Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday commissioned three major road projects spanning approximately 18 kilometres in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across the state and assuring residents that more projects would soon be delivered.
The governor also directed the commencement of processes for the second phase of the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road and pledged that the lingering electricity challenges affecting Ndokwa communities would be addressed.
The projects inaugurated include the 4.5-kilometre Obi-Ibabu/Ibabu Road in Onicha-Ukwuani, Phase One of the 5-kilometre Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road, and the 8.4-kilometre Etua-Ukpo/Etua-Etiti/Etua-Oliogo Road, bringing the total road length commissioned to about 18 kilometres.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at Utagba-Uno despite a steady rainfall, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders and residents for the warm reception accorded him.
He described the roads as strategic investments designed to unlock economic opportunities, improve transportation, facilitate movement of agricultural produce and accelerate rural development across Ndokwa Nation.
“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,” the governor said.
According to him, the completion of the projects reflects his administration’s determination to spread development evenly across all parts of Delta State irrespective of location or political considerations.
Oborevwori explained that the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road was conceived as a phased project, noting that the completed first phase stretches from Umutu through adjoining communities and has already begun to improve connectivity in the area.
He recalled that on May 6, 2026, he performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aboh-Akarai Road and Bridge across the Okiri River in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, where he assured residents that no part of the state would be neglected under his administration.
The governor commended the contractors for delivering the projects within record time and noted that the roads would reduce transportation costs, improve access to markets, attract investments and stimulate socio-economic activities in the benefiting communities.
While expressing satisfaction with the completed projects, Oborevwori voiced concern over delays in the completion of the Inam-Abbi Access Road and the Utagba-Uno-Eweshi Road projects, which were initially scheduled to be inaugurated alongside the newly completed roads.
He warned contractors and relevant agencies against unnecessary delays, stressing that his administration would continue to monitor project execution to ensure value for public funds.
“I am not happy that these projects were not completed as scheduled. We will not tolerate avoidable delays. I have directed the Ministry of Works to ensure that these projects are completed before the end of this year,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that work was ongoing on several other road projects across Ndokwa Nation, including the approved seven-kilometre Emu-Ebendo-Iyasele-Ashaka Road and the six-kilometre access road leading to the Kwale Industrial Park.
Other projects currently receiving government attention, according to him, include the Emu-Beneku Road, the Ogbedigbo-Afor Road with a spur to the traditional ruler’s palace, and the Timber Road to Waterside in Obiaruku.
Addressing concerns over the prolonged power outage affecting parts of Ndokwa land, Governor Oborevwori said government had approved the rehabilitation and restoration of electricity infrastructure in the area but lamented that some facilities were vandalised after completion.
He appealed to community leaders, youths and residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and protect government investments from criminal elements.
“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. Government cannot continue to replace facilities destroyed by vandals without the cooperation of the people,” he said.
The governor further instructed the Commissioner for Works to immediately begin the necessary administrative processes for the execution of the second phase of the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road project.
Oborevwori reiterated that the numerous projects being executed across Delta State were products of prudent management of resources and his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people through the MORE Agenda.
He also used the occasion to reaffirm Delta State’s support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, saying the state would continue to support policies and programmes capable of promoting economic growth, development and national progress.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, described the road projects as historic interventions that had fulfilled long-standing aspirations of the people of Ndokwa Nation.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for prioritising infrastructure development and assured him of the continued support and loyalty of the people.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the projects had transformed communities that were previously difficult to access and would significantly improve transportation, commerce and social interactions.
Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Chief Obi Nzete, praised the governor for what he described as unprecedented development in the area, noting that the administration had positively impacted the lives of residents through investments in roads, education, healthcare and security.
In his remarks, the President-General of Utagba-Uno Community, Barr. Kenneth Oseji, said the completion of the road linking seven communities would greatly enhance economic activities and improve the living conditions of residents.
Also speaking, President-General of Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Amaechi Asugwuni, congratulated the governor on the successful execution of various projects across Ndokwa Nation and urged political office holders to focus on legacy projects that would have lasting impact on the people.
The event attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders and residents from different parts of Ndokwa Nation, who applauded the governor for what they described as unprecedented infrastructure development across the area.