Asaba, Delta State — In a renewed pledge to address long-standing infrastructure challenges, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed the state government's determination to reconstruct the ECN Road in Udu Local Government Area. The announcement underscores the administration's focus on improving urban connectivity, alleviating commuter hardships, and stimulating economic activities across the oil-rich region.
The ECN Road, a vital artery linking Otor-Udu and surrounding communities in Udu LGA to key areas including the express junction, Ovwian, and broader networks toward Ughelli and Warri, has long been plagued by deplorable conditions. Residents, daily commuters, and businesses along the corridor have endured persistent difficulties, including potholes, flooding during rains, and restricted access that hampers trade and mobility. The governor's commitment comes in response to these ongoing complaints, signaling a proactive step toward relief.
Speaking on Friday at Orhuwhorun in Udu Local Government Area, during the 50th and 19th memorial celebration of the late Chief and Madam Palama Akporhierayen—parents of prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in the area, Sir Sheba Kris Palama—Governor Oborevwori assured that the reconstruction would adhere to high standards and be completed within a defined timeline. He emphasized that the project is not merely a repair but a comprehensive upgrade aligned with his administration's flagship MORE Agenda—an acronym standing for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
The MORE Agenda, which has guided Delta State's governance since Oborevwori assumed office in 2023, prioritizes purposeful infrastructure as a foundation for security, commerce, and elevated quality of life. The governor highlighted how quality roads like the ECN reconstruction will open up communities, reduce travel times, boost local businesses, and foster inclusive growth in Udu, a key industrial and residential hub in the state.
Governor Oborevwori also used the occasion to spotlight other infrastructural milestones under his leadership. He noted that the long-awaited Udu Harbour Market, initially awarded about 18 years ago and stalled for decades, has been revitalized and is nearing full completion. Earlier assurances from the administration indicated readiness for inauguration as early as April 2025, with recent updates confirming significant progress. The market, featuring hundreds of lock-up shops, open stalls, and modern facilities, is poised to become a major economic landmark, providing traders with better environments and stimulating commerce in the area.
In his address, the governor charged political office holders, community leaders, and citizens to embrace servant leadership. He stressed that true leadership is rooted in humility, accountability, and unwavering loyalty to the people. "There is no local government where I don't have leaders. You cannot say because you are a governor that you are all in all. No. You must be loyal to your people because we are only serving them," Oborevwori declared, underscoring the importance of grassroots engagement in governance.
Reflecting on legacy and family values, the governor commended Sir Sheba Palama for organizing the memorial event to honor his parents. He described the gesture as noble, preserving cultural and familial heritage. "When you have children who remember you, your legacy lives on. Today, we remember Esther Palama and Chief Palama. As you have remembered your parents, your children and grandchildren will also remember you," he said, drawing applause from the gathering.
Governor Oborevwori further emphasized the critical role of unity in achieving sustainable development. "Development can only happen when there is unity. I will do my best to do whatever the Udu people want, but unity is key," he noted. He expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents for the warm reception, while reiterating his administration's dedication to inclusive governance and people-centered projects throughout Delta State.
The ECN Road project builds on other ongoing and completed initiatives in Udu, including dualization efforts from Udu Bridge to ECN, rehabilitation of Orhuwhorun–Usiefrun Road, construction of Opete Road, and federal interventions like the approval of a Federal Medical Centre in Ovwian. These developments reflect the Oborevwori administration's broader strategy to transform Delta into a more connected, prosperous, and secure state.
As Delta State enters 2026 with optimism, Governor Oborevwori's fresh commitments signal continued momentum under the MORE Agenda. Residents of Udu and beyond eagerly await the start of works on the ECN Road, viewing it as a tangible step toward easing daily struggles and unlocking greater economic potential.
The governor's appearance at the memorial event in Orhuwhorun not only highlighted infrastructure priorities but also reinforced the human side of leadership—honoring legacies, promoting unity, and serving with humility. With these efforts, Delta State continues to position itself as a model of purposeful governance in the Niger Delta.
