DRIVING COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE

 The goal of Oborevwori’s infrastructure drive is to stimulate the local economy, contends ADAEZE EMMANUEL 

In a rapidly globalizing world, sub-national governments are increasingly turning to strategic partnerships and infrastructure investment to remain competitive. In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is emerging as a bold advocate of this development model, demonstrating how purposeful governance can transform local economies and improve the quality of life for citizens. His recent engagement in Beijing, China, with the top management of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), one of the world’s foremost infrastructure giants, underscores his commitment to delivering sustainable, inclusive development. The meeting, held at the global headquarters of CCECC, was a strategic move by the governor to open new investment channels and attract technical expertise to accelerate infrastructure growth across Delta State.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Works and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, and his Technical Assistant, Mr. Bob Nakpodia, Governor Oborevwori made a compelling case for deeper collaboration, outlining a comprehensive development strategy rooted in his MORE Agenda, an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. Governor Oborevwori’s Beijing mission is more than just diplomacy; it reflects a broader drive to lay the physical and institutional groundwork for a modern, competitive Delta State. His infrastructure blueprint is holistic, aiming to link previously underserved riverine communities to urban centers, modernize road networks, and build climate-resilient transport systems that serve both economic and social needs.

Delta State’s unique topography—featuring a blend of highland and coastal areas, requires innovative approaches to infrastructure. The governor has responded by prioritizing projects that improve accessibility, reduce travel time, and stimulate commerce in previously disconnected areas. For instance, the construction and rehabilitation of critical roads and bridges in places like Patani, Burutu, Warri South-West, and Bomadi have already begun yielding significant dividends in terms of trade facilitation and security. In his remarks at the CCECC meeting, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the urgency of infrastructure transformation as a catalyst for development. “Infrastructure is the bedrock of any thriving economy. By improving connectivity within Delta, we are unlocking access to education, healthcare, markets, and innovation,” he said. Since assuming office in 2023, the Oborevwori administration has flagged off and completed numerous road projects spanning several local government areas. In Warri, Uvwie, and Effurun axis, notorious for congestion and flooding, the governor has commissioned road expansion, drainage rehabilitation, and flood control works that are already easing transportation challenges and enhancing urban resilience.

Among the signature projects is the Orere Bridge Project, which connects communities across the riverine axis of Ughelli South and Burutu LGAs—areas that were previously cut off during the rainy season. The project not only improves movement but also serves as a lifeline for farmers and traders, linking agrarian communities with urban markets. Also, in Asaba, the capital city, several arterial roads and interchanges are under construction, including the Maryam Babangida Way expansion, the Okpanam Dual Carriageway, and the Stormwater Management Project, which aims to mitigate flooding—a persistent challenge in the capital. Beyond roads and bridges, the administration is investing in broader connectivity and public transport systems. Plans are underway to introduce modern transit terminals in key urban hubs such as Warri, Asaba, and Agbor. These hubs will serve as intermodal transportation nodes, accommodating buses, taxis, and future waterway transport systems.

Governor Oborevwori’s vision extends to water transportation—an often overlooked sector in Delta despite its extensive river networks. His administration is working on reviving jetties, constructing floating terminals, and introducing safe watercraft to serve riverine communities like Gbaramatu, Ogulagha, and Okerenkoko. By creating a network of roads, waterways, and transport hubs, the governor is not only easing the movement of people and goods but also attracting investors and encouraging tourism—a sector with huge potential in Delta’s natural wetlands and cultural heritage sites. The Oborevwori administration has also initiated housing and urban renewal projects aimed at addressing the growing demand for affordable housing.

Through partnerships with private developers, civil service cooperative societies, and international firms, the government is building new estates in fast-growing areas such as Osubi, Ughelli, and Ibusa. A landmark initiative in this area is the Delta Affordable Homes Scheme, which is set to deliver 5,000 housing units over four years for low- and middleincome earners. The scheme combines flexible mortgage plans with durable infrastructure and basic amenities, reflecting the government’s emphasis on dignity and equity in housing. Understanding that human capital development goes hand in hand with physical infrastructure, the Oborevwori-led government has committed resources to upgrading healthcare and education facilities across the state.

In the healthcare sector, new primary health centers have been completed in rural LGAs, while general hospitals in Agbor, Oleh, and Sapele have received major renovations and equipment upgrades. The flagship Mother and Child Hospital in Owa-Alero, now fully operational, is serving as a regional referral center for maternal and pediatric care. Similarly, the Delta Smart School Initiative is modernizing classrooms across the state, introducing digital tools, training teachers, and improving learning environments. Over 100 schools have received furniture, labs, and solar-powered ICT facilities, enabling students in remote areas to compete globally. The ultimate goal of Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructure drive is to stimulate the local economy. The improved roads are opening up new farmlands, the bridges are linking markets, and the urban renewal programs are creating jobs.

It is a deliberate strategy to empower Deltans, attract investments, and reposition the state as an economic leader in Nigeria’s South-South region. The governor’s collaboration with firms like CCECC adds an international dimension to this effort, ensuring that Delta benefits from world-class engineering, technical support, and long-term infrastructure financing models. As Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works and Public Information, noted: “The future of Delta State lies in building strong foundations today. That is exactly what this administration is doing—laying bricks of progress, one project at a time.” Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s journey to Beijing is emblematic of a broader vision—a vision of a Delta State that is not just functional but globally competitive. With his administration’s firm focus on infrastructure, economic growth, and human development, the state is witnessing a silent transformation. The road ahead may be long, but the path is clear. And under Oborevwori’s leadership, Delta State is not just moving forward—it is building forward.  Emmanuel writes from Ugheli, Delta State