The Oborevwori administration in Delta State is demonstrating a strong commitment to transforming rural communities and elevating healthcare standards through strategic and substantial budgetary provisions in the 2026 fiscal year. During a recent interview on The Morning Show on ARISE News, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, provided an in-depth overview of these landmark initiatives, describing them as groundbreaking within the Nigerian context.
Unprecedented Grassroots Development Funding
Central to the administration’s strategy is the allocation of N7 billion to each of Delta State’s 25 local government areas (LGAs), culminating in a total of N175 billion dedicated exclusively to grassroots-level projects. This funding is separate from other statewide capital expenditures and is designed to address localized priorities directly.
The commissioner explained the phased reasoning behind this figure. Initially, the government earmarked N3 billion per LGA — amounting to N75 billion statewide — specifically for the expansion and rehabilitation of rural road networks. These roads are vital for connecting remote communities, enabling farmers to transport produce to markets more efficiently, reducing travel times for residents, and unlocking economic potential in agriculture-dependent areas.
However, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recognized the need for broader interventions. He subsequently approved an additional N4 billion per local government area, expanding the scope to encompass healthcare services, educational facilities, and other human capital development initiatives tailored to the specific requirements of each community. “As I speak to you, every local government in Delta has N7 billion dedicated to it,” Aniagwu emphasized. “When you multiply that by 25 local government areas, you are talking about N175 billion strictly for projects at the local level, aside from other state-wide projects.”
This approach represents a progressive escalation from previous budgets. In 2024, the state allocated N1 billion per LGA for grassroots development. After evaluating outcomes and identifying opportunities for greater impact, the governor increased the amount to N2.1 billion per LGA in the 2025 budget. The dramatic rise to N7 billion in 2026 reflects both the success of earlier efforts and the administration’s determination to accelerate inclusive growth.
Aniagwu described this level of direct funding to local governments as unprecedented, asserting that no other state in Nigeria currently matches Delta’s commitment to empowering LGAs with such significant, targeted resources. By decentralizing decision-making and resource allocation, the government aims to ensure that projects remain relevant, timely, and responsive to community needs, while also promoting transparency and local ownership.
Comprehensive Expansion in the Health Sector
Complementing the grassroots development package, the Oborevwori administration has made healthcare a top priority, with over N16 billion already earmarked for the sector in the 2026 budget. These funds support a multifaceted strategy that combines infrastructure upgrades, equipment modernization, manpower development, and expanded insurance coverage.
Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to grapple with the emigration of trained professionals seeking better opportunities abroad — a phenomenon commonly known as “brain drain.” Aniagwu acknowledged this challenge but highlighted proactive countermeasures. The state has intensified recruitment drives to bring in additional doctors, nurses, and allied health workers. Concurrently, continuous training and capacity-building programs are underway to enhance skills, retain talent, and minimize the economic impact of capital flight associated with overseas training.
A flagship project in this domain is the newly established College of Health Technology in Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government Area. This specialized institution focuses on producing a new generation of nurses, midwives, community health workers, and other mid-level professionals to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare delivery across the state.
Delta State also maintains a unique distinction as the only Nigerian state operating four fully state-owned universities. These include Delta State University (Abraka), Delta State University of Science and Technology (Ozoro), Dennis Osadebay University (Asaba), and the University of Delta (Agbor). Together, they form a robust ecosystem for training medical doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other high-level healthcare personnel, reducing long-term dependence on external institutions.
In terms of public access to care, Delta leads all subnational entities in contributory health insurance enrollment. More than 2.8 million residents are currently registered under the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme. Aniagwu noted that with an annual premium as low as N7,000, enrolled individuals can receive comprehensive medical services at accredited facilities without incurring prohibitive out-of-pocket costs. This places Delta second only to the Federal Government’s national scheme in enrollment numbers, marking a significant step toward universal health coverage at the state level.
Infrastructure and Equipment Modernization
On the physical side, the government is actively renovating and upgrading more than 400 primary healthcare dispensaries scattered throughout the state. General hospitals and cottage hospitals are also receiving comprehensive improvements to enhance service quality and capacity.
A major ongoing project is the construction of a new Specialist Hospital in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area. Once completed, this facility will serve as an additional tertiary referral center, working alongside existing institutions in Asaba, Oghara, and Warri to provide advanced specialist care and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances.
Beyond construction, the administration is investing heavily in state-of-the-art medical technology. Advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI scanners and other sophisticated imaging equipment previously found predominantly in private hospitals, are now being installed in public facilities. “We are not just building structures; we are equipping them with modern technology and strengthening the manpower needed to run them,” Aniagwu declared.
A Vision for Inclusive and Sustainable Progress
The Oborevwori administration’s integrated focus on rural infrastructure — especially road connectivity that opens up communities for commerce and social interaction — combined with aggressive healthcare investments, is strategically positioned to drive inclusive economic growth and improve quality of life across Delta State.
Better roads lower transportation costs, boost agricultural productivity, and facilitate access to markets, schools, and hospitals. Enhanced healthcare services reduce illness-related productivity losses, lower maternal and child mortality rates, and build public confidence in government institutions. Together, these efforts aim to create a more equitable society where development benefits reach every corner of the state, from bustling urban centers to remote riverine villages.
As the 2026 budget — valued at approximately N1.729 trillion with a strong emphasis on capital projects — moves into implementation, Delta State is setting a high standard for decentralized governance and social sector investment. Commissioner Aniagwu’s detailed disclosures on national television underscore not only impressive financial commitments but also a clear, people-centered vision for a healthier, more connected, and more prosperous Delta State in the years ahead.
