Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori intentionally prioritized the rehabilitation of the historic Erhoike–Kokori–Isiokolo–Okpara-Inland–Ovu–Oviorie–Ekpan Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area to honour Kokori community's pivotal role in Nigeria's oil industry and address decades of infrastructural neglect.
Speaking during an on-site inspection of the ₦12 billion project on Wednesday, Commissioner Izeze described the intervention as a clear manifestation of Governor Oborevwori’s “Opportunities for All” agenda, ensuring that communities which have long contributed to national wealth now benefit from state development efforts.
“The Oborevwori ‘Opportunities for All’ is going round and it has reached Kokori,” the commissioner stated. “His Excellency has remembered that once upon a time there was a Kokori brand, there was sweet crude, and the goose that lays the golden egg should also partake in the Ukodo.”
Izeze recalled Kokori’s significant place in Nigeria’s petroleum history, noting that the community is the source of Brent crude, widely regarded by the American Petroleum Institute as one of the world’s sweetest crudes due to its exceptionally low sulphur content. Despite this contribution to national revenue, the area has suffered prolonged neglect in terms of basic infrastructure.
“Kokori is historically where Brent crude comes from, regarded as one of the sweetest crudes in the world. Yet, over the years, these communities have complained of neglect. They are the golden geese that lay the golden egg,” he emphasized.
The ₦12 billion road project spans 35.32 kilometres and involves comprehensive rehabilitation: repairing failed sections, stabilization works, asphalt overlay as the wearing course, reconstruction of culverts, and extensive drainage improvements. A critical 1.3-kilometre drainage segment in the Oviorie area was inspected, designed to channel storm water safely into the Ethiope River through Ovu, ensuring road durability against flooding and erosion.
The commissioner confirmed that the contractor, Levante, has maintained consistent presence on site for approximately three months (excluding the Christmas break) and fully resumed work in January. “So far, the level of work is encouraging and the quality delivered is up to standard,” Izeze said. “We have worked with Levante before, and the quality of their work has always met the required engineering standards.”
The inspection covered the entire stretch—from Isiokolo through Kokori, Oviorie, and Ovu to Ekpan—where the road connects to the Amukpe Expressway, guaranteeing comprehensive oversight.
Izeze commended Governor Oborevwori’s courage in tackling a road untouched for over 20 years. “For a fact, this road has not been rehabilitated for over 20 years. For His Excellency to take it up again shows clearly that he is a governor for all,” he declared.
Ethiope East Local Government Area is predominantly agrarian, with residents relying on farming and trading. The commissioner highlighted that the improved road will drastically reduce travel time, facilitate easier transportation of farm produce to markets, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and stimulate commercial activities in the area.
The project underscores the Oborevwori administration’s deliberate strategy to bridge infrastructural gaps in oil-producing and agrarian communities, correcting historical imbalances and extending development dividends to underserved regions.
In a related inspection, Commissioner Izeze visited the ongoing construction of Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area. He expressed satisfaction with progress, noting only minor technical adjustments were needed. “Overall, so far so good. The project has passed the test at this stage, and once the highlighted adjustments are effected, it will be a very perfect job,” he concluded.
The ₦12 billion Erhoike–Kokori road rehabilitation stands as a symbol of inclusive governance, recognizing the historical contributions of Kokori and its people while delivering long-overdue infrastructure to boost economic and social life in Ethiope East and beyond.
