Delta Govt Defends Oborevwori, Says MORE Agenda Is Delivering Results

The Delta State Government has dismissed recent criticisms of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, describing them as an opinion piece based on “conjecture, selective omissions and misleading assumptions.”

In a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, the government said the administration has recorded significant achievements across key sectors within three years through the implementation of the MORE Agenda.

Ahon stated that contrary to claims that the government is overly focused on infrastructure, the administration has pursued a balanced development approach covering education, healthcare, economic empowerment, rural transformation, environmental sustainability, and security.

He noted that one of the administration’s key strengths is its ability to execute major projects without loans, adding that prudent financial management has earned Delta recognition as one of Nigeria’s best-managed sub-national governments.

Defending the infrastructure drive, he said roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, flood control projects, and security facilities are essential development tools rather than mere construction efforts.

He listed major ongoing and completed projects to include the PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction, Otovwodo and Agbor flyovers, as well as the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges project, Ayakoromo Bridge, Kwale-Beneku Bridge, and several urban and rural road projects across the three senatorial districts.

Ahon also highlighted ongoing flood-control and drainage works, alongside urban renewal projects in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, and other communities aimed at improving living conditions and attracting investment.

In the health sector, he said the administration has invested in modern equipment including CT scanners, MRI machines, dialysis units, and 4D ultrasound scanners distributed across local government areas. He added that over 150 primary healthcare centres are being upgraded statewide.

He further disclosed the establishment of a College of Health Technology in Ovrode and a new Faculty of Medical Sciences building at Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

On education, Ahon said thousands of teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited, while school infrastructure and technical education have been strengthened to improve learning outcomes.

The statement also noted that hundreds of thousands of residents have benefited from empowerment schemes such as D-CARES, MORE Grants, MORE Biz-Up, WESAP, and the Working Fingers Initiative.

According to Ahon, the programmes have provided financial support, vocational training, and business opportunities for youths, women, artisans, and small business owners across the state.

He dismissed claims that agriculture had been neglected, insisting that farmers continue to benefit from inputs, extension services, and rural road infrastructure to boost food production.

On rural development, he said the government is delivering roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, water projects, and electrification schemes in underserved and riverine communities.

Ahon also disclosed that water supply projects across urban and rural areas have been rehabilitated and expanded to improve access to clean water and public health.

Responding to criticism over proposed police divisional headquarters across the 25 local government areas, he described the initiative as a strategic investment in security infrastructure.

He added that while policing remains a federal responsibility, state governments have historically supported security agencies with infrastructure to enhance public safety.

“The benefits of improved security accrue directly to Deltans, their businesses, farms and communities. A secure environment attracts investment, promotes commerce and enhances the wellbeing of citizens,” he stated.

Ahon maintained that the administration’s progress is visible across all sectors, stressing that governance should be judged by impact on citizens rather than commentary.

He reaffirmed Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to the MORE Agenda, noting that ongoing projects and programmes reflect a sustained drive for development across Delta State.