OPOROZA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said his administration will continue to invest in infrastructure aimed at expanding economic opportunities and improving living conditions in riverine communities across the state.
Oborevwori stated this on Monday during the commissioning of a modern market in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area.
The Governor, who was represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the market was part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen economic activities at the grassroots and create better conditions for rural businesses to thrive.
He said the facility was designed to serve traders in Oporoza and neighbouring communities by providing a more organised and conducive environment for commercial activities.
The market comprises 24 lock-up shops and 24 open shops, as well as separate male and female restrooms, a solar-powered water system and landscaped areas.
Oborevwori said the government would consider the community’s request for an extension of the facility after the existing market had been put to effective use.
“This market is a clear demonstration of our commitment to grassroots development. We are determined to ensure that our riverine communities are not left behind in the development agenda of the state,” he said.
The Governor said the facility was expected to support small businesses, create employment and stimulate economic activities, while also contributing to the revenue base of the state.
He urged the community leadership and traders who would use the facility to regard it as a collective asset, stressing the need for proper maintenance and responsible use.
According to him, the project reflects the objectives of the administration’s MORE Agenda, particularly its focus on meaningful development and creating opportunities for residents across the state.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Oligida, described the project as an important intervention for Oporoza and surrounding communities.
Oligida said the market would provide local entrepreneurs with a better environment to conduct their businesses and could contribute to increased commercial activities within the area.
“This project is about empowering our people and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. It is also a reflection of the MORE Agenda of this administration, which places the needs and welfare of the people at the centre of governance,” he said.
The commissioner commended the contractor for completing the project within what he described as a record period and appealed to the beneficiaries to protect the facility from damage and misuse.
The Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Chief Ebikeme Clark, said the project demonstrated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that development extended to communities located in the riverine areas of the state.
Clark described the intervention as part of efforts to promote more balanced development across Delta State.
The Chairman of Warri South West Local Government Area, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, represented by Mr Christopher Tonwe, also commended the project, saying the facility would provide a boost to commercial activities in Oporoza.
For the Oporoza community, the commissioning marked an important development in its efforts to improve the environment for local commerce.
The community chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ebi, expressed appreciation to the state government for providing the facility, describing it as a significant addition to the community’s infrastructure.
The ceremony attracted members of the Delta State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, traders and residents.
The event ended with the formal commissioning and handover of the market to the community leadership by Guwor, who represented the Governor, paving the way for the allocation of the shops to beneficiaries.
