KWALE/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s sustained commitment to infrastructure development, power supply and human capital advancement across Ndokwa land, describing the area as central to the state’s development agenda.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday in Kwale while addressing the 2025 Ndokwa Annual General Conference organised by the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU). He was represented at the event by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, Ph.D.
Speaking at Ndokwa House, Kwale, Oborevwori described the Ndokwa nation as a pillar of peace, intellectual strength and economic productivity in Delta State, commending the unity and sense of purpose demonstrated by stakeholders at the conference. He said the annual gathering provided a strategic platform for reflection, consensus-building and aligning the aspirations of the Ndokwa people with the broader development vision of the state.
“I want to thank the leadership of the Ndokwa Neku Union for the invitation. This conference is a vital platform for introspection, strategic planning and the consolidation of the aspirations of the Ndokwa people within the larger Delta State project,” the governor said.
He noted that Ndokwa people across Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Ukwuani Local Government Areas had remained consistent contributors to peace, economic growth and political stability in the state, particularly through their roles in the oil and gas sector and agriculture.
Reflecting on his administration’s roadmap, Oborevwori said Ndokwa land remains central to his MORE Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—adding that infrastructure delivery in the area was a priority.
“In the area of infrastructure, my administration is committed to completing road networks and urban renewal projects within this region, particularly the ongoing works in Kwale and surrounding communities, to boost commerce and connectivity,” he said.
The governor listed key projects already executed or ongoing, including the completion of the multi-billion naira Kwale–Beneku Bridge, the award of the over ₦29 billion Aboh–Akarai Road, and several road projects in Aboh, Ashaka and other communities in Ndokwa East. He added that the Emu-Ebendo–Emu-Iyasele and Ashaka Road projects would commence next year, while works were ongoing on the Ndemili/Utagba-Uno, Utagba-Uno/Eweshi and Abbi/Inam-Abbi roads in Ndokwa West and Ukwuani areas.
On power supply, Oborevwori said his administration was working closely with federal authorities and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the Okpai Step-down project, stressing that host communities must benefit directly from the power generated in their area. He expressed optimism that the full operation of the Kwale Free Trade Zone would further boost electricity supply in Kwale and neighbouring communities.
The governor also highlighted youth and women empowerment as a core focus of his administration, noting that Ndokwa youths and women were being prioritised for skill acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes. “Many of our youths have already been empowered, and more will benefit next year,” he said.
He called for sustained unity and collective action among Ndokwa stakeholders, stressing that development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace. “We must resist any attempt to fracture our shared identity for personal or political gain,” he cautioned, urging the NNU to continue championing unity.
Earlier, Chairman of the 2025 NNU Conference, Mike Onah, OON (rtd), called on Ndokwa sons and daughters to remain united in their quest for meaningful development, noting that progress should be seen as a collective responsibility of all Ndokwa people at home and in the diaspora.
In his remarks, the President General of the NNU, Amechi Asuguni, reviewed the achievements of the current executive council within one year in office, citing progress in advocacy, stakeholder engagement and strategic consultations.
Asuguni appealed to Ndokwa people to tone down internal disagreements, particularly on the issue of state creation, explaining that consultations on the matter were ongoing and required patience, restraint and unity. He also disclosed that the union’s engagement with the Minister of Power on the Okpai Independent Power Project Step-down initiative had been successful, expressing optimism that it would translate into improved electricity supply for host communities.
The conference ended with a call for sustained engagement between the state government and the Ndokwa Neku Union, as the governor assured that his administration remains open to constructive dialogue and partnership in driving development across Ndokwa land.
