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Tag: Aniagwu

  • Blue Economy: Revamping more ports will boost National Development – Aniagwu

    Blue Economy: Revamping more ports will boost National Development – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has emphasized that revamping and expanding more ports across Nigeria is essential to unlocking the full potential of the country’s blue economy.

    Speaking during an interview on ADBN Television on Friday, Aniagwu noted that strategic investments in port infrastructure would significantly enhance national development, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s maritime logistics framework.

    He explained that the South-South region is the natural hub of Nigeria’s blue economy, as all states in the region are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

    According to him, over-reliance on the Apapa Port in Lagos has hindered the growth of Nigeria’s maritime potential, and he called for the decentralization of port services to stimulate broader economic development.

    Aniagwu urged the Federal Government to harness the vast economic potential of the nation’s aquatic resources, particularly in the Niger Delta region, to drive national growth.

    He noted that the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is already creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, especially in sectors tied to the blue economy.

    He highlighted the state’s ongoing infrastructure efforts, including improved road connectivity between urban and rural areas.

    “The Oborevwori administration is constructing a new road in Asaba that leads to the River Niger, opening up opportunities and laying the foundation for a new city, the Asaba Waterfront City,” he said.

    He further stated that residents can now travel from Asaba to Warri in just one hour and fifty minutes, thanks to the completion of a smooth dual carriageway that is free of potholes, greatly enhancing travel efficiency and regional connectivity.

    “Improved infrastructure like the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriage is not just about ease of movement. It is also about enabling trade, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable development. This kind of development creates a ripple effect across multiple sectors.”

    He emphasized the need to fully develop and maximize the existing ports in the Niger Delta including Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu in Delta State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom. State, Onne Port in Rivers and the Calabar Port in Cross River, as viable alternatives to Lagos ports.

    Aniagwu also advocated for the establishment of a functional port in Lokoja and the dredging of the River Niger to allow larger vessels to berth there.

    This, he said, would ease cargo movement to the Middle Belt and other parts of Northern Nigeria, reducing dependence on the congested Apapa Port.

    “Reviving and expanding these ports will allow Nigeria to participate more competitively in the global maritime economy,” he stated. “It will also diversify our national revenue streams and reduce our over-reliance on oil.”

    He recalled that experts have long advocated for investment in modern port infrastructure. A well-equipped port system, he said, is crucial for efficient import and export activities.

    Aniagwu stressed the importance of upgrading port facilities to accommodate large vessels and heavy-duty cargo, positioning Nigeria as a maritime trade hub in West Africa.

    “Imagine the economic transformation if ports in underutilized locations were developed and operated at full capacity,” he said. “This would enable the establishment of free trade zones and supporting infrastructure across various regions of the country.”

    Aniagwu called on relevant authorities, port managers, and stakeholders in the maritime sector to pursue bold reforms and increased investments in port development.

    He further stressed that improved port infrastructure would also extend the lifespan of Nigeria’s road network, as fewer high-tonnage trucks would be needed to transport goods over long distances, thereby reducing road wear and tear.

    “By addressing these long-standing challenges and embracing high-speed connectivity and modern logistics, we can overcome the limitations that have hindered our progress for too long,” Aniagwu affirmed.

  • Delta Govt.’s move to APC anchored on good governance – Aniagwu

    Delta Govt.’s move to APC anchored on good governance – Aniagwu

    Mr Charles Aniagwu, Delta Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information says the recent move by the state government to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was anchored on good governance and not politics.

    Aniagwu stated this in Asaba on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen on the political realignment that saw the entire state structures of the PDP defecting to the ruling APC.

    He recalled that the recent political realignment saw key members of the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, including lawmakers and political appointees, defect from the PDP to the APC.

    Aniagwu described the realignment as a strategic move in the best interest of governance and development in Delta.

    He said that the defection, though unprecedented, followed wide consultation and a collective decision among stakeholders across the state.

    “We have examined a whole lot of issues around the need for us to take the decision that we took.

