Udu not neglected, Oborevwori committed to equitable developments in Delta — Works Commissioner
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to equitable development across all parts of the state, dismissing claims that Udu Local Government Area has been sidelined.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects in Udu, particularly the Bezi Road and drainage project linking Aladja to Ogbe-Ijoh, headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Area, Izeze said the presence of the administration in Udu is a clear demonstration of its dedication to inclusive infrastructure development.
“We are here to assess the progress on this critical road, the initial design of the road failed to anticipate the volume of water in the area.
“However, upon discovering the inadequacy of the original drainage plan, the government promptly approved an additional 465 meters of drains to channel water to a nearby natural canal along the Ogbe-Ijoh–Aladja axis.”
He expressed concern over the pace of work, acknowledging that while some progress had been made, greater urgency was required.
“We had expected more by now, but the contractors have shown commitment. We are pushing them to complete the major works before the peak of the August rains. We expect the contractor handling the Bezi Road to deliver on time so that residents can begin to enjoy the benefits.”
Commenting on the recent protest by youths in Udu demanding more government attention, Izeze said their agitation was understandable.
“The youths are within their rights to ask for more, that’s democracy. But I am here in Udu, supervising a major project already being executed. The claim that Udu has been neglected is simply not accurate.”
He noted that the Oborevwori administration is executing several multi-billion-naira projects in Udu, including the Opete Road project and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Orhuwhorun–Usiefrun Road, both of which are vital to the socio-economic needs of the area.
“Governor Oborevwori is governing the entire Delta State, and Udu is not left out. The Bezi Road we are standing on has a stone base, sharp sand treatment, and full drainage on both sides. It is a quality project by every standard,” he stated.
“Being a Warri boy means being a homeboy, someone who knows every part of Delta. The Governor hears the grumblings, and he is addressing them gradually. Udu is not excluded,” he added.
Comrade Izeze emphasized that development efforts are being guided by fairness and available resources, assuring that the administration will continue to implement impactful projects across the state.
He also reaffirmed political alignment and unity under the current leadership, saying, “Udu is with Sheriff, and Sheriff is with Udu. We are all now members of the same political family, the APC under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The journey to El Dorado continues, and no part of Delta will be left behind.”
At Sokoh Estate Road in Uvwie Local Government Area, Comrade Izeze also appealed to residents to exercise patience with the contractor, assuring them that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeline.
Responding to complaints from residents about the pace of work and the perceived absence of contractors on-site, Izeze explained that the inspection visit was unannounced to allow for an honest assessment.
“We decided to come without prior notice, and we are pleased to see that the contractors are on-site and working. Our appeal to the public is simple: road construction is a process, and those processes must be followed with precision to ensure long-lasting results.”
Reflecting on the history of the Sokoh Estate Road, the Commissioner noted that the road had suffered decades of failed interventions.
“Since my first visit to this area in the early 1990s, this road has had a checkered history. Despite efforts by past administrations, including the NDDC and the state government, the road has never truly stood the test of time. But Governor Oborevwori, the promise keeper, is determined to change that narrative.”
He disclosed that the Governor personally supervised the redesign of the project to ensure that the drainage system could accommodate the area’s heavy rainfall.
“The road width was expanded from 7.3 meters to 10 meters, with dual-side drains connected to the Warri and Environs Stormwater Drainage Project for effective water discharge.
“From what we have seen today, I can assure residents that what they need now is patience,” Izeze emphasized.
“After enduring decades of pain, they will soon enjoy the pleasure of a well-constructed road. Once completed, this road will not only meet international standards but will also last a minimum of 20 years. That’s the Governor’s vision to build roads that stand the test of time.”
“As we say in the gym, no pain, no gain. His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has asked me to assure residents of Sokoh Estate that the pain is temporary. In no time, the contractors will finish, leave the site, and residents will once again have full access to their road and enjoy improved business and mobility.”
Also speaking, the representative of the contracting firm, Engr. Ifeanyi Ochuba, confirmed that work was progressing steadily and assured that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe of December 2025.
