By Ambassador Chuks Ododo
The commissioning of 18 kilometres of roads across Utagba-Uno, Etua, and Ibabu communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area marks another significant milestone in the infrastructure development agenda of the Delta State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori.
The commissioned projects, namely the Utagba-Uno–Ndemili Road (Phase One), Obi-Ibabu–Ibabu Road, and the Etua-Ukpo-Etua-Etiti-Etua-Oliogo Roads, represent more than just road construction. They represent hope, connectivity, economic opportunity, and a renewed commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people in rural communities.
Of particular significance is the 5-kilometre Utagba-Uno–Ndemili Road, which for decades existed as a recurring campaign promise by successive politicians since the return of democratic governance in 1999. For many residents, the road had become a symbol of unfulfilled promises and political rhetoric. Despite repeated appeals dating back to the military administration era, little progress was made, and many members of the community had almost resigned themselves to the belief that the road would never become a reality. Today, that narrative is changing.
Governor Oborevwori deserves commendation for demonstrating the political will and leadership required to tackle a project that many considered impossible. His intervention has restored confidence among the people and provided tangible evidence that government can still deliver on long-standing expectations.
Since assuming office on 29 May 2023, Governor Oborevwori has distinguished himself in road infrastructure development across Delta State. The quality of work being delivered and the calibre of contractors handling many of the projects reflect a clear commitment to durability, standards, and value for public investment.
Across the state, ongoing road projects have demonstrated a noticeable shift towards quality execution. This has strengthened public confidence and reinforced the perception that infrastructure development remains a key pillar of the administration’s MORE Agenda.
For rural communities such as Utagba-Uno, these roads are not merely transportation corridors. They are economic lifelines. They connect farmers to markets, children to schools, patients to healthcare facilities, and businesses to opportunities. Good roads reduce transportation costs, improve mobility, attract investment, and ultimately improve the standard of living of the people.
While celebrating these achievements, it is important to respectfully appeal to His Excellency to consider the completion of the remaining phase of the Utagba-Uno–Ndemili Road as well as the Olieogo–Utagba-Uno Road.
These roads remain critical access routes for the people and serve as major channels for the movement of agricultural produce from rural farming communities to commercial centres. Their completion would unlock greater economic opportunities, support food production and distribution, and further enhance the quality of life of rural dwellers.
The completion of these strategic roads would also stand as a lasting legacy of an administration that prioritised rural inclusion and understood that development must reach every corner of the state, not only the urban centres.
As Governor Oborevwori enters the remaining phase of his administration, there is a unique opportunity to consolidate these gains and deepen the impact of his infrastructure agenda across Ndokwa land and Delta State as a whole.
The people of Utagba-Uno, Ndokwa West, and indeed the wider Ndokwa nation sincerely appreciate the Governor for listening to the cries of the people and responding with action. We urge him to sustain this momentum by completing the second phase of the Utagba-Uno–Ndemili Road and prioritising other critical access roads that hold the key to unlocking the economic potential of our communities.
History often remembers leaders not merely for promises made but for projects completed and lives transformed. The commissioning of these roads is a positive step in that direction, and we remain hopeful that the journey towards a more connected and prosperous rural Delta State will continue under the Governor’s leadership.