    “We are quite convinced that the decision is in the best interest of the development of our state”.

    Aniagwu dismissed the notions that the movement was borne out of weakness, adding that PDP was still strong in Delta when the decision to move was taken.

    He, however, said that the “intractable challenges” at the PDP national level was part of the motivation for the shift.

    “While the PDP gave us a platform for over 26 years to drive development, the inability of the party to reposition itself as a viable opposition capable of competing politically became worrying,” he  said.

    He likened the situation to a medical scenario where a blood transfusion is required to preserve life, emphasizing that while political identity had long been rooted in the PDP, the change was necessary to maintain the vitality of governance in the state.

    Addressing criticism from some members of the APC over the influx of former PDP members, the Commissioner referenced the party’s 2014 merger history, calling for internal unity.

    He called for internal unity among the APC in the state, saying,  “We are not here to take over the APC but to strengthen it.

    “The party becomes stronger when new forces align with existing structures. We acknowledge that some persons may feel displaced, but it is all part of the political evolution,” he said.

    He said that APC stalwarts and former governorship candidate, O’tega Emerhor, remains supportive of the governor’s decision and has thrown his weight behind the movement.

    Aniagwu assured the people of the state that governance had not taken a backseat due to the political changes.

    He said that Gov. Oborevwori’s recent inspection of projects across all senatorial districts was a proof that development remains the administration’s priority.

    “In the end, politics is only a vehicle. What truly matters is what we do with power when we have it.

    “And for us, it is about delivering infrastructure, empowering our people, and linking up with the federal government to attract greater benefits for our state,” he said.

    Aniagwu called for inclusiveness and reconciliation among party members to ensure a smooth blend.

    He reiterates that consultations were extensive before the move, and engagements with the grassroots and APC faithful were ongoing to ensure a seamless integration process.

    “We’re currently in the stirring phase. The milk has been poured into the cup, but it must be stirred so every part tastes right. That’s what we’re doing, achieving a smooth blend,” he said.

  • Challenges in PDP will not advance development of Delta – Aniagwu

    Challenges in PDP will not advance development of Delta – Aniagwu

    Delta Government has said that the challenges currently being faced by the PDP, particularly at the national, necessitated the decamping of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and others to the ruling APC.

    The state’s Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu disclosed this, in a statement, on Saturday in Asaba.

    Aniagwu said that remaining in the PDP due to the challenges would not advance the development of Delta and its people.

    He said, “The decision to leave the party was carefully and primarily taken to avoid leading the state and its citizens into a bleak future, similar to the experience of Zamfara State.

    “You will recall that since 1999, when the current Republic began, the PDP has held sway in Delta and made significant inroads in the state.

    “In Delta, the PDP was actually strong before our decision to move. So, it’s not a question of the PDP being weak in Delta that led to this development.

    “I am very sure we have followed the developments at the national level of the party.

    “The last straw was when the party’s governors met in Ibadan and decided not to collaborate or merge with anyone. Instead, they invited others to join the PDP.

    “That decision did not come from a position of strength, especially given the issues affecting the party’s vital organs.

    “You may also recall what happened to the APC in Zamfara in 2019, where all elected candidates were removed due to irregularities in the party’s nomination processes.

    “With what is happening in the PDP, we believe the efforts to address these issues are not strong enough to prevent a similar situation in 2027.”

    The commissioner also said that the defection to the APC was also driven by the desire to further strengthen the relationship and cooperation with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.

    “The present administration has been fair in bringing development to Delta.

    “I am discussing the situation as it affects us in Delta, other states may have different views, but we have evidence that the Tinubu administration is bringing projects to our state.

    “The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has visited Delta twice to show support for our people. This development, along with issues in the PDP, led the party leaders in Delta to chart a new course.

    “This was not just the governor’s decision, but a collective one.

    “In a democracy, the majority view matters, and PDP leaders and stakeholders in Delta called on the political family to join the APC to advance the growth and development of our state.

