The Delta State Government has rejected criticisms of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, describing recent claims that the government is focused mainly on contracts rather than governance as misleading and unsupported by facts.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in a statement on Monday, said the administration had within three years recorded “significant and measurable achievements” across critical sectors through the implementation of the MORE Agenda.
Ahon was reacting to an article titled “Beyond Concrete: When Contracts Replace Governance in Oborevwori’s Delta,” which criticised the government’s development approach. He described the publication as an opinion piece based on conjecture, selective omissions and assumptions that ignored the broader impact of the administration’s programmes.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori’s government has maintained a balanced development strategy covering infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic empowerment, rural development, environmental sustainability and security.
He argued that infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and flood-control facilities should not be viewed as mere construction activities, but as critical investments that drive economic growth, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life of citizens.
Ahon highlighted several major projects across the state, including the PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction, Otovwodo and Agbor flyovers, the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges project, Ayakoromo Bridge, Kwale-Beneku Bridge and other road projects spread across Delta’s three senatorial districts.
He added that the administration had also intensified flood-control measures and drainage interventions in vulnerable communities, alongside urban renewal projects in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele and other towns to improve the environment and attract investment.
On healthcare, the Governor’s spokesman said the administration had made significant investments in medical infrastructure and equipment, including CT scan machines, MRI facilities, dialysis machines and 25 modern 4D ultrasound scanners distributed across the state.
He disclosed that over 150 primary healthcare centres were undergoing renovation and upgrading, while additional investments were being made in healthcare manpower and facilities.
Ahon also announced the completion of a new College of Health Technology in Ovrode and the Faculty of Medical Sciences building at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, describing the projects as part of efforts to strengthen medical education and healthcare delivery.
In education, he said the government had recruited thousands of teaching and non-teaching personnel, upgraded school infrastructure and focused on technical education to equip young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The administration, he added, had also expanded social intervention programmes, empowering hundreds of thousands of residents through initiatives including D-CARES, MORE Grants, MORE Biz-Up, WESAP and the Working Fingers Initiative.
According to him, the programmes have provided financial assistance, vocational training and business support for youths, women, artisans and small business owners across Delta State.
Responding to claims that agriculture had been neglected, Ahon said the government remained committed to supporting farmers through extension services, agricultural inputs, rural access roads and other initiatives designed to boost food production.
He maintained that the administration’s rural transformation agenda was evident in the provision of roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, water projects and electrification schemes in underserved communities, including riverine areas.
On security, Ahon defended the planned construction of police divisional headquarters across the 25 local government areas, describing the initiative as a strategic effort to strengthen security infrastructure and support the proposed state police framework.
He said although policing remains under the control of the Federal Government, state governments have historically provided support infrastructure for security agencies to protect lives, businesses and communities.
“The benefits of improved security accrue directly to Deltans, their businesses, farms and communities. A secure environment attracts investment, promotes commerce and enhances the wellbeing of citizens,” he stated.
Ahon maintained that the success of any government should be measured by its impact on citizens rather than commentary, insisting that the Oborevwori administration had delivered visible progress across infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply, security and economic empowerment.
He reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to sustaining the MORE Agenda built around meaningful development, opportunities for residents, realistic reforms and improved peace and security across Delta State.
