Oborevwori Retools Delta With N230bn Infrastructure, Service Overhaul

 …Played Host To Seplat Energy’s Mgt Team

DELTA State has embarked on a bold push for infrastructure renewal and sustainable development, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori admin­istration this week approved projects worth a staggering ₦230 billion.

The sweeping approval, made during Tuesday’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting in Asaba, covers key sectors including road infrastructure, healthcare, energy, flood control, and education— marking a decisive move from policy declarations to large-scale implementation.

The new projects follow closely on the heels of a ₦275 billion allocation for 76 projects approved during the previous EXCO session, underscoring the administra­tion’s commitment to delivering on the governor’s MORE Agenda—focused on Meaningful Develop­ment, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

The Exco, which was presided over by Gov­ernor Oborevwori, approved a blend of new initiatives and the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, reflecting a strategy rooted in both advancement and accountability.

Among the standout projects are two major flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion and reducing the frequency of fatal road accidents. A ₦59.7 billion flyover will be constructed at Uromi Junction in Agbor, Ika South Lo­cal Government Area, while another, cost­ing ₦39.3 billion, is planned for Oto­vwodo Junction in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Gov­ernment Area.

These devel­opments mark a significant shift in Delta’s infrastruc­tural landscape and sig­nal the administration’s readi­ness to transform campaign prom­ises into tangible, multi-sectoral progress.

The site of the Agbor flyover project, long identified as a high-risk zone for night-time accidents, especially among long-distance travellers, is set to feature two roundabouts and a uniquely long 30-meter span beam.

According to the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, the technical complexity of the Agbor fly­over—including the need for specialized German-made equipment to be imported by Julius Berg­er—contributes significantly to its overall cost.

However, he stressed that the investment is well justified, given the strategic importance of the junction, which serves as a key gateway linking the South-South to the North.

Beyond improving road safety, the project is expected to boost economic productivity in sur­rounding agrarian communities and reinforce Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development.

Additional road infrastructure projects ap­proved by the State Executive Council include the rehabilitation of the Bomadi-Gbaregolor Road, the completion of the Bulu-Angiama Road off the Ughelli–Patani Expressway, and the construction of the Kolokolo–Tisun Road in Warri North Local Government Area.

Also approved were access roads to the Model Technical College in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area and internal roads within the College of Education, Mosogar, Ethiope West Lo­cal Government Area. Other key road projects include the Oko-Amakom–Oko-Anala and Oko– Ogbele roads in Oshimili South, Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, and the Olikili Layout roads in Asaba. The reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele dual car­riageway, along with internal roads in Jagbala and Kantu communities in Warri South-West, further highlights the administration’s strategic focus on enhancing urban-rural connectivity across Delta State.

Flood control projects also received special attention at the session of EXCO, including the approval of ₦15.3 billion for stormwater control works spanning Orikeze Avenue Junction through Obi, Enuma, and Uromi Roads to the Orogodo River in Ika South Local Government Area. Similar works were approved for Summit Road, Newell Street, and surrounding areas in Oshimili South Local Government Area, marking a proactive ap­proach to mitigate seasonal flooding in densely populated communities.

Delta’s healthcare system is also receiving a strategic boost. In what has been described as a historic alignment between federal and state healthcare goals, the EXCO approved the transfer of the General Hospital in Otor-Udu to the Federal Government for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Ovwian, Udu Local Govern­ment Area.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the move would expand specialist health care access for residents of Udu and its environs, complementing the services already provided by the Cen­tral Hospital, Warri.

Further reinforcing the state’s health­care capacity, the council approved the procurement and installation of three Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines for Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara.

The desire to provide these state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla helium-free machines, manu­factured in Germany, mark a significant upgrade from previous models and come with a two-year maintenance warranty. According to Dr. Onojaeme, the machines are expected to enhance diagnostics for spinal injuries, brain scans, and soft tis­sue analysis, eliminating the need to refer patients to external facilities in Benin or Lagos. The decision, he said, reflects the state’s long-term vision for resilient and efficient healthcare delivery.

In the energy sector, Delta State is pioneering an ambitious reform with the adoption of a decentralized mini-grid elec­tricity model. Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, said the initiative aligns with the state’s domestication of the 2023 Federal Electricity Act and sets Delta on an irreversible new path for reli­able and sustainable electricity supply.