    “The people felt the PDP no longer offered a viable political future, and they did not want to fade into political irrelevance, hence the move,” he said.

    Aniagwu advised critics, particularly the PDP leaders;  Sen. Bukola Saraki and Chief Olabode George to refrain from commenting, especially when their past actions contributed to the fragmentation of the PDP.

    According to him, you will recall that in 2023, some leaders openly opposed the party’s presidential candidate.

    “Nonetheless, we ask them to be understanding because, ultimately, politics is local.

    “This move is to ensure the continued progress and welfare of our people, which is why we are in politics in the first place.”

    He appealed to party members to work together to ensure unity and electoral success both in the state and across the country.

    NAN reports that on April 23, Gov. Oborevwori, his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire state  PDP structure defected the ruling APC.

  • Oborevwori’s mandate spurs rigorous project inspections for quality, timely delivery – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori’s mandate spurs rigorous project inspections for quality, timely delivery – Aniagwu

     

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s constant drive for rigorous inspections was to ensure transparency, quality, and timely delivery of projects.

    The Commissioner stated this on Tuesday, during the inspection of various projects in Aniocha North, Ika South and Ika North-East Local Government Areas of the state.

    Aniagwu, who was in company of the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and top officials of the ministry, inspected the ongoing construction of Issele-Azagba-Otulu Road, Aziken Avenue, DDPA Low Cost Housing Estate, Boji-Boji Agbor; the 10km Owa-Alero – Otolokpo Road and
    Kingdom Road, Umunede.

    According to him, it was important to clarify the rationale behind the continued inspection of various ongoing projects across the state.

    “According to the directive from the Governor, these inspections are crucial to ensuring that all projects align strictly with their specifications, ultimately guaranteeing that the people of Delta State get full value for every naira spent.

    “The Governor emphasized that regular oversight is essential not only to hold contractors accountable but also to ensure adherence to the terms outlined in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).

    “By doing so, the government ensures that neither the state nor its citizens are short-changed in any form,” he said.

    Continuing, he said, “Another vital reason for these inspections is to increase public awareness of the developmental projects being executed—many of which the people may not be aware of.

    “Through media engagement, the government aims to keep citizens informed and encourage community participation in monitoring progress.”

    Aniagwu also said “Citizens are urged to use the whistleblower line to report any deviations or shortcomings in project execution.

    “Additionally, these site visits allow the government to monitor whether contractors are meeting agreed timelines, especially for projects scheduled for commissioning as part of the administration’s second-year anniversary.

    “This also helps in assessing the contractors’ capacity to complete their work on time and in full.

    “An example is the inspection of the Issele-Azagba-Otulu corridor. While the quality of work was commended, the pace of construction drew criticism.

    “The project team has been instructed to accelerate their efforts. Funding concerns are also being addressed, with instructions given to raise certificates to facilitate financial disbursements, if needed.

    “These proactive steps and the Governor’s recent approval of a 40% fund release for all ongoing projects reflect the administration’s commitment to fast-tracking development, while upholding transparency and accountability”.

    Aniagwu said, “When we inspect these projects, we know whether the timelines are being met or whether the contractor needs some assistance in order to complete the project or even for us to determine whether the contractor has the capacity to complete the project.

    “At the Issele-Azagba – Otulu road, we are pleased with the kind of work he is doing but not happy with the speed of work. So, I have made it very clear to him that he needs to speed up work.

    “The last time I went there, I raised some issues; some they have handled and some are still not done. I have asked them to raise certificates in case funding is part of the challenges.

    “If the speed is increased, we will be able to gain a lot of ground. That informed the Governor’s approval of forty per cent in the recent times for all our projects.”

    At Aziken Avenue, the Commissioner said, “I am impressed with the level of work here but the contractor still needs to speed up work. We were impressed with the initial speed but it looks like he has slowed down.

    “The rain can possibly also undermine our intentions to have this project commissioned by May. He has assured me that it will be ready by May, but in doing so, he must not compromise standards.”

