In a display of cross-party appreciation for developmental strides, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has publicly praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his unwavering dedication to grassroots infrastructure. The commendation came during a warmly received hosting of the Ward 11 Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Prof. Tonukari’s serene country home in Isiokolo, the administrative heartbeat of Ethiope East Local Government Area. The gathering, far from a mere formality, served as a strategic platform to bolster the APC’s organizational framework, promote internal cohesion, and rally support for initiatives that transcend partisan divides.
At the center of the discussions was the ongoing construction of the Ekpan-Ovu to Erhoike Road, a flagship project under Governor Oborevwori’s administration that has already begun reshaping the landscape of Ethiope East. Prof. Tonukari, a respected academic and public servant known for his scholarly contributions to biotechnology and his pragmatic approach to governance, described the road as nothing short of revolutionary. “This is not just asphalt and gravel; it is a lifeline,” he emphasized, painting a vivid picture of how the project will dramatically reduce travel times, facilitate the seamless movement of agricultural produce from rural farms to urban markets, and stimulate small-scale enterprises that form the backbone of local economies.
The Commissioner’s words carried the weight of personal conviction. Having grown up in the region, he spoke from firsthand experience about the perennial challenges residents faced—muddy paths during rainy seasons that isolated communities, pothole-riddled stretches that damaged vehicles and discouraged investors, and the resultant stagnation in socioeconomic activities. The Ekpan-Ovu to Erhoike Road, he argued, addresses these pain points head-on. Once completed, it will connect previously marginalized hamlets to broader networks, enabling children to attend schools without the ordeal of treacherous journeys, farmers to access fertilizers and markets more efficiently, and healthcare workers to reach patients in remote areas with greater ease. In essence, the project embodies Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda—More Opportunities, Realistic Empowerment—which prioritizes equitable growth across Delta State’s diverse constituencies.
Prof. Tonukari’s praise for the Governor was effusive yet grounded in observable facts. “Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated an inclusive style of leadership that puts people first, irrespective of their political affiliations,” he noted. This sentiment underscores a rare moment of bipartisan harmony in Nigeria’s often fractious political terrain. The Commissioner stressed that developmental projects like this one do not inquire about voters’ party cards before delivering benefits; they uplift entire communities. “Progress is color-blind to politics,” he quipped, urging continued support for the administration’s efforts. Such infrastructure, he added, aligns with sustainable development goals by fostering economic inclusion, reducing rural-urban migration pressures, and enhancing overall quality of life.
The hosting event itself was meticulously organized, reflecting Prof. Tonukari’s reputation for humility and approachability. Held in the tranquil ambiance of his Isiokolo residence—a modest yet welcoming compound that echoes the communal values of Urhobo culture—the meeting drew a cross-section of Ward 11 APC stalwarts. Attendees included seasoned politicians, youthful energizers, and recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), all united under the APC banner. Prof. Tonukari took the opportunity to applaud the ward members for their exemplary spirit of accommodation. “Your warm embrace of new members speaks volumes about the APC’s maturity and magnetism,” he said, highlighting how this inclusivity has injected fresh vigor into the party’s grassroots machinery.
This gesture of unity is particularly significant in the context of Delta State’s dynamic political landscape. With elections perpetually on the horizon, parties often grapple with internal factions and defections. Yet, Ward 11’s seamless integration of PDP returnees demonstrates a strategic foresight that could serve as a model for other units. Prof. Tonukari linked this internal strength directly to external support for state-led initiatives, arguing that a cohesive party at the ward level amplifies voices in advocacy for more projects like the Ekpan-Ovu to Erhoike Road.
Responding on behalf of the executive committee, the Ward Chairman, Mr. Roji Lawrence, delivered an equally heartfelt tribute. A grassroots mobilizer with deep roots in community organizing, Mr. Lawrence described Prof. Tonukari as a rare breed of leader—humble, accessible, and visionary. “This meeting will go down in our ward’s history as a turning point,” he declared. He elaborated on how the session clarified ongoing political currents, dispelled rumors, and reignited passion among members. Discussions reportedly covered party restructuring, voter education drives, and plans for increased participation in local government affairs. Mr. Lawrence’s remarks resonated with attendees, many of whom nodded in agreement as he pledged unwavering loyalty to both the APC’s ideals and Prof. Tonukari’s guidance.
The atmosphere throughout the event was one of camaraderie and purpose. Laughter interspersed serious deliberations, traditional kolanuts were shared as symbols of peace and alliance, and photographs captured moments of handshakes between old rivals turned allies. Notable stakeholders present included councilors, women leaders, youth representatives, and elders who lent their wisdom to the conversations. By the time the meeting adjourned, pledges of renewed commitment echoed loudly: promises to intensify door-to-door mobilization, organize town halls on government projects, and ensure that Ward 11 emerges as a powerhouse in Ethiope East’s political equation.
Prof. Tonukari’s role in this narrative extends beyond his commissionership. As an academic luminary who has published extensively on enzyme technology and food security, he brings an analytical lens to governance. His endorsement of the road project is informed by data—he referenced preliminary impact assessments showing potential increases in local GDP through enhanced trade corridors. Moreover, his call for cross-party support aligns with broader national discourses on depoliticizing development, a theme often championed by think tanks and international observers monitoring Nigeria’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Looking ahead, the Ekpan-Ovu to Erhoike Road stands as a beacon of what focused leadership can achieve. Spanning several kilometers through verdant farmlands and bustling villages, the project involves not just road paving but also drainage systems to combat erosion, culverts for flood management, and street lighting for nighttime safety. Contractors have reported steady progress, with phases already seeing asphalt laying and community labor participation, which in turn creates temporary jobs.
In conclusion, Prof. Tonukari’s hosting of the Ward 11 APC EXCO was more than a political rendezvous; it was a testament to the power of unity in pursuit of common good. By lauding Governor Oborevwori’s initiative, he bridged divides and reinforced that true development thrives on collaboration. The event ended on an uplifting note, with participants dispersing energized and optimistic. As Delta State continues its march toward comprehensive transformation, stories like this remind us that grassroots engagement and inclusive infrastructure are the twin pillars of lasting progress. Prof. Tonukari’s leadership exemplifies this synergy, inspiring Ward 11 and beyond to contribute actively to a brighter, more connected future for Ethiope East and the entire state.
