Infrastructure boost: Delta communities see opportunity in govt’s road projects
Across many communities in the oil-rich Delta State, the approval of new road projects by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is being welcomed as a major step toward improving connectivity, stimulating economic
Across many communities in the oil-rich Delta State, the approval of new road projects by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is being welcomed as a major step toward improving connectivity, stimulating economic activities and addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.
From Ughelli South in Delta Central to Ndokwa communities in Delta North, stakeholders say the road approvals represent more than construction projects — they signal renewed attention to grassroots development.
In Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, praised the governor for approving the construction of internal roads in Okwagbe, Imode and Eyara communities.
According to Izeze, the projects reflect the administration’s commitment to equitable development across the state.
He revealed that leaders and stakeholders from Imode community had earlier approached him in 2025 during a visit to his family compound in Oginibo to request the construction of Imode Road, which they described as critical to transportation and local commerce.
Their appeal, he said, was promptly communicated to Governor Oborevwori, who approved the project as part of the state’s ongoing infrastructure expansion.
For residents of the affected communities, the road projects are expected to ease movement, support small businesses and improve daily living conditions.
The commissioner also highlighted other strategic road projects approved by the state government, including ECN–Udu Express Road and Ekakpamre–Ekrokpe–Usiefrun–Oruwhorun Road, noting that they would enhance connectivity across multiple communities.
Beyond roads, he lauded the governor for approving the construction of halls of residence across campuses of state-owned tertiary institutions, a move aimed at addressing accommodation challenges faced by students.
Izeze assured residents of Otutuama, Esaba, Ophorigbala and Iwhreogun communities that their development requests had already been presented to the governor for consideration.
In Delta North, a political pressure group, NdokwaForward, has also expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving major road projects in Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas.
The group described the projects as a critical component of the state government’s N400 billion infrastructure programme designed to expand road networks and strengthen economic activities across Delta State.
In a statement signed by Samuel Osasa, Omordi George Ugbomah and Isaac Onyesom, the group said the roads would significantly transform transportation and commerce in Ndokwa land.
Among the approved projects are Ogbedigbo Afor Road with a spur to Obi Palace Road, Ebendo–Iyasele–Ashaka Road and Ogbe-Ogume–Ebendo Road Phase One.
Access roads to Kwale Free Trade Zone were also included in the approval.
According to the group, the road projects will improve the movement of goods and people, attract investment and expand access to markets across the region.
NdokwaForward also commended the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, for ensuring Ndokwa communities were adequately represented in the state’s infrastructure programme.
Observers noted that the road approvals aligned with the administration’s MORE Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security — which places infrastructure development at the centre of governance.
For many residents across Delta State, improved road networks are expected to serve as vital links between rural communities and urban centres, enabling trade, improving access to education and health care, and strengthening overall economic growth.
As construction plans move forward, community leaders have called for continued collaboration between government, contractors and local stakeholders to ensure the projects are delivered efficiently and on schedule.
For communities long challenged by poor road access, the new infrastructure approvals represent a promise of better connectivity and broader opportunities for development.
