ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s transformative approach to rural infrastructure, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to linking communities and improving livelihoods through robust road development.
Speaking on a national television program monitored in Asaba on Thursday, Aniagwu highlighted the completion of over 100 kilometers of rural roads and ongoing construction of an additional 150 kilometers under Oborevwori’s leadership. He disclosed that the governor’s 2024 fiscal year allocated ₦1 billion per local government for road construction, which was upscaled to ₦2.1 billion in the 2025 budget.
“When Governor Oborevwori assumed office on May 29, 2023, he was resolute about ensuring continuity in existing projects while initiating new ones. His administration has prioritized connectivity by guaranteeing that every local government benefits from completed or ongoing road projects. This led to the establishment of the Ministry of Works (Rural Roads) to focus on opening up our rural communities,” Aniagwu said.
He explained that the fiscal strategy of the administration was designed to achieve long-term benefits for rural areas. “The ₦1 billion allocated per local government in 2024 allowed us to address critical community roads. Recognizing the success of this approach, the governor directed an increase to over ₦2 billion for each local government in the 2025 budget,” he added.
Aniagwu further noted that Delta’s coastal nature necessitated road construction in riverine areas, which also involves building bridges to connect isolated communities. “The government has commissioned numerous projects, with over 100 kilometers completed and more than 150 kilometers still in progress,” he revealed.
The Commissioner emphasized that the government’s focus on rural development aims to curb rural-urban migration, thereby reducing the strain on urban infrastructure.
“Developing rural communities empowers the residents, reduces rural-urban drift, and alleviates the pressure on urban infrastructure. By making rural areas more livable, we not only enhance the quality of life but also strengthen security and economic opportunities in these communities,” he stated.
Aniagwu highlighted the administration’s unprecedented investment in rural road infrastructure, noting that no other state had allocated over ₦125 billion to rural development. He assured residents that road construction requests would be addressed based on a need-assessment model, subject to the availability of funds.
Governor Oborevwori’s strategic investment underscores his vision for inclusive development, bridging the gap between rural and urban areas in Delta State.
