On Monday, January 19, 2026, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the N59.7 billion Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa delivered a resounding endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership. The immediate past governor and current Senator representing Delta North asserted that the President is deliberately and courageously guiding Nigeria toward a more sustainable and stable economic future, even as the nation navigates the initial hardships of bold reforms.
The event, presided over by incumbent Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, drew significant attention not only for the infrastructure milestone but also for Okowa's rare public appearance at such a ceremony post-tenure. Okowa, who typically avoids attending flag-offs or inaugurations after leaving office, explained that this particular project profoundly moved him, compelling his presence. "I bless God for what I am seeing here today. What is happening in Delta State gives me peace, and that peace is because Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a good man who has continued to do the right thing," he remarked.
Okowa lavished praise on Governor Oborevwori for upholding cordial relationships, honoring trust, and converting long-term visions into concrete realities. He highlighted the scale and widespread nature of infrastructure projects under the current administration as unmistakable signs of purposeful, people-oriented governance. The N59.7 billion Uromi Junction Flyover—a monumental intervention to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and accident risks along the vital Lagos–Asaba Expressway—was singled out as particularly impactful. Okowa noted it is far from isolated, pointing to other significant developments in Delta North, such as the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road (valued at approximately N21.3–30 billion, depending on scope expansions) and the Aboh–Akarai concrete road project, including a 100-meter bridge across the Okiri River in Ndokwa East.
These initiatives, he emphasized, demonstrate a firm commitment to balanced and inclusive development across senatorial districts. "Indeed, Deltans should celebrate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He has a huge basket of projects, many of which have moved from conception to reality," Okowa stated. Reflecting on his personal bond with the governor, he attributed his post-office tranquility to Oborevwori's sincerity and dedication to continuity. Recalling the origins of Oborevwori's rise, Okowa said: "When the vision was born and I spoke about it in December 2021, some thought I was joking. When it began to manifest in 2022, others thought I was crazy. But I knew God spoke. Today, Governor Oborevwori is proving God right, and that makes me very proud."
Shifting focus to national affairs, Okowa called on Nigerians to objectively evaluate President Tinubu's efforts. He insisted that the ongoing economic reforms—anchored in the Renewed Hope Agenda—are already producing tangible positive outcomes. "People may choose not to acknowledge it, but the truth is that Mr President is engineering the Nigerian economy in the right direction," he declared. Drawing from his extensive experience in public administration, Okowa pointed to improved fiscal health at subnational levels: states and local governments are now paying salaries more regularly, while long-overdue pensions and gratuities are being cleared. These advancements, he argued, stem directly from federal policies like subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and enhanced revenue generation, which have boosted allocations and fiscal space.
By early 2026, macroeconomic indicators reflect progress: quarterly GDP growth has been robust, with annualized figures expected to surpass 4%; inflation has eased below 15%; exchange rate stability has improved; trade surpluses persist; and foreign reserves provide a stronger buffer against shocks. The 2026 Appropriation Bill, dubbed the "Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity," aims to deepen these gains through infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital investments. Okowa commended Governor Oborevwori for boldly aligning Delta State with the federal government—a strategic move that enhances collaboration and benefits residents.
"Politics aside, Mr President is leading Nigeria towards a more sustainable future. There may be some pain at the beginning, but in a few years, the results will be evident, even while he is still in office," Okowa affirmed. This perspective aligns with broader trends, including Okowa's earlier commendations of Tinubu's reforms in 2025, where he highlighted how fiscal resets have empowered states to deliver better services without the chronic resource constraints of the past.
The former governor's remarks come against the backdrop of Delta State's evolving political landscape. Following the historic April 2025 realignment—widely described as a "movement" rather than mere defection—Governor Oborevwori, Okowa, and major PDP structures joined the APC. This shift, welcomed by President Tinubu as a "political tsunami," has fostered greater federal synergy, enabling accelerated infrastructure delivery and positioning Delta for stronger national integration.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Okowa prayed for continued peace, wisdom, strength, and good health for Governor Oborevwori. He expressed confidence in the bright future ahead for Delta State, the Ika Nation, and Nigeria as a whole. "It is well with Nigeria. It is well with Delta State. It is well with Ika Nation," he declared.
Dr. Okowa's address serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between visionary leadership at state and national levels. As reforms mature and projects like the Uromi Junction Flyover materialize, they symbolize the promise of a more resilient, prosperous nation—one where initial sacrifices pave the way for enduring gains.
