As part of activities marking his second anniversary in office, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, inaugurated multiple strategic road projects in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at Upper and Lower Erejuwa Road, in Warri, the Governor urged residents of Warri metropolis to maintain the prevailing peace to foster continued development.
Other roads inaugurated simultaneously include; the General Hospital Road linking Police Command Road, Ajamimogha/Mabiaku link road, Ogunu community main and internal roads, Ugbuwangue community roads, and Okere Market Road, all in the Warri metropolis.
According to him, “the roads we are commissioning today are of strategic importance, not only for trade and commerce but also for our broader urban renewal efforts.
“With good roads, our people are happier and more productive. I assure you, we will continue to do our best for our people. When the roads are good, you don’t have to worry about your vehicle or the journey; it becomes smoother and safer.
“I renew my pledge to restore the lost glory of Warri and Effurun through robust infrastructure development. The construction of the three flyovers and slip roads by Julius Berger has reached an advanced stage, and we expect to commission them by the first quarter of next year.
“Another major priority is the reconstruction of the stadium. We initially sought land in Warri to construct a 30,000-seat stadium. Unfortunately, we could not find a space large enough within the city.
“Many insisted the stadium must remain in Warri and not be relocated. To that end, we have awarded the contract, and we are hopeful that, by the first quarter of next year, the Warri Stadium will be completed.
“We are fully committed to the mission of advancing Delta State—in every sense: physically, economically, and in human development. In the coming weeks and months, we shall be commissioning several new projects across all three senatorial districts.
“Meanwhile, as I mentioned during the maiden state of the State Address last week, the issue of the recent ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission is being urgently attended to by the relevant federal authorities.
“So, all interested parties should please maintain the peace and desist from utterances and actions capable of heating up the polity.
“Do not drag us into unnecessary issues please, you know me in Warri, I am managing everybody because the issues are too sensitive. There is no way anybody can drag me into any issue they have here. Nobody can drag me in because I am managing them very well and they are also managing me very well.
“To our youth, I encourage you to remain calm, law-abiding, and take advantage of the many vocational training programmes available. These programmes are designed to provide you with practical, technical skills necessary to build a sustainable future.”
The Governor said: “Let me also remind everyone that the practice of ‘Deve’ (unauthorized levies on land developers) has been outlawed since 2018. As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly at the time, I received the executive bill, which we passed into law and it was assented to.
“Anyone who trespasses or unlawfully enters private property will face the full weight of the law.
“This law was enacted to eliminate barriers to land acquisition and to position Delta State as a top destination for investors. Our state holds vast investment opportunities.”
On insecurity in the state, Governor Oborevwori called for patience, saying his administration was working closely with security agencies to combat the menace.
He said; “let me assure all residents that the government is constantly working in collaboration with security agencies to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities. We are working around the clock to ensure peace and security.
“In the meantime, I urge the public to stay vigilant. Be observant of unusual activities or movements in your communities and report any suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authorities.
“These criminals live among us, not far away. With collective vigilance and cooperation, we will overcome our security challenges.”
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the roads were deliberate urban renewal efforts of the Oborevwori administration in the Warri metropolis.
He said with the current tempo of transformation in the oil city and other parts of the state, the MORE Agenda was on course and sued for the support of all in fast-tracking all- round development.
Earlier, Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Hon. Agbateyinro Weyinmi Isaac, applauded the Governor for the uncommon transformation his administration had brought to the state and the local government area, adding that the good people of the local government were pleasantly pleased with the massive infrastructural development of his administration.
The State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwatse III, the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Morris Ochuko Eyekpimi, Ohwotemu II and the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, HRM Kingsley Orereh, Igbi II, were among dignitaries at the ceremony.
