ISSELE-AZAGBA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has reaffirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to developing all parts of the state, in line with his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda. Aniagwu made this statement on Thursday during the handover of the 2.7km Issele-Azagba-Otulu road to the contractor at Issele-Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
According to Aniagwu, the governor’s priority is to ensure that every local government in the state is connected with quality roads. He urged the contractor to meet deadlines and deliver the project on schedule. “You will recall that a few weeks ago, the Executive Council (Exco) approved a number of roads across the three senatorial districts,” Aniagwu said. “This particular project, which links Issele-Azagba to Otulu and Ubulu-Okiti, was one of the projects approved by the Exco. We are here to ensure that work is progressing and formally hand over the project to the contractor.”
He emphasized that the 2.7km project, which includes over 3km of side drains, will connect Aniocha North to Aniocha South, further integrating communities within Delta North Senatorial District. Aniagwu highlighted that the project aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s goal of providing meaningful development and opportunities for all Deltans.
“Once this road is completed, the people of Issele-Azagba will no longer need to use the expressway to reach their local government headquarters at Issele-Uku,” Aniagwu added. He expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s pace of mobilisation and said he expects the project to be completed soon.
The commissioner also noted that the Oborevwori administration has taken proactive steps to mobilise contractors quickly to avoid delays caused by fluctuating market prices. “We have mobilised 30 percent of the contract sum to the contractor, and the project is expected to be completed within 12 months,” Aniagwu said. “The governor is keen on ensuring that all our communities are developed, which is why we are fast-tracking the process.”
Aniagwu stressed that contractors must adhere to quality and speed, warning against complacency. “What we desire first is a quality job, and second, we expect the work to progress steadily,” he said. “We want to avoid a situation where contractors delay projects due to funding or other reasons, especially in this volatile economic climate.”
He further assured that Governor Oborevwori has directed stringent supervision of all ongoing projects. “Several projects running into billions of naira have already been awarded, and more will follow in the coming weeks,” Aniagwu revealed. “The governor’s goal is to ensure that every local government—whether in the North, Central, or South senatorial districts—is impacted.”
During his visit, Aniagwu, accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, also inspected the construction of Ichie James Obodoechi Avenue and Chikozie Okafor Road in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area. He urged the contractor to ensure proper alignment of the drains to the discharge point, adding that the project’s completion would significantly boost local businesses along the road.
The handover of the Issele-Azagba-Otulu road marks another step forward in Governor Oborevwori’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure across Delta State.
