By Sunday Apah
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has dismissed claims made by the commissioner representing Delta on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, that the Delta State Government is neglecting the construction of federal roads in the state for the NDDC.
The governor characterized these statements as fallacious misrepresentations.
Governor Oborevwori made these remarks during the inauguration of the reconstructed 9.6 km Abraka-Oben Road and the flag-off of the reconstruction of failed sections of the Abraka-Agbor Road (Phase 1) in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area.
He reiterated the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government for the overall socio-economic development of the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the Delta State Government’s demonstrable commitment to addressing federal road issues within the state.
He reflected on the condition of the Benin-Warri Road prior to state intervention.
“I recall that Mr. Speaker, in his previous capacity, approved funds for the rehabilitation of the Benin-Sapele Road by the Delta State Government.
“While he was Speaker, the Delta State Government recognized the urgency to intervene on the Benin-Warri highway, especially from Amukpe to Effurun.
“It was critical at that time, as vehicles were taking days to travel from Benin to Warri,” he said.
Oborevwori noted, “The government rehabilitated that road during his tenure. Therefore, suggesting that the Delta State Government is abandoning everything for the NDDC is a gross misrepresentation that I must correct here and now.”
He added, “Let me remind you that the bridges being constructed in the Warri area are part of a Federal Trunk A road, and the state government is intervening to reduce travel time.
“The Ughelli-Asaba dualization project spans about 180 km. I encourage you to drive from Ughelli to Asaba and witness the remarkable interventions made by the Delta State Government on this federal highway.
“We have intervened several times on the road you are here to flag off today.”
Governor Oborevwori’s accomplishments have been recognized by major media outlets, including THISDAY/ARISE News and New Telegraph Newspaper, which named him Governor of the Year (Infrastructure).
The governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu to transform the state.
He expressed his belief that the success of the Federal Government directly contributes to the success of state governments.
He commended the NDDC for initiating the reconstruction of the crucial access road from Abraka to Oben and urged for the road’s completion to Benin.
“I appreciate the NDDC board for their vision and for understanding the challenges at hand, as well as for providing the policy guidelines for this important project,” he said.
“I am pleased that the NDDC is focusing on addressing failed sections of roads throughout the region.
“The Delta State Government firmly believes in our partnership with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.
“We understand that the success of the Federal Government will naturally lead to the state’s success as well.”
Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support of the NDDC board and urged him to continue to prioritize the needs of the Niger Delta community.
“I am unsure if the NDDC mobilizes contractors, but in Delta State, we ensure that our contractors are mobilized up to 40 percent to mitigate the impact of inflation on them. I also thank Mr. President for appointing capable individuals to manage our ministries, departments, and agencies for the benefit of Nigerians.”
Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, commended the NDDC for adhering to President Tinubu’s directive to reconstruct section one of the road from Abraka to Oben.
He praised Governor Oborevwori for his proactive measures concerning federal roads in the state and encouraged governors nationwide to view intervention agencies as partners in progress rather than rivals.
Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, lauded the executive management for implementing the board’s directives, stating, “We are pleased that work has commenced along the Abraka-Agbor Road and at the Uromi junction in Agbor.”
Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Sam Ogbuku, affirmed that the NDDC is working diligently under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership to enhance infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
“Before the reconstruction of this road, we intervened in certain areas of the East-West Road to prevent undue hardship for residents,” he remarked.
He also recognized the contributions of state governments to the development of the Niger Delta, clarifying that the NDDC serves as an interventionist agency aimed at complementing the efforts of state governments.
