Once Dismissed, Now Celebrated: Oborevwori’s Impact as Delta Governor

Sections of the state’s political elite fiercely opposed Sheriff Oborevwori in the run-up to the 2023 Delta State gubernatorial election. He was viewed as a failure by his detractors, who included prominent members of his own Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time as well as opponents from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the main opposition party at the time. They claimed he lacked the necessary gravitas, exposure, and carriage to lead a complicated state like Delta.

These opinions were mirrored by pundits who questioned whether the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly had the intelligence and vision to lead the oil-rich state.

But since taking office on May 29, 2023, Governor Oborevwori has not only silenced his detractors with his outstanding performance, but he has also inspired a wave of admiration throughout Delta State. There is a general feeling of surprise that transcends all political affiliations and emotions: “This is beyond our expectations.”

Citizens, businesspeople, and even previous detractors now publicly praise and thank a leader whose actions have changed the state’s infrastructure environment in a way that has never been seen before.

Utilizing his MORE Agenda, which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, Oborevwori has started and finished projects that have an impact on every part of the state, from major cities to isolated riverine communities, for which he receives praise everywhere he goes. He has changed Delta government.

Oborevwori’s success is largely due to his emphasis on road infrastructure, which is essential for economic development in a state with a variety of topography and a strong reliance on transportation for trade, agriculture, and oil. A startling 317 road projects were started by the administration in his first year, which set the tone for the rest of his term. This had grown to over 600 road projects and 25 bridges by the middle of 2025, several of which were finished or almost ready for commissioning. The dualisation of the 46-kilometer Ughelli-Asaba Road in Sectors C1 and C2, which has improved communication between the Delta North and Central senatorial districts and reduced traffic congestion, is one notable accomplishment. This project demonstrates Oborevwori’s dedication to long-lasting, significant advancements. It is one of 42 roads scheduled for inauguration at his second anniversary celebrations in 2025.

Oborevwori has produced revolutionary developments in the riverine areas that previous administrations ignored. Fifteen bridges of varying spans were added along the Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri corridor, a 20.95-kilometer access route that had lain dormant since 2006. This effort, which connects ten towns in Warri South-West, has increased citizens’ mobility, bolstered trade, and created economic opportunities. Comparably, the long-stalled Ayakoromo Bridge is currently undergoing full-scale construction with the goal of connecting isolated Bomadi settlements to urban centers. Other rural roads, such the Ogulaha–Okonti–Odimodi Road and the 47-kilometer Ohoror–Bomadi Road, are improving access for farming communities, lowering post-harvest losses, and boosting local economy.

Another important component has been urban regeneration, especially in places like Warri and Effurun where traffic jams used to hinder business. In 2023, Julius Berger and Oborevwori inked a N78 billion deal for road extensions, flyovers, and cloverleaf interchanges. The flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction, and Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, as well as the Uromi Junction flyover in Agbor, are important examples of these. This year was the year for the last two groundbreaking ceremonies. Along with the DSC/NPA Expressway’s enlargement and pedestrian bridges, these projects have cleared important thoroughfares, enhancing urban mobility and drawing in investments. Residents praised the apparent change, and the Enerhen Junction Flyover, inspected in 2025 amidst joyous crowds, represents the “beyond expectation” feeling.

Unprecedented focus has also been placed on environmental resilience and flood management. Protecting homes and businesses from recurring floods is the goal of Phase III of the Airport Road, Ugborikoko, Ugboroke, and Environs Flood Control Project in Asaba. While Asaba’s Waterfront City Project, which is almost finished with access roads for mixed-use development, positions the capital as a contemporary center for business and tourism, extensive storm water drainage systems in Warri and Asaba also help to reduce urban floods.

The administration of Oborevwori has placed a higher priority on education and the development of human capital than on building roads and bridges. An example of his dedication to skill development is the February 2, 2026, opening of the Omadino Technical College in Warri South. This facility, which is outfitted to teach young people technical skills, supports the MORE Agenda’s focus on equal opportunity. Similar programs have equipped thousands in his first two years, lowering unemployment and empowering the following generation.

Projects related to energy and industry highlight Oborevwori’s progressive outlook. A revolutionary bill, the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill was approved in 2024 with the goal of using the state’s resources for autonomous power production and distribution. Industrialization is fueled by the Delta Azure Carbon Mosaic Project, which generates carbon-based income, and the Koko/Kwale Free Trade Zone, which has eleven anchor tenants. These businesses diversify the economy away from reliance on oil while also generating jobs.

These achievements have been made possible by fiscal restraint. Without tax increases, internal revenue increased from N83 billion in May 2023 to N158 billion by December 2024 and is expected to surpass N200 billion by 2025. The best part of all of this is that the administration has avoided taking on new debt, paid off legacy debts like N8.4 billion in DESOPADEC liabilities and N10 billion in pension arrears, and made sure that salaries are paid on time.

More acceleration is promised in the 2026 budget, which was ratified at over N1 trillion with 70% allocated to capital expenditures. The Oborevwori administration’s inclusive development plan for the state is highlighted by an additional N4 billion given to each of the 25 local governments for infrastructure. From Okerenkoko–Pepeama–Kokodiagbene Road in Warri South-West to Kwale–Beneku Bridge in Ndokwa, these projects span all 25 local governments, guaranteeing that no area is left behind. In Isoko, highways such as Okpolo-Enhwe-Uwheru and Emevor-Ivrogbo-Orogun are supporting the expansion of agriculture.

International sporting events will soon be held in the Warri Township Stadium, which underwent a complete refurbishment due to land constraints.

The public’s response has been enormous, as expected. Exuberant audiences always attend project inspections, such as the Udu Harbour Market, where vendors compliment the governor’s hands-on approach. As Deltans applaud a leader who delivers without fanfare, social media is ablaze with “Ukodo,” Oborevwori’s moniker in Delta State’s sociopolitical circles. It’s interesting to see that Deltans’ feelings have expanded beyond their satisfaction with Oborevwori’s performance. It has now advanced to a point where his legacy has been cemented and reelection is inevitable.

In hindsight, the reservations over Oborevwori’s eligibility were unfounded. Being a grassroots politician, he developed a streetwise attitude that has translated into practical governing. Delta State is not just growing, but flourishing above all expectations, which is evidence of leadership that puts people before politics.

The state looks to a future of steady progress as the MORE Agenda takes shape, one in which opportunities are abundant for everyone and infrastructure unites communities. Furthermore, Deltans will not exchange “Ukodo” for another individual until his allotted eight years have passed.