ASABA/Delta State: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, says the Oborevwori administration is delivering meaningful and people-centred development across rural communities in line with the governor’s MORE Agenda.
Aniagwu stated this on Wednesday during an inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects in Isoko North, Isoko South and Ughelli North Local Government Areas. The team inspected the 4.8km Emevor–Ivrogbo–Orogun Road; the construction of the Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu Access Road in Okpolo-Enhwe; and Phase III of the Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru Road, including the newly built bridge linking communities across the two LGAs.
He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to connecting communities was evident in the expanding network of rural roads designed to improve productivity, ease movement and unlock new economic opportunities for farmers, traders and rural residents.
“You recall that before coming into office, the governor articulated the MORE Agenda—Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms and Enhanced security. What you have seen today during our inspections covers all four thematic areas,” Aniagwu told journalists.
“We are not just building infrastructure for cities. The governor is connecting communities, building bridges of possibilities. The bridge we are standing on links the people of Isoko South with their brothers and sisters in Ughelli North. Today, you no longer need to go through the expressway to travel between these local governments.”
He said the improved inter-LGA connectivity would boost the movement of farm produce, enhance fishing and open new commercial activities among rural communities.
Aniagwu also visited the second phase of the Emevor–Ivrogbo–Orogun Road, a 4.8km project, recalling that the governor had inaugurated the first 4.4km phase ahead of his one-year anniversary and immediately awarded the continuation.
“That promise has been fulfilled. The contractor has assured us that before the end of February next year, the second phase will be ready for commissioning. Their pace is impressive; they have started laying the binder course, completed most earthworks and advanced significantly along critical segments,” he said.
At Okpolo-Enhwe in Isoko South, the commissioner inspected the 3.2km Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu Access Road servicing several oil installations. He expressed satisfaction with the drainage and earthworks already completed, saying the project was progressing ahead of schedule.
“I am confident that by the end of January, they would have progressed far with the binder course. With this pace, they are likely to conclude the job before April,” Aniagwu added.
Speaking on the Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru bridge, he praised Emo Rock Concepts, the indigenous contractors handling the job, describing their work as “a beautiful sight to behold.”
“You can see the quality of stone pitching, the approach and the descent. This is the kind of work that makes us proud of our indigenous contractors. EmoRock is one of those doing very well, and we urge them to keep using skilled engineers to maintain this quality,” he stated.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that Governor Oborevwori would personally commission the bridge due to its strategic relevance and impressive design.
He noted that beyond enhancing movement, the projects were strengthening security and community relations across the rural corridor by providing easier access to previously hard-to-reach areas.
The commissioner thanked residents for their cooperation and urged continued support.
“We plead with our people to continue extending their cooperation to the administration. By doing so, we will grow together, develop together and indeed arrive together,” he said.
Earlier in 2024, the Oborevwori administration completed and inaugurated the first 4.4km phase of the Emevor–Orogun Road before awarding the second phase, a move widely praised by residents as the fulfilment of long-held aspirations of the Emevor and Isoko people.
