…Says, No Local Government Left Out
… Nwoko Never Discussed Okpai IPP With Me
By Sunday Egede
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, assured Deltans of enhanced development in the coming fiscal year 2025 with the budgetary provision of N50 billion for road infrastructure in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.
Governor Oborevwori also disclosed that another N200 billion has been reserved for road construction as provided for in the 2025 budget already passed by the State House of Assembly.
The Governor made the pledge when he received on a courtesy visit, the leadership of Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) led by its President-General, Brig. Gen. Mike Ndubuisi (Rtd).
Welcoming the delegation, Governor Oborevwori said the Ndokwa Nation was very important to the government, saying “this is your government. You are number two in this government. So, receiving you is like a home coming.
“You have made some requests here; the one we know we can accommodate; we will do because it is a government of inclusiveness. So, we always sit down to discuss the things that we will do for our people.
“We are elected to serve the people. So, you are part of this government, there is no way the Ndokwa Nation will be neglected.
“There are 27 ongoing projects in Ndokwa nation alone and I am glad that you also mentioned some of them like the Ndemili/Utagba-uno Road. It is very key, and is a long stretch of road.
“We are doing the phase one. It is not only connecting from Eweshi to Utagba-Uno. So, there are many roads that are ongoing.”
On the Kwale-Ashaka Road and some other roads, Oborevwori said “you know, in this year’s budget, we made sure that no local government is left out.
“Last year, we made sure that there was N1 billion in each of the local government areas. In the 2025 budget, we allocated N2 billion for each Local Government.
“Outside that, we also have a reserve of not less than N200 billion. If you look at our budget for 2025, most of the money is in road infrastructure which is works.
“We will take our time to look at some of these projects that we know we can carry because we are going into the dry season. Work on most of these roads will start immediately.
“Between next month and January, work will commence in a lot of ongoing projects and new ones will also be awarded. So, I assure you that the Ndokwa Nation will not be abandoned.”
On the complaint of alleged non- compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Sterling Oil, Oborevwori cautioned against confrontation and urged the people to engage in dialogue, and promised to invite the company for discussion.
“I believe in dialogue; dialogue is the best way to go rather than confrontation. I will appeal to you to tell your youths not to take laws into their hands.
“The leaders can engage the company, write to them that you want to see them and they will listen to you. We will also look at the issues and invite the company to discuss with them to keep to their MOU,” the governor said.
Oborevwori, used the occasion to address a viral video involving the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko, where he claimed to have discussed the Okpai Independent Power Project (IPP) with the Governor.
The Governor asserted that the Senator never discussed Okpai IPP with him, adding that the only time they discussed was when the Senator came to ask for some appointments for his constituents which were granted.
“Sometimes, as a governor, you will hear and see some things but choose not to respond. I saw a video that went viral where the Senator representing Anioma nation, Senator Ned Nwoko said he discussed the Okpai IPP with me.
“The only time that Ned came to see me was to solicit for appointments for his people which I granted. When I saw the video, I just smiled. Maybe he didn’t know that the video would go viral,” he added.
Earlier, the President General of Ndokwa Neku Union, Brig. Gen. Ndubuisi (Rtd.), on behalf of the people of Ndokwa nation, lauded Governor Oborevwori for the developmental strides of his administration in the state since it came on board on May 29, 2023.
Ndubuisi, who acknowledged Oborevwori’s administration’s efforts in addressing the economic challenges faced by citizens, commended the Governor’s commitment to democratic deliverables, particularly in human capital and infrastructural development.
He expressed gratitude for the peace and synergy between the Governor and his Deputy, whose harmonious collaboration, according to him, reflects positively on governance and the well-being of Deltans and residents of the state.
The President General disclosed that members of Ndokwa Neku Union deeply appreciate the numerous political appointments given to their sons and daughters, saying “these strategic positions signify your trust and confidence in the capabilities of our people, and we are immensely proud of their contributions to your administration and party.”
While saying that Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to completing inherited projects across the state showcased his dedication to continuity and quality execution of projects, he appealed for the construction of additional roads that are critical to the development of communities in Ndokwa nation.
According to him, the appeal had become necessary as it will not only improve connectivity but also solidify the Governor’s legacy of impactful infrastructure development.
Ndubuisi thanked Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering commitment to the Kwale Industrial Park, noting that the project, when completed, is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and spur economic growth in the region.
“There is so much to thank you for, including the choice of our son as Deputy Governor, as well as other key appointments.
“Ndokwa nation is happy and they have asked us to thank you and to assure you that we will continue to support you beyond 2027,” the President-General said.
