By Sunday Egede
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, yesterday, said the Oborevwori administration is delivering meaningful and people-centred development across rural communities, in keeping with the governor’s MORE Agenda.
Aniagwu stated this during an inspection tour of ongoing projects across Isoko North, Isoko South and Ughelli North local government areas, including the 4.8km Emevor–Ivrogbo–Orogun road, construction of Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu access road at Okpolo-Enhwe and the Phase III of the Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru road and bridge.
He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to connecting communities is evident in the growing network of rural roads and bridges designed to boost productivity, ease movement and open up economic opportunities.
“You will recall that before coming on board, the governor articulated the MORE Agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security. What you have seen today during our inspections covers all four thematic areas.
“We are not just building infrastructure for the cities. The governor is connecting communities, building bridges of possibilities. The bridge we are standing on links the people of Isoko South with their brothers and sisters in Ughelli North. Today, you no longer need to go through the expressway to travel between these local governments,” Aniagwu said.
According to him, the improved connectivity would boost movement of farm produce, enhance fishing activities, and support local commerce for rural dwellers long cut off from neighbouring communities.
Earlier in the day, the inspection team visited the second phase of the Emevor–Ivrogbo–Orogun Road, a 4.8km stretch. He recalled that the governor had inaugurated the first 4.4km phase ahead of his one-year anniversary and promised to commence the second phase immediately afterward.
“That promise has been fulfilled. The contractor has assured us that before the end of February next year, the second phase will be ready for commissioning.
“Their pace is impressive, they have started laying the binder course, completed most earthworks and advanced significantly along critical segments,” he said.
Beyond Emevor, the team inspected the Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu Access Road at Okpolo-Enhwe in Isoko South, a 3.2km project that services several oil facilities in the area.
Aniagwu said the contractor was making rapid progress, with drainage works almost completed and earthworks advancing steadily.
“I am confident that by the end of January, they would have progressed far with the binder course. With this pace, they are likely to conclude the job before April,” he added.
Speaking on the Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru bridge, Aniagwu commended Emo Rock Concepts, the indigenous contractors handling the project, describing the bridge as “a beautiful sight to behold.”
“You can see the quality of stone pitching, the approach and the descent, this is the kind of work that makes us proud of our indigenous contractors. Emo Rock is one of those doing very well, and we urge them to keep using skilled engineers to maintain this quality,” he said.
He expressed optimism that Governor Oborevwori would personally commission the bridge given its strategic importance and aesthetic appeal.
Aniagwu reiterated that the projects were not only enhancing movement but strengthening peace and security across the rural belt by enabling easier access and community interaction, even as he thanked residents for their cooperation and urged continued support.
“We plead with our people to continue extending their cooperation to the administration. By doing so, we will grow together, develop together and indeed arrive together,” he said.
The Oborevwori administration had earlier in 2024 completed and inaugurated the first 4.km phase of the Emevor–Orogun Road before awarding the second phase, an action that has been widely praised by residents as a fulfilment of long-held aspirations of the Emevor and Isoko people.