  • Oborevwori partnering FG for Delta devt – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori partnering FG for Delta devt – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Thursday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was partnering with the Federal Government for the overall development of the state.

    Aniagwu who disclosed this at a news conference in Asaba said interactions and interfacing with relevant organs of government at different levels will be strengthened for the purpose of advancing the MORE agenda.

    According to him, we will continue to smoothen our relationship with federal bodies starting from the Presidency to all other agencies of government all with a view to ensuring that our state benefit maximally from whatever it is that we can get so that at the end of the day we are able to make life much more meaningful for our people.

    Our state has started reaping from that relationship because on Sunday, we joined the federal government for the concessioning of the Benin – Onitsha Expressway with dual carriage.

    “That is going to ease off transportation along that corridor and we very much support it.

    “We also support that initiative of the federal government and as a government and administration we wholeheartedly welcome the idea so that that road will become much more motorable in the course of time.

    “On Monday you also saw the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi as well as our own governor who represented the President
    still on the line of the very cordial relationship that we maintain with the federal government.

    “We have made it very clear over time that at the moment we have one President and we will continue to cooperate with that President for the purpose of ensuring that our country functions effectively.

    “If there is trouble at the center or in any of the component states, of course you do know that it will hamper development and we do not wish that development is hampered in any part of our country,
    let alone the entire federation, which today is presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “That relationship has ensured that the Federal government proceeds to complete the construction of the 17.5km alignment to link up the Second Niger bridge from Issele-Azagba.

    “As a state, we welcome it wholeheartedly, our Governor who represented the President at that function has pledged that as a state we will cooperate and support every effort by the federal government to ensure that that particular construction is completed.

    “At that ceremony, you saw the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi acknowledging that our governor has been quite exemplary in giving out the dividends of democracy by way of infrastructure enhancement and human capital development.

    “Governor Oborevwori has given vent to section 14 subsection 2 paragraph b of the 1999 constitution which states inter alia that the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government.

    “At that moment you could see a convergence of fairness in that assessment and we appreciate the Minister and Mr President for what he is doing in our own dear state and we also look forward to having more of such projects in the course of time.”

    On the viral video involving some nursing students during the visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Commissioner said it was not entirely a true account of what happened at the ceremony.

    “Our dear First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was in our dear state for two good days, not on a holiday, but on a working visit and in the course of that, a whole lot was achieved.

    “A whole lot was given to our people, and that has been very much appreciated. We want to say a very big thank you to our first lady, and our own daughter, who has also shown us love from that Olympian height.

    “She brought in a number of medical kits and a whole number of other items for the purpose of getting our younger ones to indeed rise and shine.

    “In the first day, over 10,000 medical kits were distributed to the six states of the South-South using our own state as a point of contact.

    “And of course, we saw the number of first ladies from across the states, and the six geopolitical zones, identifying with the very noble efforts of our dear first lady in our country.

    “We welcomed her and she was also very happy for the reception that we accorded her in the course of the visit. We are very, very pleased with the things she has come to do in our state.

    “A viral video recently surfaced regarding the visit of the President’s wife. Let me state categorically that the First Lady didn’t visit the school of nursing in Agbor. She observed that the Nurses present at the event had some expectations regarding the distribution of the medical kits. She apologized to the nurses during the presentation. The apology was made because the current phase of donations and support was specifically targeted at midwives.

    “She assured nurses that they would receive their turn in due time through the Renewed Hope Initiative. However, some nurses, who had expected equal treatment alongside midwives, were understandably disappointed.

    “Despite this disappointment, there was no incident of hostility or bullying during the visit. Initially, the nurses were welcoming and happy and danced even as they cheered the first lady in the course of her speech, but a few of them playfully expressed their feelings by singing a different tune in response to the situation.

    “This reaction was taken out of context by some individuals on social media, who misrepresented the events to fit their own narratives. The viral video, therefore, does not reflect the atmosphere and what truly transpired at the gathering.

