Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State emphasised the need to improve the living circumstances of the people of Niger Delta over the weekend, urging the Federal Government to pay attention to the area, which he claims generates the majority of the income required to run the country.
The governor bemoaned the loss of riverine regions in the oil-rich region and emphasised the need “to also look at our roads and how we can fix them. That’s the reason the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and Ministry of Niger Delta were created to focus on Niger Delta.”
He asked the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to work with state governments to ensure that the area benefits from excellent projects during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Oborevwori spoke at Government House in Asaba, where he hosted the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, and his team on a courtesy visit.
He stated:
“A few days ago, I received the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who was here to look at the federal roads in the state. He saw for himself the state of the Warri-Benin Road and also the East-West Road.
“I am happy for your appointment because you are somebody from this region and I know that when you appoint somebody from the region, he will do something that he will be remembered for.
“You are already aware of the pains and challenges we are passing through because you have said it all but its not just about knowing the challenges and not dealing with them.
“You may know what is happening and not deal with the challenges. You have passed through the road to Port Harcourt, the whole area is in bad state.
“This region produces the highest wealth that we use in running this country, so attention ought to be paid to the region.
“This is the opportunity you have to put the records straight. Those that are going to be in charge, whether contractors or those giving out the contracts should do the right thing because what is causing this problem is shortcut.
“As a minister for the Niger Delta, do your best to ensure that the region gets the best in terms of road projects, security, shore protection among others. Don’t also forget the issue of youth restiveness.”
Reiterating the commitment of his administration to the execution of quality projects, Oborevwori said: “When I came in, I said I need quality jobs and we have inaugurated some projects and we are consolidating on the old projects to finish them while also embarking on new ones.
“We are bringing Julius Berger to execute projects in Warri and Effurun. Exco has approved N78 billion and between now and next month, we will sign the agreement because we are mobilising them with 25 per cent.
“Most of those roads are federal roads. Is it the PTI junction, DSC and Effurun roundabouts or the Enerhen junction to Marine quarters?
“These are all federal roads and if a governor can approve N78 billion to construct federal roads, then we need to collaborate to work for the people. Politics has come and gone and it is now time for us to see how we can develop the region.”
“As governors of the states, you are the authority and custodians of the states and as far as the ministry is concerned, we need to collaborate with the governors of the states to bring about development and peace to the Niger Delta.
“We are here to carry out the assignment of President Bola Tinubu of the Renewed Hope agenda with eight presidential priorities of Mr. President, which if fully pursued vigorously Nigeria will be better for it.
“We have directed the NDDC on how to partner state governments to target major projects executed across the Niger Delta and if the ministry can come together with the state governments to identify some of these areas, I believe that we will do better than we were doing before.”
cc: Vanguard Ng
