By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
POLITICAL DEBATE over Delta State’s development agenda has intensified, prompting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to challenge opposition figures to personally inspect ongoing projects.
His response follows criticism from former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who questioned the state’s spending on major infrastructure.
Following an inspection of the completed twin bridges at Ubu River along the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, Governor Oborevwori dismissed the accusations as unfounded and based on misinformation.
He invited critics to join him in project tours to witness firsthand the state government’s prudent allocation of funds.
“I don’t want to engage in unnecessary arguments, but I challenge those who doubt our spending to see the evidence themselves,” he stated.
“We have been operating for nearly 21 months without borrowing a dime, and no contractor can claim we owe them, yet multiple projects are progressing smoothly.”
He specifically addressed allegations that his administration was overspending on flyovers. “Some claim we are building a flyover for N70 billion. How can a flyover cost N77 billion? Let them come and see the reality,” he asserted.
The Governor highlighted the improved road network, particularly along the Ughelli route, which he said now takes just over an hour to traverse—a stark contrast to the previous condition before his administration took office.
During his tour, Governor Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the progress on key projects, reaffirming that the completed twin bridges would facilitate the completion of Sector C1 of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.
He assured residents that the entire project would be ready for commissioning by the end of the year.
“When I visited months ago, this place was far from completion. Today, the difference is clear. I am thrilled to see this bridge taking shape because it was a crucial component holding back the road project,” he remarked.
The Governor praised China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for maintaining project timelines and delivering quality work. “With the pace at which they are working, I am confident that by May 29, this site will be ready for inauguration,” he added.
. . . Commitment to Education Development
In a separate engagement, Governor Oborevwori stressed his state’s status as Nigeria’s hub of tertiary education, boasting four state-owned universities.
While inspecting projects at Southern Delta University, Ozoro and Orerokpe campuses, he commended Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Oboreh for reinvesting the institution’s internally generated revenue (IGR) into infrastructure expansion.
“Delta is the only state with four public universities, and we are committed to sustaining this status. This new medical sciences building, initially designated for management sciences, has been repurposed to accommodate medical education,” he said.
The Governor further revealed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had approved the university’s name change, allowing for the accreditation of additional courses, including Law.
“I urge other universities to reinvest their IGR into infrastructure rather than solely relying on government funding. This strategy ensures steady growth and better learning conditions,” he emphasised.
Governor Oborevwori also addressed why Delta State’s universities rarely participate in nationwide strikes, attributing it to the government’s commitment to the welfare of academic staff.
“We provide subventions, approve their requests, and ensure they are well-paid. Our focus on education is deliberate because when young people are educated, they stay out of crime. Education is the foundation of a thriving society, and we take it very seriously,” he stated.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Oboreh lauded the Governor’s dedication, especially in developing the Orerokpe campus. He urged contractors to expedite work as the university plans to relocate 3,000 students to the new site by September.
“The facilities here meet NUC standards, and in comparison to some main campuses elsewhere, we are doing exceptionally well,” Professor Oboreh noted. “The Governor’s intervention has been transformative.”
With ongoing infrastructural projects and a focus on education, Governor Oborevwori maintains that Delta State is on a path to significant development.
His administration continues to invite scrutiny while urging stakeholders to witness progress firsthand rather than relying on political narratives.