Under the mini-grid model, multiple independent operators will generate, distribute, and supply electricity within specific zones across the state.

Unlike the conventional national grid system, this decentralized approach enhances resilience by isolating local disruptions from affecting the entire state. The model also accommodates a variety of energy sources, including solar, hydro, and gas, allowing providers to select the most viable mix for their respective areas.

The EXCO also approved the establishment of four key regulatory institutions to support this energy transition: the Delta State Electricity Commission, a Rural Electricity Agency, a System Operator, and a Market Operator. These bodies will be responsible for the licensing, regulation, coordination, and enforcement of service standards.

Ekedayen emphasized that the reforms are private-sector driven, with the government playing only a regulatory and facilitative role. A consultant will also be appointed to guide implementation and ensure a structured rollout of the electricity market. He noted that Delta is among the few states in Nigeria taking bold and deliberate steps toward independent electricity reform, and the initiative is expected to catalyze growth, support local industry, and improve quality of life across the board.

In addition to sector-specific projects, the State Executive Council ratified a ₦10 billion compensation package for landowners affected by the construction of the Second Niger Bridge Access Road and Bypass traversing Oko, Asaba, Ibusa, and Okpanam. This move demonstrates the government’s recognition of community rights and its intention to execute large-scale projects without breeding discontent.

Also approved was the completion of the Unoghovo Community Road linking the Benin Expressway to Ovade in Ethiope West Local Government Area, and the reconstruction and overlay of the Emu-Obodeti to Abbi to Abraka road in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

The meeting concluded with the revocation of non-performing contracts, signaling a renewed emphasis on accountability and performance.

According to Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the state will no longer tolerate contractors who fail to meet delivery timelines or quality benchmarks. Every project, he said, must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

With these far-reaching decisions, the Oborevwori administration is not only addressing Delta’s immediate needs but also laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

From safer roads and modern hospitals to reliable electricity and efficient flood control, the ₦230 billion investment portfolio is a bold statement that governance in Delta is transitioning from promises to concrete, measurable action, for the benefit of the people.

Also that Tuesday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori played host to the Seplat Energy Plc management team, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown at Government House, Asaba, where he commended the oil company for its consistent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and strong engagement with host communities.

While assuring the oil and gas firm of continued support and a conducive environment for unhindered operations in the state, he praised the company’s approach to community relations, particularly its empowerment programmes, education support, and healthcare interventions.

Governor Oborevwori, said; “before I became governor, I closely monitored your operations; how you engage with your host communities and empower them. From school donations to teacher training and medical outreach, you have shown strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. So, what you are saying today is not new to me.

“All the efforts you have made regarding community empowerment, donation of learning materials, teacher training, and other CSR activities, are commendable.

“These are the things that foster peace between international oil companies and their host communities. Your efforts promote peace, and with peace, production increases. As I have said in my MORE Agenda, we will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to do more.”

While commending Seplat Energy’s employment policy, noting that 30 percent of its operational workforce comes from Delta State, he, however, called for greater inclusion of host community members in leadership roles within the company, saying; “It’s not just about employing the locals; we want to start seeing them in management positions as well. I believe that one day this will happen.

“Today, we are respected at the national level because of our contributions to the centre, and that’s only possible through peace and cooperation. We believe in resolving grievances through dialogue rather than confrontation, because confrontation doesn’t benefit the people or the companies. If you are not working, there is no way you can comply with your CSR.

“As a people, we know that economic sabotage reduces our crude oil production quota, discourages investors, and limits job and wealth creation. I assure you that we will continue to work together for mutual benefit.”

Earlier, Mr. Roger Brown said that Delta State remained strategic to Seplat Energy’s growth, hosting two of its most valuable onshore blocks.

He noted that 30 percent of the company’s workforce prior to the ExxonMobil acquisition were Delta indigenes and highlighted recent milestones, including the completed 90 million scf/day gas plant in Sapele with integrated Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and future Compressed Natural Gss (CNG) facilities.

Brown also outlined the company’s ongoing CSR interventions: impacting over 50,000 students through the Pearls Quiz Programme, establishing five STEAM labs, and providing eye care to 2,000 patients under the “I Can See” initiative.

He also announced plans to end routine gas flaring this year 2025, five years ahead of Nigeria’s national target.