Asaba, Delta State – On the first working day of the 2026 fiscal year, Comrade Reuben Izeze, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), has strongly reaffirmed the ministry's steadfast dedication to delivering top-tier road projects throughout the state. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the overarching MORE Agenda of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, which emphasizes Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
The assurance came during a high-level management meeting held on Monday in Asaba, the state capital. The gathering, attended by key officials including the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Juliet Aboloje, and the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, served as the official resumption of duties for the new year. It provided a platform for the commissioner to extend warm New Year greetings to staff while underscoring the critical need to adhere rigorously to the ministry's approved 2026 work plan.
Commissioner Izeze described the session as more than a routine resumption exercise. It was an opportunity to rally the team, foster unity, and reinforce the ministry's core principles of excellence in project execution. "We are resolute in our mission to construct and rehabilitate roads that not only meet but exceed the highest international standards," Izeze declared. He emphasized that all operations would be confined strictly to the approved budgetary estimates and the Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) or Bills of Quantities (BOQ), ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency.
This pledge comes at a pivotal time for Delta State, as the Oborevwori administration continues to prioritize infrastructure as a cornerstone of economic growth and social progress. The MORE Agenda, launched since the governor's inauguration, has already yielded tangible results, with numerous road projects either completed or advancing rapidly across the state's three senatorial districts. Visible impacts include reduced travel times, improved access to rural communities, enhanced flood control measures, and boosted commercial activities in urban centers.
Izeze highlighted that the ministry's guiding ethos—professionalism, accountability, and unwavering dedication—mirrors the broader vision of Governor Oborevwori's leadership. "Our work is not just about laying asphalt; it's about connecting people, facilitating trade, and uplifting livelihoods," he noted. He called on the management and technical teams in the Highways and Urban Roads Department to maintain high levels of teamwork and diligence. This collaborative spirit, he said, is essential for achieving timely project delivery, which in turn will strengthen connectivity and stimulate socio-economic development statewide.
The commissioner pointed to the administration's track record as evidence of its unrelenting focus on infrastructure. Ongoing and completed projects have transformed landscapes in various local government areas, easing perennial challenges like flooding in Warri and Effurun, decongesting traffic in Ughelli, and opening up riverine communities previously isolated by poor roads. For instance, major initiatives such as the Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway, flyovers in Effurun and Warri, and rural road networks have received commendations from residents and stakeholders alike.
Looking ahead to 2026, the ministry's agenda is bolstered by the recently approved state budget, which allocates substantial resources to capital projects, with a significant portion dedicated to roads. This includes hundreds of billions earmarked for highways, urban renewal, and rural linkages, reflecting the governor's commitment to accelerating the MORE Agenda. Recent approvals for additional road constructions, erosion control, and related works further underscore this priority.
Izeze's remarks also resonated with broader themes of inclusivity and sustainability. By insisting on quality materials, rigorous supervision, and adherence to specifications, the ministry aims to build roads that withstand the test of time, even in Delta's challenging terrain marked by deltas, rivers, and heavy rainfall. This approach not only ensures value for money but also minimizes future maintenance costs, freeing up resources for new developments.
Staff members present at the meeting expressed enthusiasm for the commissioner's motivational address. Engr. Aghagba, the Director of Highways, praised the leadership for fostering a culture of excellence, while the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Aboloje, committed to streamlining administrative processes to support field operations.
As Delta State embarks on another year of ambitious development, Commissioner Izeze's reaffirmation serves as a clarion call to all involved in the infrastructure sector. Under Governor Oborevwori's guidance, the Ministry of Works remains poised to deliver transformative projects that will leave a lasting legacy. Residents across the state can look forward to continued improvements in mobility, safety, and economic opportunities, as the administration doubles down on its promise of a more prosperous Delta for all.
This renewed commitment not only builds on the achievements of previous years but also sets a proactive tone for 2026. With visible progress already evident—from dualized highways linking major towns to internal roads enhancing community access—the Oborevwori-led government demonstrates that infrastructure development is not merely a policy slogan but a lived reality for Deltans. As projects roll out in the coming months, the impact on daily life, commerce, and overall well-being is expected to be profound, solidifying Delta State's position as a beacon of progressive governance in Nigeria.
