Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Friday declared that Delta State had become a “no-go area” for opposition political parties, citing what he described as the visible achievements of his administration across the state.
The governor asserted while inaugurating the 4.8-kilometre Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road in Oko Kingdom and other road networks in Asaba, all in Oshimili South Local Government Area. At the event, he also approved Phase Two of the Oko road project valued at ₦16.9 billion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori said the scale of infrastructure delivered by his administration had strengthened public confidence in government and positioned the state for continued political dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said: “When I contested the 2023 election, I won in 21 out of the 25 local government areas even when I was not yet a governor. With the level of development and projects we have delivered in almost three years, Delta State has become a no-go area for other political parties.”
The governor said his All Progressives Congress-led administration remained committed to delivering impactful projects that directly improve the lives of the people, noting that the road projects were strategic for boosting economic activities and improving connectivity between communities.
Oborevwori explained that the Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road would significantly improve transportation for farmers, enabling them to move produce to markets more easily while reducing poverty and enhancing rural livelihoods.
He recalled that in the past, the terrain around Oko was extremely difficult, particularly during the rainy season, making it almost impossible for farmers to transport their produce.
According to him, many farmers were forced to travel through neighbouring Anambra State to sell their farm produce, often disposing of them at giveaway prices because of the difficulties involved in transporting them back.
“Today, I am happy that we have completed this road. Farmers can now transport their fresh produce easily to markets, increasing their income and improving their standard of living,” the governor said.
He added that due to the strategic importance of the road, the state government had already approved Phase Two of the project for ₦16.9 billion, with the contractor, Setraco Nigeria Limited, expected to complete the work within 24 months.
Oborevwori, however, expressed optimism that the contractor would deliver the project earlier than scheduled.
The governor also highlighted the importance of the Amaechi Agusi and adjoining roads project in Asaba, noting that the area previously suffered severe erosion and flooding that made the roads almost impassable.
He said the completed road network and drainage system would improve transportation, support businesses, and address flooding challenges.
Oborevwori noted that Delta State was currently witnessing what he described as a “harvest of projects,” with numerous completed and ongoing developments across the state.
He listed some recently commissioned projects to include the Government Technical College Omadino and new faculty buildings at the University of Delta Agbor and Southern Delta University Ozoro, adding that more projects would be commissioned in the coming weeks.
The governor said his administration remained focused on results rather than empty promises.
“As I always say, we are working. When you come to Delta State, you will see the evidence of what we are doing. Governance is about performance, and the people can see our report card clearly,” he said.
Oborevwori also assured that more empowerment programmes for youths and women would soon be rolled out under the administration’s “MORE Agenda,” stressing that peace and stability remained critical to sustaining development.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms introduced in 2023, noting that the policies had improved the financial capacity of states to execute more development projects.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, said the newly constructed Oko road was deliberately built above the flood level recorded during the devastating 2012 Nigerian Floods to prevent future disruptions.
He noted that residents of the community had already expressed overwhelming appreciation for the project and pledged continued support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Patrick Ukah, disclosed that more than 70 kilometres of roads had been completed and were ongoing within the capital territory, including about 50 kilometres executed directly by his agency alongside over 20 kilometres of drainage works.
Ukah also revealed that the long-awaited Asagba Road, Asaba project had been approved by the governor and construction would commence soon.
In his remarks, Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Kelvin Ezenyili, commended the governor for his sustained commitment to infrastructure development, describing the newly commissioned roads as transformational projects that would boost economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Palace Secretary to the Asagba of Asaba, Patrick Ndili, and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, Osita I, expressed appreciation to the governor for the project, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that would open up the community for greater development.
They assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Oshimili South ahead of 2027 for his administration and the leadership of President Tinubu.
