Udu Protest Misguided, Oborevwori’s Govt Committed to Inclusive Development – INFO Commissioner

By: Elizabeth Ide

The Delta State Government has described recent claims of marginalisation by Udu Local Government Area as “misguided,” stating that the Oborevwori-led administration has been equitable in its distribution of projects across all 25 local government areas.

This was made known on Tuesday during a press briefing by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu. His comments followed a recent protest by some youths in Udu, which he attributed to the efforts of certain individuals attempting to incite public discontent through misinformation ahead of the upcoming elections.

Flanked by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore; and Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Aniagwu said these persons, unable to challenge the government directly, were sponsoring others to misrepresent facts.

He emphasized that the administration has been fair in project distribution across all 25 local government areas in the state, including Udu, which didn’t overwhelmingly support the Governor in 2023.

“Despite that, the government has invested heavily in infrastructure and human capital in Udu,” he said.

Highlighting key projects in Udu Local Government Area, Aniagwu said over 27.8km of roads and 24km of drains constructed or rehabilitated, including connections to Uvwie, Ughelli South, and Warri South-West.

Aniagwu said; “in terms of road infrastructure, the government is working on DSC roundabout flyover project, transforming the area’s landscape, Rehabilitation of CAC Road, off Orhuwhorun Road, construction of Bezi Road, off College Road, Aladja.

“Further efforts include the rehabilitation of the Ekakpamre–Ekrokpe–Usiefrun–Orhuwhorun Road, which spans both Ughelli South and Udu LGAs.

“Another major project is the reconstruction and construction of the Opete Road, running from DSC Expressway by Plantation City to Opete Waterside in Udu.

“Other projects include the construction of Awharode Street/Awharode Lane in Oghior Town, Dickey Street, which links Orhuwhorun Road to Ekete Waterside Road, in Opete, the construction of Chief Godwin Okporoko Crescent.

“Similarly, Arhavwarien Avenue in DSC Township, Phase 2 of Chief Godwin Okporoko Crescent is also underway in Opete. The government is also carrying out the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Aladja–Ogbe-Ijoh Road, Phase I & II which traverses Udu, Uvwie, and Warri South-West.

“Phase 2 of the same road has already been approved by the State Executive Council and is currently in the procurement process. Contractors are bidding, and bid openings are expected soon.”

Continuing, he said aside road construction, “the State Government is currently undertaking the Udu Harbour Market worth ₦4.8 billion with 230 shops, modern abattoir, lighting for night trading, and security features, revamping and rehabilitation of four primary healthcare centers in Udu Local Government Area.

“In addition, a 4D ultrasound scan machine has been supplied to the General Hospital in Otor-Udu, further boosting healthcare delivery in the area.”

In the education sector, Aniagwu said; “there are ongoing interventions as well. One of the major projects is the construction of a world-class JAMB ICT centre at Ogbe-Udu Secondary School. This facility, once completed, will provide students in the area with access to modern examination and training tools. All of these projects can be independently verified”.

In terms of infrastructure, the state government has also carried out the demolition and replacement of solar-powered streetlights in Ukpiovwin Town and Ogbe-Udu. Several school renovations are underway, including the refurbishment of a block of six classrooms at Okolor Waterside Primary School. In Owhrode Secondary School, an existing block of six classrooms has been renovated, complete with offices and toilets.

Similarly, Ogbe-Udu Secondary School has undergone renovation of a six-classroom block, also with offices and toilets. In Ekete Secondary School, one prototype six-classroom block is being reconstructed, including new offices and toilet facilities.

In education, he said; “several schools are being renovated or expanded, including Okolor Waterside, Ogbe-Udu, Ekete, Otor-Udu. A JAMB ICT centre is also under construction at Ogbe-Udu Secondary School; in Otor- Udu Secondary School in Otor-Udu, a three-classroom block with an examination hall and toilet facilities has also been renovated.

“At Aladja Grammar School in Aladja, both a three-classroom block and a six-classroom block are under construction. These include toilets and offices, along with the supply of furniture for students and teachers.

“The installation of a 500KVA transformer along the Orhuwhorun–Usiefrun Road is also ongoing. All of these are tangible, ongoing projects in Udu Local Government Area, an area that did not overwhelmingly support the present administration during the elections.

“Yet, the government has chosen to invest significantly in its development. This shows a high level of fairness and commitment to inclusive governance.

“A 500KVA transformer has been installed along the Orhuwhorun–Usiefrun Road, and solar streetlights have been replaced in Ukpiovwin and Ogbe-Udu”.

Aniagwu stressed that these projects are verifiable and proof of the administration’s fairness and commitment to inclusive governance. “Development is a duty, and we are fulfilling that duty in Udu and beyond,” he said.

He urged residents, especially youths, not to be swayed by individuals pushing falsehoods for political gain.

“We remain focused on delivering sustainable development across all 25 LGAs, not just areas that supported us politically. Our work will always speak louder than misinformation,” he added.