Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for transforming rural communities across the state through strategic road and bridge infrastructure projects, describing the governor as a leader who is redefining development and connecting communities through purposeful governance.
Aniagwu made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 5.1-kilometre Obi-Ibabu Road project in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, where he highlighted the far-reaching impact of the administration's infrastructure drive on the socio-economic lives of rural dwellers.
Recalling his days as a student at Ndemili Grammar School over four decades ago, Aniagwu said travelling to Utagba-Uno was once a difficult undertaking that required extensive planning due to the poor state of roads in the area.
"Some four decades ago, when I was a student at Ndemili Grammar School, elders would often discuss their plans for days before travelling to Utagba-Uno because of the terrible condition of the road. Today, by virtue of what Governor Oborevwori has done, that challenge has become history," he said.
According to him, the newly completed road has significantly reduced travel time, strengthened connectivity between agrarian communities and improved access to markets, healthcare and other social services.
The commissioner noted that the Obi-Ibabu Road project is one among several strategic road projects being executed by the Oborevwori administration across the Ndokwa and Ukwuani axis.
He listed other ongoing projects to include the Utagba-Uno/Eweshi Road, the Inam-Abbi Road and the 8.4-kilometre road network linking Etua Ukpo, Etua-Etiti and Etua-Oliogo communities.
Aniagwu said the projects were changing the physical and economic landscape of the benefiting communities, transforming them from isolated agrarian settlements into emerging urban centres.
"In Etua-Ukpo, Etua-Etiti and Etua-Oliogo, you have over 8.4 kilometres of roads. What that means is that you have redefined the skyline of those communities. They have moved beyond being mere agrarian communities and are gradually becoming townships," he stated.
He also praised the governor for the completion of the Obi-Ibabu Road in Onicha-Ukwuani, noting that the project had transformed the way residents commute and interact with neighbouring communities.
Describing Governor Oborevwori's infrastructure policy as one that builds "bridges of possibilities," Aniagwu said the administration was not only constructing roads and bridges but also creating economic opportunities for residents.
"Beyond these bridges of possibilities, you are connecting people, making business easier, improving transportation and helping farmers move their produce to markets. In doing so, you are strengthening the economy of these communities and the state at large," he added.
The commissioner further lauded the governor for providing engineers and officials in the Ministry of Works the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of rural communities across the state.
He said the quality of projects being executed under the administration was a testament to the governor's commitment to delivering infrastructure that would stand the test of time.
Aniagwu thanked Governor Oborevwori for his confidence in the ministry and assured him of the continued dedication of engineers and other personnel to the successful delivery of projects that improve the quality of life of Deltans.
"On behalf of the engineers and staff of the Ministry of Works, Rural Roads and Riverine Infrastructure, I sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for this privilege to serve and impact lives. Through these projects, you are redefining development and setting a standard for others to follow," he said.
