Oborevwori Reaffirms Grassroots Development ….Says ₦2bn Road Projects Across Delta LGAs Delibrate

ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, stating that his government is deliberately investing ₦2 billion in road infrastructure in each of the 25 local government areas of the state.

The governor made this known on Wednesday at the 2025 edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture in Asaba, with the theme “Local Governance and Sustainable Development.” Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House), Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, Oborevwori said his M.O.R.E. Agenda is anchored on inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility, and community development.

“Sustainable development is not just a slogan; it must be felt in every ward, village, and town,” he declared. “We have invested over ₦2 billion each in road projects across all LGAs. Our approach is simple but deliberate, fostering connectivity and stimulating economic activities.”

He emphasized that the maritime and riverine communities are not left out, noting that road infrastructure in those areas is vital to unlocking economic opportunities and promoting access to quality education and healthcare. He also called for a stronger local government system, stressing that sustainable development is only achievable through consistent, people-focused governance.

“Sustainable development demands peace, unity, and collaboration. I have continued to urge traditional rulers, community leaders, and president-generals to embrace dialogue and mediation in resolving disputes,” Oborevwori said.

According to the governor, the future of Nigeria hinges not only on decisions made in Abuja but on the choices and development strategies implemented at the sub-national level.

Chairman of the Maris Trust Council, Sir Kenneth Olise, represented by Pharmacist Paul Enebeli, commended the efforts of the organizers in sustaining the lecture series which began in 2019 in memory of Stella-Maris Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo. He praised the state government for extending development to the community hosting Maris Schools.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, a former Managing Director of Champions Breweries, called for defined frameworks and collective action to entrench good governance and sustainable development at the grassroots. He stressed the importance of funding, capacity building, and partnerships with communities, civil society, and the private sector.

Ejidoh warned that Nigeria may not achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 due to a lack of measurable data, clear roadmaps, and effective monitoring systems. He insisted that collective responsibility is essential for success.

In a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Kemi Emina of Delta State University, discussants underscored the importance of aligning local governance with the real needs of the people. Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, urged local council chairmen to prioritize grassroots projects like rural road construction, market renovation, sanitation, and direct community engagement.

“Governance must be about reaching the majority within limited resources,” Aniagwu said.

Udu Council Chairman, Mr Vincent Oyibode, said increased funding and monitoring under the Oborevwori administration have sparked healthy competition among LGAs. Meanwhile, entrepreneur and estate manager Mabel Magbulu called on councils to tap into agriculture as a tool for poverty alleviation and job creation.

In his remarks, Mr Fidelis Egugbo, Secretary of the Maris Trust Council, appreciated stakeholders for their support and pledged a more robust lecture series in April 2026. He appealed for increased support to expand access to affordable education at Maris Schools for underprivileged children.

The event drew attendance from religious leaders, commissioners, council chairmen, permanent secretaries, and other stakeholders. The Maris Public Lecture holds every Wednesday before Easter and serves as a platform for proffering solutions to societal challenges.