KWALE/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday commissioned three strategic road projects spanning approximately 18 kilometres across Ndokwa West Local Government Area, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development and declaring support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor used the occasion to also issue a stern warning against delays in project execution, directing the Ministry of Works to ensure the completion of the Inam-Abbi Access Road and the Utagba-Uno/Eweshi Road before the end of the year.
The inaugurated projects include the 4.5-kilometre Obi-Ibabu/Ibabu Road in Onicha-Ukwuani, Phase One of the 5-kilometre Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road, and the 8.4-kilometre Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at Utagba-Uno despite a steady rainfall, Governor Oborevwori commended traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and residents for their warm reception and support for his administration’s development agenda.
He described the newly completed roads as vital infrastructure capable of transforming the socio-economic fortunes of Ndokwa communities through improved connectivity, increased commercial activities and enhanced rural development.
“Today marks another milestone in our commitment to bringing meaningful development to the doorsteps of our people.
The roads we are commissioning are critical to trade, commerce and our rural renewal programme,” the governor stated.
Oborevwori explained that the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road project was designed to be executed in phases, with the completed first phase covering about five kilometres from Umutu through adjoining communities. He subsequently directed the Commissioner for Works to commence the necessary processes for the execution of the second phase.
The governor noted that the projects were further evidence of his administration’s resolve to spread development evenly across all parts of Delta State, regardless of location.
Recalling the groundbreaking ceremony of the Aboh-Akarai Road and Bridge project across the Okiri River in Ndokwa East on May 6, Oborevwori said his government remained committed to ensuring that no community was left behind in the state’s development drive.
He praised the contractors for the timely completion of the projects, stressing that the roads would reduce transportation costs, improve access to markets, attract investments and stimulate economic growth across the benefiting communities.
The governor, however, expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work on the Inam-Abbi Access Road and Utagba-Uno/Eweshi Road projects, which were initially expected to be inaugurated alongside the completed roads.
According to him, his administration would not tolerate avoidable delays in project delivery, emphasizing that contractors handling government projects must adhere strictly to agreed timelines.
Oborevwori also disclosed that several major road projects were progressing across Ndokwa Nation. These include the approved seven-kilometre Emu-Ebendo-Iyasele-Ashaka Road, the six-kilometre access road to the Kwale Industrial Park, the Emu-Beneku Road, the Ogbedigbo-Afor Road with a spur to the palace, and the Timber Road to Waterside in Obiaruku.
On the lingering electricity challenges confronting many Ndokwa communities, the governor revealed that the state government had approved the rehabilitation and restoration of critical power infrastructure in the area. He lamented, however, that some of the facilities were vandalised shortly after completion.
“I have directed that work should continue, and I assure you that the persistent blackout affecting Ndokwa communities will be addressed as quickly as possible,” he assured.
The governor urged community leaders, youths and residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and protect government investments from vandalism and sabotage.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to prudent resource management, Oborevwori said the numerous infrastructure projects being executed across the state were products of responsible governance and deliberate efforts to improve the living standards of Deltans.
He also used the occasion to reaffirm Delta State’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, stating that the state would continue to align itself with policies and programmes aimed at fostering national growth and sustainable development.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, described the road projects as the fulfilment of long-standing aspirations of the people of Ndokwa Nation. He commended Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and assured him of the continued support of the people.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the roads had opened up previously inaccessible communities and would significantly improve transportation, commerce and social interaction across the area.
Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Chief Obi Nzete, praised the governor for what he described as remarkable investments in roads, education, healthcare and security, noting that the administration had positively impacted the lives of residents throughout the local government area.
Also speaking, the President-General of Utagba-Uno Community, Barrister Kenneth Oseji, said the road project linking seven communities would accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life of residents.
President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Amaechi Asugwuni, congratulated the governor on the successful execution of multiple development projects across Ndokwa Nation and urged political leaders to focus on legacy projects capable of delivering lasting benefits to the people.
The event attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders and residents from across Ndokwa Nation, many of whom applauded the governor for what they described as unprecedented infrastructure development in the area.
