Oborevwori’s rural development efforts are bridging community gaps, transforming lives in Delta – Aniagwu
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated on Thursday that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is connecting communities and transforming lives by providing road infrastructure across rural communities in the state.
Aniagwu, speaking on national television monitored in Asaba, Delta State capital disclosed that Governor Oborevwori has completed in excess of 100km of roads and has over 150km of ongoing projects across the State
The Commissioner revealed that Governor Oborevwori provided N1 billion for road construction in each of the 25 local government areas during the 2024 fiscal year, and subsequently increased the allocation to N2.1 billion each in the 2025 budget.
“When the governor took office on May 29, 2023, he outlined numerous promises, chiefly stressing the need to continue existing projects, ensuring that none would be abandoned while introducing new initiatives.”
“In terms of community connectivity, he has successfully implemented road projects in every local government, completed or ongoing, prompting the creation of the Ministry of Works, Rural Roads, to spearhead rural community accessibility.”
“In the 2024 fiscal year, he ensured that we accumulated one billion for each local government, thereby enabling us to address some community roads.”
“When we realized the advantage of that particular budgetary provision, as we began preparing for the 2025 budget, he directed us to allocate more than N2 billion to each local government.
“As I address you, regarding the improvement of rural roads, we have allocated over N2.1 billion to address rural roads in every local government, which does not include additional funding for ongoing and new projects.”
“The government has issued a directive for us to expand our road construction efforts to include riverine areas, thereby enhancing connectivity with communities in our state.”
“Given its coastal location, Delta boasts a significant number of riverine communities where, alongside bridges, roads need to be constructed to facilitate connections to these rural and riverine areas.”
“All these projects are ongoing, and we have commissioned a significant number. As I speak to you, we have completed no less than 100 kilometers of such roads, and over 150 kilometers are also underway.”
The Commissioner added that Governor Oborevwori aimed to develop rural communities simultaneously with urban centres, with the goal of stemming rural-urban migration.
“The reason for this is our conviction that rural community development is vital, as it facilitates the empowerment of the people, given that a considerable number of people migrating to urban centers originate from these rural communities.”
“Making rural communities more livable will ultimately free up urban areas, as addressing the issue of rural-urban drift will reduce overpopulation and alleviate pressure on urban infrastructure.”
“We needed to take action in rural areas to keep pace with urban development, and this action also helps ensure security of life and property in those communities.”
He revealed that no state had allocated in excess of N125 billion for the development of rural road infrastructure nationwide, and he assured that community road construction requests would be prioritized based on a thorough needs assessment, pending fund availability.
