Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Wednesday inaugurated three newly completed road projects in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, totalling about 18 kilometres, as part of his administration’s drive to expand infrastructure across the state.
He said the roads would boost trade, commerce and rural development across Ndokwa Nation, urging relevant agencies to sustain the pace of ongoing infrastructure delivery.
The inaugurated projects included the 4.5-kilometre Obi-Ibabu/Ibabu Road in Onicha-Ukwuani, Phase I of the 5-kilometre Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road, and the 8.4-kilometre Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road.
Speaking at the ceremony in Utagba-Uno, the governor thanked host communities, traditional rulers, stakeholders and residents for their reception despite heavy rainfall.
“Today marks another milestone in our commitment to bringing meaningful development to the doorsteps of our people.
”The roads we are commissioning are critical to trade, commerce and our rural renewal programme,” Oborevwori said.
He explained that the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road was designed as a phased project, with the first phase covering about five kilometres and linking Umutu town to surrounding communities.
According to him, the projects reflect his administration’s determination to ensure equitable development across all local government areas in the state.
The governor recalled that on May 6, he performed the groundbreaking for the Aboh-Akarai Road and bridge project across the Okiri River in Ndokwa East, reaffirming his commitment to balanced development.
He commended the contractors for timely delivery, noting that the projects would improve connectivity, reduce transport costs, enhance access to markets, attract investment and stimulate economic activity.
However, Oborevwori expressed displeasure over delays in completing the Inam-Abbi Access Road and the Utagba-Uno–Eweshi Road, which were initially scheduled for inauguration alongside the completed projects.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate project delays and directed the Ministry of Works to ensure completion before the end of the year.
The governor also disclosed ongoing road works across Ndokwa Nation, including the 7-kilometre Emu-Ebendo-Iyasele-Ashaka Road, the access road to Kwale Industrial Park, the Emu-Beneku Road, the Ogbedigbo-Afor Road with a palace spur, and the Timber Road to Waterside in Obiaruku.
On electricity challenges in the area, Oborevwori said government had approved rehabilitation of power infrastructure but lamented that some facilities were vandalised after completion.
“I have directed that work should continue, and I assure you that the persistent blackout affecting Ndokwa communities will be addressed as quickly as possible,” he said.
He added that the Commissioner for Works had been directed to begin processes for the second phase of the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road project.
Reaffirming his administration’s focus on development, the governor said ongoing projects were a result of prudent resource management and a commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.
He also reiterated Delta State’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying the state would continue to align with policies that promote national development.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme described the projects as the fulfilment of long-standing demands of the Ndokwa people.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the roads had opened up previously difficult-to-access communities and would improve economic activities.
Ndokwa West Council Chairman, Chief Obi Nzete, praised the governor’s development efforts, saying his administration had positively impacted lives through investments in roads, education, healthcare and security.
President-General of Utagba-Uno Community, Barr. Kenneth Oseji, said the road linking seven communities would significantly boost economic growth.
Also, President-General of Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Amaechi Asugwuni, urged leaders to prioritise legacy projects that benefit communities in the long term.
