BY FESTUS AHON
THE rhythm of progress is echoing across Delta State. From the bustling traffic nodes of Ughelli and Agbor to the farmlands of Isoko, the traditional heart of Asaba, and the health facilities scattered across the state, the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is rolling out transformative projects that speak directly to the everyday realities of the people.
In the past months, Delta has witnessed a flurry of activities, from the flag-off of two mega flyovers, assurances of timely road delivery in Isoko, the endorsement of the governor by Asaba people till 2031, a housing deal for workers in partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and sweeping reforms in the health sector. Together, they point to a government bent on leaving indelible footprints under its MORE Agenda: Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
Mega Flyovers for Safer, Smarter Mobility
Perhaps the most eye-catching of these initiatives is the flag-off of the Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli and the Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor. Valued at ₦39.3 billion and ₦59.7 billion respectively, and awarded to engineering giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, both projects are part of a ₦230 billion infrastructure package designed to reduce gridlock, improve safety, and drive economic growth.
According to the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, the Uromi Junction Flyover was borne out of necessity. The junction, he explained, had become notorious for fatal accidents, particularly involving night travellers. “This is not just about reducing accidents,” he stressed. “It is also about improving productivity for surrounding agrarian communities and reinforcing the Governor’s resolve for equitable development. Uromi Junction is a critical gateway from the South-South to the North, and such an investment is fully justified.”
The project’s design includes two roundabouts and a rare 30-meter span beam that requires advanced German-imported equipment — a feat that partly explains its high cost.
For Governor Oborevwori, the swiftness with which Julius Berger mobilized to site after State Executive Council approval is testament to his resolve to match words with action. Preliminary works are already ongoing at Uromi Junction, while similar activities have taken place at Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli. Once completed, the projects will significantly cut travel time, ease pressure on drivers, and unlock socio-economic opportunities across host communities and beyond.
Isoko Ring Road: A Commitment to Equity
While multi-billion naira flyovers dominate headlines, Oborevwori’s government has not lost sight of rural road networks that hold lifelines for farming communities. During an inspection of the 24-kilometre Isoko Ring Road project, Commissioner Izeze assured residents of Isoko North and South LGAs that the governor was determined to deliver the project on schedule despite setbacks from heavy rains.
The road, which traverses Ellu, Ovrode, Ofagbe, Orie-Irri, Okpe-Isoko, Uro-Irri, and Ada-Irri, includes 10.8 kilometres of drains. With levelling and embankments already completed in some sections, the project is gradually taking shape.
“Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to advancing Delta is evident in the cooperation of the youths, the communities, and even the elements with government,” Izeze observed. “What remains is for the contractor to play his part and ensure timely delivery.”
The Commissioner also visited the Beneku/Okpai Road erosion control project and the Beneku-Kwale Bridge, urging contractors to step up completion efforts.
Asaba Endorsement: Continuity in Leadership
Beyond physical projects, political goodwill continues to shore up Oborevwori’s standing. In a symbolic show of solidarity, the people of Asaba recently endorsed him for continuity till 2031.
Led by His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, a delegation of community leaders visited the governor at Government House, Asaba, to pledge their support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The love of my people for you is boundless, unshakable and irreversible,” the Asagba declared, citing rapid urbanization, improved security, and exponential investments as fruits of the governor in the last two years.
The monarch, who received his staff of office directly from the governor in 2024, appealed for greater inclusion of Asaba indigenes in state governance and called for interventions in infrastructure, water, power, and health services.
In his response, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to Asaba as the state’s face. He highlighted ongoing projects such as storm drainage systems, the resurfacing of Nnebisi Road, and the construction of new internal roads. He also disclosed that the federal government had awarded the reconstruction of the Summit Junction–Head Bridge stretch of the Benin-Asaba Highway, with the state supporting compensation for affected residents.
“Asaba is the face of our state, and we must continue to make it beautiful and secure,” the governor said. “Working together with our traditional rulers and communities, we will deliver more projects and ensure peace and progress in our state.”
Housing for Workers: A Waiver for Welfare
Another key milestone is in the area of housing. Governor Oborevwori, Tuesday, handed over a Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the construction of a workers’ housing estate in Ibusa, Oshimili North LGA.
The 10.1-hectare land, situated at Core Area 2, will host a scheme developed in collaboration with FMBN, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). In a bold move, the governor waived ₦200 million in statutory fees to make the project feasible for workers.
“Most of the salaries of our junior and middle-level workers are consumed by rent. That is why this housing scheme is so important,” Oborevwori explained. “I appeal to the Federal Mortgage Bank to ensure the project is delivered on time and made accessible to those for whom it is intended, he said.”
Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdul, FMBN’s Executive Director, praised the governor’s leadership and said Delta was critical to the success of the federal government’s Renewed Hope housing agenda. With Nigeria’s housing deficit estimated at over 20 million units, the Ibusa project represents a meaningful step in bridging the gap.
Healthcare Reforms: Crashing Dialysis Costs, Expanding Access
In the health sector, the Oborevwori administration is also making bold moves to ease the burden of healthcare costs on residents. The state government recently announced plans to reduce dialysis treatment fees in state-owned hospitals from over ₦70,000 to ₦45,000.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed that eight new dialyzers had been procured and that new MRI and CT scan machines would soon be operational to save patients the stress of travelling long distances for medical diagnosis.
He also highlighted the governor’s approval for the renovation of over 150 Primary Health Centres across the state and commended the free maternal healthcare programme for reducing maternal mortality from 350 to 120 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“Our governor has also been recognized by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) as the first to pay the Medical Residency Fund,” Onojaeme revealed. “This is proof of his genuine commitment to the health sector.” With Delta boasting of three tertiary hospitals, 65 general hospitals, and 441 PHCs, many of which are under remodelling, the reforms are expected to significantly expand healthcare access.
From massive flyovers and rural roads to healthcare subsidies, housing initiatives, and traditional endorsements, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership is shaping a new narrative for Delta. The MORE Agenda is not merely a slogan; it is unfolding in real-time across the state’s cities, towns, and villages.
As Deltans watch bulldozers dig, bridges rise, health facilities expand, and housing foundations take root, the message is clear: the state is in the throes of a deliberate transformation, one that seeks to balance infrastructure with human capital, urban renewal with rural inclusion, and political continuity with social progress.
Governor Oborevwori is a governor who understands that development must touch every corner of Delta, from Asaba to Isoko, from Ughelli to Agbor, Patani and Ode-Itsekiri. The projects may differ, but the goal is the same: a Delta that works for all.”
