By Sunday Apah
At its inaugural Executive Council (EXCO) meeting for 2025, the Delta State Government has sanctioned an impressive budget of over N275 billion for various projects that will benefit all three senatorial districts in the state.
This significant decision was made during the EXCO meeting held on Thursday, chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House in Asaba.
During a press briefing following the meeting, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, described the approvals as remarkable and a strong response to critics of the administration.
Joined by his fellow commissioners—including Mr. Reuben Izeze for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Sonny Ekedayen for Economic Planning, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme for Health, and Chief Patrick Ukah, Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency—Aniagwu emphasized that Governor Oborevwori is committed to delivering tangible results for the people of Delta.
He remarked, “Recently, we shared that Governor Oborevwori is focused on addressing criticisms through actionable projects. We did not anticipate that his response would be so impactful that even those who are hard of hearing would take notice.
“Today marks a historic occasion as Governor Oborevwori led us in approving over N275 billion worth of projects in a single EXCO meeting, a first in the 34-year history of Delta State.
“These initiatives span multiple sectors aimed at providing real benefits to our citizens; enhancing road connectivity, improving healthcare services, and rejuvenating urban areas to create more livable cities.
“Notably, nearly all the approved projects will receive 40 percent of their funding upfront without the need for the state to incur additional debt, highlighting our fiscal responsibility as a government, thanks to Governor Oborevwori’s transparent and accountable leadership.”
Among the key projects approved is the remodeling of Warri City Stadium, which is viewed as a pivotal move to ensure the state continues to invest in legacy projects.
The list of approved projects includes: Construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road (Phase 1); Construction of Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road; Development of Faculty B at Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus; Building of Amai-Aragba Road; Creation of Inam-Abbi Access Road; Development of internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government Layout (Phase 1); Construction of Umuoshimi Road with branches to Ogbe-Aku and the market road in Onicha-Ugbo; Construction of Okerenkoko-Pepeama; Kokodiagbene Road with a spur to Teiteipur in Warri South-West; Development of Benikrukru Township Roads (Phase II), among others.
The council approved the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor Road, Okwetolor-Okobia-Aragba Road, Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo, and various other infrastructure enhancements designed to improve connectivity and services across the state.
Aniagwu also announced the presentation of staff of office to Obi Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area and other notable appointments.
Comrade Reuben Izeze, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), praised Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to providing upfront funding for all approved projects, asserting that no previous administration has demonstrated such dedication to sustained project funding.
Izeze explained that Governor Oborevwori has cleared outstanding payments owed to contractors and has secured the necessary financial arrangements for ongoing projects through the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) model.
Moreover, Izeze outlined the approval for additional storm drainage work for the Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area and noted that enhancements have been made to the design of the cloverleaf at Effurun Roundabout to minimize disruption to local property owners.
On his part, Commissioner for Health Dr. Joseph Onojaeme announced that the EXCO has allocated N1.6 billion for the Contributory Health Scheme, along with a monthly allocation of N100 million to ensure the sustainability of health coverage for residents.
Dr. Onojaeme further revealed plans for a Specialist Hospital to be established at Osubi, which will include a Public Laboratory and Psychiatric Clinic, as well as a complete renovation of the General Hospital in Expan and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital library to increase the capacity for student admissions.
