Beyond The Rhetoric: The Reality Of Delta State’s Progress (OPINION)
By Sir Churchill E. Ajusah
The member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Francis Waive in a recent statement, called on the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt HE Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori as the party’s candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial elections. Dissociating itself from this development in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party in Delta State, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., the party claimed that the State is burdened by dilapidated roads, economic decline, and governance failure.
This claim is both misleading and politically motivated. The reality on the ground paints a vastly different picture—one of continuous development, economic prudence, and infrastructural transformation under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
A testament to the state’s commitment to growth is the recent approval of over N275 billion for the execution of 76 projects across all three senatorial districts. These projects cut across multiple sectors, aiming to enhance connectivity through road construction, improve healthcare services, and advance urban renewal efforts, making Delta’s cities more livable.
Among the numerous infrastructural strides, the DSC Roundabout Flyover and PTI Junction Flyover are being developed to ease traffic congestion and boost transportation efficiency. The ongoing construction work on the Asaba-Ughelli Expressway further underscores the government’s dedication to providing high-quality road networks, which are crucial for economic development. The government has also prioritized rural and urban development through the construction of critical projects such as the Asaba-Ase Bridge, which will enhance accessibility and boost trade in riverine communities. Furthermore, the administration has embarked on massive internal road construction in various communities, tackling the issue of bad roads head-on.
To ensure that quality job is delivered, the Governor embarks on site visitations to personally inspect ongoing projects and has instituted whistleblowing; to enable Deltans report any shoddy job.
Beyond infrastructure, the administration has launched youth empowerment programs designed to create employment, foster entrepreneurship, and equip young Deltans with valuable skills. One of such program is the M.O.R.E BIZ-UP, an initiative that targets entrepreneurs in various business categories, including Information & Communication Technologies, Computer and Smart Phone Maintenance as well as Building & Construction Services comprising Aluminium Profiling, POP, Interlocking, Tiling, Welding & Fabrication, Electrical and Solar Installation. These initiatives directly counter any notion of economic decline by empowering citizens and stimulating growth at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the state’s financial prudence is evident in its ability to mobilize 40 percent of project funding upfront without resorting to borrowing. This financial solvency, backed by a transparent and accountable governance framework, highlights the state’s economic strength and fiscal responsibility.
In light of these tangible achievements, the opposition’s claims lack merit. Delta State is making significant strides in development, and the facts speak louder than political rhetoric. It is evident that Delta State is on an upward trajectory, with visible and verifiable developments across key sectors. The opposition’s claim of governance failure ignores the tangible transformation happening in real-time. While no government is without challenges, dismissing the ongoing progress is both unfair and politically motivated. Instead of engaging in baseless criticism, constructive contributions towards state development should be encouraged. Delta State is moving forward, and all stakeholders should focus on contributing meaningfully to the state’s ongoing transformation.
Sir Churchill E. Ajusah, Political and Public Affairs Analyst
