ASABA — Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Urban Roads) and Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the aggressive scaling-up of rural infrastructure, describing the ongoing projects as tangible proof that the governor’s MORE Agenda is delivering life-changing development to long-neglected communities across the state.
Speaking during an extensive inspection tour of multi-billion naira road and bridge projects in Isoko North, Isoko South, and Ughelli North Local Government Areas, Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration is deliberately shifting resources to rural areas to bridge the infrastructure gap between urban centres and the hinterland.
“The governor promised Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security under the MORE Agenda. What we are seeing on ground today is the practical manifestation of that promise,” Aniagwu told journalists at the bank of the sprawling Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru bridge currently under construction.
One of the flagship projects inspected was the Phase II of the 4.8km Emevor–Ivrogbo–Orogun Road in Isoko North. The commissioner revealed that the first 4.4km phase was completed and commissioned by the governor ahead of his first anniversary in office in 2024, while the second phase, now at advanced stage, is slated for completion and commissioning before the end of February 2026.
“The contractor has mobilised fully. They have completed earthworks, laid the binder course on most sections, and are pushing aggressively. By the time this phase is delivered, the entire Emevor–Ivrogbo–Orogun corridor will be fully motorable, ending decades of hardship for our people who have to travel long distances through difficult terrain,” he said.
At Okpolo-Enhwe in Isoko South, the inspection team assessed the 3.2km Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu Access Road, a critical artery that serves several oil and gas facilities and farming settlements. Aniagwu expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that drainage structures are nearly completed and stone base laying has commenced on significant portions.
“This road is strategic. Apart from opening up rural communities, it supports the movement of personnel and equipment to oil installations. The contractor has assured us that by the end of January 2026, the binder course will be in place, and the entire project should be ready for commissioning before April,” he disclosed.
The high point of the tour was the inspection of Phase III of the Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru Road and the imposing bridge linking Isoko South and Ughelli North Local Government Areas. Standing on the bridge deck, Aniagwu described the structure as “a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of unity.”
“This bridge is not just concrete and steel; it is a bridge of possibilities. For decades, our people in Isoko South and Ughelli North had to travel through the expressway or use risky wooden canoes to cross this river. Today, Governor Oborevwori has removed that barrier permanently,” he said.
He particularly praised the indigenous contractor, Emo Rock Concepts Nigeria Limited, for delivering world-class quality. “Look at the stone pitching, the approach ramps, the aesthetics — this is the kind of pride we want our local contractors to bring to every site. Emo Rock is setting the standard, and we are proud of them,” Aniagwu added.
The commissioner emphasised that the improved road network and bridges will dramatically reduce travel time, lower transportation costs for farm produce, boost fishing activities in riverine communities, and stimulate small-scale commerce across the rural belt.
“Connectivity is the foundation of economic growth. When farmers can move their yams, plantain, and cassava to markets quickly and cheaply, when fishermen can reach landing sites without stress, when children can attend school without wading through floodwaters, that is when real development happens,” he stated.
Aniagwu also noted that the projects are enhancing peace and security by making it easier for security agencies to patrol hitherto inaccessible communities and fostering greater interaction among neighbouring ethnic groups.
Residents who turned out in large numbers to welcome the inspection team could not hide their joy. Madam Patience Ogbidi, a fish trader from Uwheru, said: “For over 40 years we have been begging for this bridge. Today, Governor Oborevwori has answered our prayers. We will never forget him.”
Similarly, Mr. Sunday Akpomudiare, a youth leader in Emevor, described the ongoing second phase of the Emevor–Orogun Road as “a dream come true,” adding that the first phase had already transformed transportation and property values in the area.
Aniagwu used the occasion to appeal to Deltans to continue supporting the Oborevwori administration, assuring them that more rural and urban projects are in the pipeline.
“We are not relenting. The governor is committed to touching every ward, every community. With the cooperation of our people, we will continue to deliver projects that make life more meaningful for all Deltans,” he said.
The inspection tour underscores the deliberate focus of the Oborevwori administration on rural infrastructure as a catalyst for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and the overall realisation of the MORE Agenda that has become the rallying mantra of the present administration in Delta State.
