Three years after assuming office as Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has steadily built a reputation for pragmatic governance, infrastructure renewal, and people-centred development. Since May 29, 2023, his administration has pursued the MORE Agenda of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits to citizens across the state.
The journey of the past three years has been marked by deliberate efforts to consolidate existing gains while opening new frontiers of development. Across the state's urban centres, rural communities, and riverine areas, the impact of government interventions is becoming increasingly visible.
Infrastructure development remains one of the strongest pillars of the administration. Through the Ministries of Works and Riverine Infrastructure Development, the government has undertaken more than 500 inherited and new road and bridge projects spanning over 2,000 kilometres of roads and approximately 1,500 kilometres of drainage infrastructure.
Among the landmark projects are the ongoing construction of three mega flyovers and a cloverleaf interchange in Warri and Effurun, the completion of the Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass, and the continued work on strategic roads such as the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Road and Bridges, Ohorhe-Adagbrassa-Ugolo-Okuodiete Road, Emevor-Orogun Road, Olomoro-Igbide Road, and Ohoror-Bomadi Road.
Urban renewal programmes in Asaba, Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, and Agbor have improved road networks, drainage systems, and traffic management, helping to ease movement and stimulate commercial activities. The completion of the ultra-modern Delta State High Court Complex has also become a symbol of the administration's commitment to institutional development.
In the riverine communities, long neglected due to difficult terrain, development has gained fresh momentum. The completed access road to the Nigerian Maritime University, Okenrenkoko, has improved connectivity and boosted economic activities around the institution. Ongoing projects such as the Model Secondary School in Oporoza, internal roads in Kantu and Ijaghala, and the Kolokolo-Tisun Road demonstrate the government's resolve to ensure that development reaches every corner of the state.
The administration's commitment to education has been equally impressive. Investments have been made across the entire educational value chain, from primary schools to tertiary institutions. Schools have benefited from classroom construction and renovation, furniture provision, recruitment of teachers, and improved learning facilities.
State-owned tertiary institutions have continued to operate without disruption, while infrastructure projects are ongoing at universities in Ozoro, Agbor, Asaba, and Orerokpe. The establishment of Colleges of Health Sciences and the expansion of academic programmes have further strengthened higher education in the state.
Recognising the financial challenges faced by students, the administration disbursed over N674 million in bursaries to more than 30,000 Delta students in tertiary institutions nationwide. Support was also extended to Delta students in Nigerian Law Schools, while billions of naira were committed as counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education programme.
Healthcare delivery has witnessed significant improvements under the Oborevwori administration. More than 250 primary healthcare centres have been renovated and upgraded, while state hospitals have received modern medical equipment, including CT scan machines, radiotherapy facilities, incubators, surgical equipment, and hospital beds.
The administration has also strengthened the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, which now covers over two million enrollees. Free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five has been sustained, while the recruitment of healthcare workers and approval for house officer training programmes have helped address manpower shortages.
In addition, the establishment of health-related institutions and the upgrading of colleges of nursing and health sciences underscore the government's commitment to building a stronger healthcare system capable of meeting future demands.
Beyond healthcare and education, the administration has paid significant attention to public service welfare. Over N5.5 billion was released to clear promotion arrears for more than 23,000 public servants, while nearly 4,000 teaching and non-teaching staff were recruited across the state's 25 local government areas. Regular training and capacity-building programmes have further enhanced efficiency within the public service.
Economic empowerment and job creation have remained central components of the MORE Agenda. Through the MORE Grants Scheme, thousands of petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs received financial support to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Similarly, the D-CARES programme has empowered over 250,000 beneficiaries through various economic stimulus initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable households and strengthening small businesses. These interventions have helped cushion the effects of economic hardship while creating pathways for wealth creation and self-reliance.
Agriculture has also received considerable attention as part of efforts to boost food security and diversify the state's economy. Thousands of farmers have benefited from agricultural inputs and support programmes, while the government has partnered with development agencies to expand opportunities in crop production, livestock, and aquaculture.
The state’s participation in Special Agricultural Economic Zones and collaboration with national and international development partners are expected to create thousands of jobs and position agriculture as a major driver of economic growth.
Access to clean water, a critical component of public health and social development, has improved considerably. Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, the administration has rehabilitated and expanded water schemes across urban and rural communities. More than 80 water projects, including solar-powered water supply schemes and water treatment facilities, have either been completed or rehabilitated, bringing potable water closer to thousands of residents.
The administration has also maintained a strong commitment to peace and security. Through strategic partnerships with security agencies and the launch of Operation Delta Sweep, the government has provided operational vehicles and logistics support aimed at improving security across the state. These efforts have contributed to maintaining Delta's status as one of the more peaceful states in the country while helping to resolve longstanding communal disputes.
To be continued.
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