Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday declared that the state has effectively become a no-go area for opposition political parties, citing the visible achievements of his administration across different sectors.
The governor made the statement during the inauguration of the 4.8-kilometre Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road and other road networks in Asaba, located in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori said the level of infrastructure development recorded under his administration had strengthened public confidence in governance and positioned the state for continued political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.
He stressed that his administration remained committed to executing impactful projects that directly improve the lives of residents. According to him, the newly completed road projects are strategic for boosting economic activities and improving connectivity among communities.
Oborevwori explained that the Oko–Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu/Oko-Anala Road would significantly ease transportation challenges for farmers in the area by enabling them to move produce to markets more efficiently, thereby increasing income and improving rural livelihoods.
He recalled that in the past, the difficult terrain around Oko made transportation particularly challenging during the rainy season, often preventing farmers from accessing markets.
According to the governor, some farmers were forced to transport their produce through neighbouring Anambra State to sell them, frequently at very low prices due to the difficulty of moving the goods back to their communities.
“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,” he said.
The governor also announced that the state government had approved Phase Two of the road project at a cost of ₦16.9 billion. He disclosed that the contractor, Setraco Nigeria Limited, has been given a 24-month completion timeline, although he expressed optimism that the work would be delivered earlier.
Oborevwori further highlighted the importance of the Amaechi Agusi and adjoining roads project in Asaba, noting that the area previously suffered from severe erosion and flooding that rendered the roads almost impassable.
According to him, the completed road network and drainage infrastructure will improve transportation, support local businesses and address persistent flooding challenges in the area.
The governor described the current phase of development in the state as a “harvest of projects,” noting that several major projects have recently been completed across Delta.
He listed some of the projects to include the Government Technical College in Omadino and new faculty buildings at University of Delta, Agbor and Southern Delta University, Ozoro. He added that more projects are scheduled for commissioning in the coming weeks.
Oborevwori reiterated that his administration is focused on delivering measurable results rather than making 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.
He also disclosed that additional empowerment programmes targeting youths and women would soon be rolled out under the administration’s MORE Agenda, stressing that peace and stability remain critical to sustaining development.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the economic reforms introduced in 2023, noting that the policies had improved the financial capacity of state governments to undertake development projects.
Earlier in his remarks, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, said the newly constructed Oko road was built above the flood level recorded during the devastating 2012 Nigeria floods to prevent future disruptions.
He noted that residents of the community had expressed appreciation for the project and pledged their 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 or were ongoing within the capital territory.
Ukah explained that about 50 kilometres of roads were executed directly by the agency, alongside over 20 kilometres of drainage infrastructure. He also announced that the long-awaited Asagba Road project in Asaba had been approved 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. He described the newly commissioned roads as transformational projects that would stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods in the area.
Community representatives also expressed appreciation for the project. Palace Secretary to the Asagba of Asaba, Patrick Ndili, and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, Osita I, described the road construction as a long-awaited intervention that would open the community to greater development.
They also assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Oshimili South ahead of the 2027 elections and reaffirmed their backing for the administration and the leadership of Prespident Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
