The Delta State Government has defended the performance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, dismissing criticisms contained in a recent article titled “Beyond Concrete: When Contracts Replace Governance in Oborevwori’s Delta.”
In a statement issued on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, described the publication as an opinion piece based on conjecture, selective omissions and misleading assumptions.
Ahon maintained that Governor Oborevwori’s administration had recorded substantial achievements across key sectors of the state’s economy within three years through the implementation of the MORE Agenda.
According to him, contrary to claims that the administration is focused mainly on infrastructure projects, the government has pursued a comprehensive development strategy that includes education, healthcare, economic empowerment, rural development, environmental sustainability and security.
He noted that one of the administration’s major accomplishments is the execution of numerous projects without resorting to borrowing, attributing the feat to prudent resource management and fiscal discipline.
Defending the government’s infrastructure investments, Ahon argued that roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, flood-control systems and security facilities are critical drivers of economic growth and social development.
He listed several ongoing and completed projects, including the PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction, Otovwodo and Agbor flyovers, the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges project, Ayakoromo Bridge, Kwale-Beneku Bridge, as well as multiple road projects across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The Governor’s spokesman also highlighted ongoing flood-control and drainage projects in vulnerable communities, alongside urban renewal initiatives in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele and other towns aimed at improving living conditions and attracting private-sector investment.
Speaking on healthcare, Ahon said the administration had invested in modern medical equipment, including CT scan machines, MRI facilities, dialysis machines and 25 state-of-the-art 4D ultrasound scanners distributed across local government areas.
He added that over 150 primary healthcare centres are currently being renovated and upgraded, while investments in healthcare infrastructure and personnel development continue across the state.
According to him, the administration has also established a new College of Health Technology in Ovrode and completed the Faculty of Medical Sciences building at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, in Isoko North Local Government Area.
On education, Ahon stated that the government had recruited thousands of teaching and non-teaching staff to strengthen the education sector, while upgrading schools and revitalising technical education programmes to equip young people with practical skills.
He further disclosed that hundreds of thousands of residents have benefited from social intervention and entrepreneurship programmes, including D-CARES, MORE Grants, MORE Biz-Up, WESAP and the Working Fingers Initiative.
The programmes, he said, have provided financial assistance, vocational training and business development opportunities for youths, women, artisans and small-scale business owners across the state.
Responding to allegations that agriculture had been neglected, Ahon insisted that the administration continues to support farmers through extension services, agricultural inputs, rural access roads and other initiatives designed to boost food production and improve livelihoods.
He also pointed to ongoing rural transformation projects, including roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, water schemes and electrification projects in underserved communities, particularly riverine areas.
The statement noted that several urban and rural water supply projects have been rehabilitated and expanded to improve access to clean water and strengthen public health outcomes.
Addressing criticism over the proposed construction of police divisional headquarters in the state’s 25 local government areas as part of preparations for state policing, Ahon described the initiative as a strategic investment in Delta’s security architecture.
While acknowledging that policing remains under the control of the Federal Government, he said state governments have traditionally supported security agencies through infrastructure and operational assistance in the interest of public safety.
“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,” Ahon stated.
He maintained that the Oborevwori administration has recorded measurable progress across sectors, stressing that governance should be assessed by its impact on citizens’ lives.
According to him, visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply, security and economic empowerment demonstrate the administration’s commitment to delivering on the MORE Agenda.
Ahon reaffirmed Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to inclusive development, sustainable reforms, expanded opportunities and improved security, assuring residents that the administration remains focused on driving the continued transformation of Delta State.
