23, June 2026
The Delta State Government has strongly refuted allegations made against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in a recent opinion piece titled _“Beyond Concrete: When Contracts Replace Governance in Oborevwori’s Delta.”_ In a statement released Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, dismissed the article as speculative, one-sided, and based on flawed assumptions that ignored the administration’s broad achievements.
*MORE Agenda Driving Balanced Development, Not Just Infrastructure*
Ahon countered claims that the Oborevwori administration is fixated on physical infrastructure at the expense of governance. He explained that over the past three years, the government has pursued a deliberate, balanced strategy under its MORE Agenda — _Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security_. This approach, he said, covers education, healthcare, economic empowerment, rural development, environmental management, and security.
A key highlight, according to Ahon, is that the administration has executed multiple capital projects without resorting to loans. He credited Governor Oborevwori’s prudent fiscal management for Delta’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s most efficiently run sub-national governments.
*Infrastructure as Economic Foundation*
Addressing the critique of “concrete projects,” Ahon argued that roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, drainage systems, and security facilities are not vanity projects but essential drivers of economic growth. He listed several major works either completed or ongoing across Delta’s three senatorial districts:
– *Flyovers:* PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction, Otovwodo, and Agbor flyovers.
– *Bridges:* Trans-Warri Road and Bridges project, Ayakoromo Bridge, and Kwale-Beneku Bridge.
– *Roads:* Extensive urban and rural road networks cutting across all districts.
– *Flood Control:* Large-scale drainage projects in flood-prone areas to mitigate annual flooding.
– *Urban Renewal:* Upgrades in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, and other towns to boost livability and attract private investment.
*Healthcare Investments and Facility Upgrades*
In the health sector, Ahon said the government has procured advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scanners, MRI machines, dialysis units, and 25 modern 4D ultrasound scanners deployed across all LGAs. Over 150 primary healthcare centers are currently being renovated and upgraded, alongside continued investment in personnel and infrastructure.
New institutions have also been established, including a College of Health Technology in Ovrode and a Faculty of Medical Sciences building at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, in Isoko North LGA.
*Education and Youth Development*
Ahon noted that thousands of teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited to improve public school outcomes. The administration has also upgraded school infrastructure and revived technical education to provide youths with employable, hands-on skills.
*Economic Empowerment and Agriculture*
On social intervention, the statement highlighted programs such as D-CARES, MORE Grants, MORE Biz-Up, WESAP, and the Working Fingers Initiative. These have delivered financial support, vocational training, and business development services to hundreds of thousands of youths, women, artisans, and small business owners.
Rejecting claims of neglecting agriculture, Ahon stated that farmers continue to receive extension services, inputs, and rural access roads to increase food production and rural incomes.
*Rural Transformation and Water Projects*
The government pointed to visible rural development through new roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, water schemes, and electrification in previously marginalized and riverine communities. Several urban and rural water supply projects have also been rehabilitated and expanded to improve access to clean water and public health.
*Security Infrastructure and Proposed State Police Support*
Responding to criticism of the plan to build police divisional headquarters in all 25 LGAs ahead of a proposed state police system, Ahon called it a forward-looking investment in security. While acknowledging that policing is federally controlled, he said states have a history of supporting security agencies with logistics and infrastructure. He argued that improved security directly benefits Deltans by protecting lives, farms, businesses, and attracting investment.
*Conclusion: Impact Over Commentary*
Ahon maintained that the administration’s performance should be judged by tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, not opinion pieces. He cited measurable progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply, security, and economic empowerment in both urban and rural areas as proof that Governor Oborevwori is fulfilling his campaign promises.
The Chief Press Secretary reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to the four pillars of the MORE Agenda and said the administration will stay focused on sustaining Delta State’s transformation.
