to education and healthcare, and enhancing the overall living standards of residents. According to him, the project demonstrates the administration’s resolve to ensure that every part of the state benefits from government investments, irrespective of location.
During the inspection, the commissioner assessed the quality and pace of work and expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved. He, however, disclosed that certain deficiencies had been identified and immediately directed the contractors to rectify them in strict compliance with approved engineering specifications. He stressed that the Oborevwori administration would not compromise on quality, insisting that every government project must meet established engineering standards.
“We have identified areas requiring improvement and have directed the contractors to address them without delay. Every component of the project must conform strictly to the approved specifications, dimensions and engineering standards. The people deserve durable infrastructure that will stand the test of time,” he stated.
Izeze also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering indigenous contractors as part of Governor Oborevwori’s strategy to deepen local capacity, stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for Deltans. He noted that while the government remains committed to supporting local contractors, such confidence must be matched with professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to project specifications.
Warning against substandard project execution, the commissioner said contractors who fail to meet contractual obligations risk severe sanctions, including contract termination, recovery of public funds, blacklisting from future government projects and possible prosecution. He stressed that all projects must comply fully with the approved Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), which serves as the benchmark for quality assurance and value for money.
“Every item contained in the BEME must be executed exactly as approved. Public funds belong to the people, and every kobo spent must translate into visible and measurable development. There will be no room for compromise,” he warned.
He reaffirmed that transparency, accountability and quality remain the hallmarks of the Oborevwori administration, assuring that government would continue to monitor projects across the state to ensure taxpayers receive maximum value for every investment. He noted that with heavy construction equipment steadily transforming the landscape of Okwagbe, the once-neglected community is witnessing the dawn of a new era. For residents, he said, the roads represent far more than physical infrastructure—they are gateways to commerce, improved mobility, greater economic opportunities and a brighter future built on purposeful governance.