    “As a government we express our profound appreciation for the First Lady’s visit and her initiatives. We emphasized that the reaction seen in the video was not characteristic of our nurses, but rather a few individuals wishing for equal treatment with midwives.”

    The government reaffirmed its gratitude for the First Lady’s continued support and dismissed the misleading narratives circulating online.

    “So we needed to clarify the situation, we once again express our gratitude to the President, his wife, and supportive Nigerians, and emphasize our commitment to good governance in Delta with a view to improving the lives of the people through the MORE Agenda.”

  • Oborevwori’s sustainable governance approach yielding fruits for Deltans – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori’s sustainable governance approach yielding fruits for Deltans – Aniagwu

    Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been commended for his commitment to sustainable governance, which is now translating into tangible benefits for the people of the state.

    Commissioner for Works ( Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated this on AIT’s “Democracy Today”, highlighting key infrastructural developments, social welfare initiatives, and economic empowerment programs spearheaded by the Oborevwori administration.

    Aniagwu emphasized that Oborevwori’s policies, anchored on continuity and innovation, have significantly improved critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and job creation.

    He noted that the governor’s inclusive approach to governance has ensured that various communities across Delta State are experiencing steady development.

    From road construction to agricultural reforms and youth empowerment schemes, Aniagwu asserted that Oborevwori’s administration remains focused on delivering people-centered governance that enhances the quality of life for all Deltans.

    According to Aniagwu, “The Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in Delta State has been making significant strides in sustainable governance, with visible impacts on the lives of Deltans.

    “Oborevwori’s leadership approach, rooted in inclusivity, infrastructural development, and economic empowerment, is beginning to bear fruit.

    “From road projects to social welfare initiatives, the governor’s commitment to long-term growth and stability is positioning Delta State for a brighter future.”

    He said the state government would not be distracted by those playing politics with developments in the state.

    “We are staying focused with governance. Individuals who are throwing some of those things into the public space want us to lose track of what we are doing.

    “We are very determined that no matter how much they try, we will still stay on track and that track is governance that adds value to the people, governance that puts the people at the center of decision-making.

    “About two nights ago, the governor also did what is very, very novel. He brought in the top echelon of the civil service, dined and wined with them, listened to them, responded to issues they had raised earlier in January, when he also invited them for a meeting.

    “How many governors or how many political leaders in this country are doing so with their workforce. What the government is doing is globally bringing a private sector approach to governance, where you have to discuss with your foot soldiers, understand their pains, let them also understand your direction.”

    He said the Governor’s whistle-blowing policy was already yielding results adding that whistle-blowing line is managed directly by the Governor.

    “If you send information to that line, before the end of the day, he reaches out to you and then asks the agency that is responsible to also take action or possibly investigate.

    “If in the event that somebody wants to shortchange us because of course it’s a matter of value for money, we will deal with the situation immediately.

    “How many states in this federation of ours have been able to bring in the whistleblower policy and ours is not political whistleblowing.

    “Governor Oborevwori made it very clear that if you feel your superior in your office, whether the person is a commissioner, or is a permanent secretary, or is a director, is doing what you feel is antithetical to the development of our state, the whistleblower line gives you an option to be able to expose that individual.

    “Whether in terms of corruption, whether in terms of oppressing people, whether in terms of not coming to work, people in the office are very free to take advantage of the whistleblower line.

    “There are a number of projects now that we have been able to restructure on account of the whistleblower line. When individuals send information the governor pushes that immediately.

    “There are some of course you have seen him many times leading us to inspect projects, pointing out areas where there are challenges in any of the jobs that have been executed.

    “Because he believes that if you are not able to build such projects in line with the specification as per the Bill of Measurement and Evaluation or in the Bill of Quantities as in housing, you would have ended up shortchanging the entire state.”

    The Commissioner further said Governor Oborevwori was achieving all these without borrowing a dime for almost two years now.

    “When we say that Oborevwori is executing these many projects without borrowing, it is not judged by magic and we are very, very proud to say that we are solvent.

    “We are not solvent because they gave us a different money, different from what any other state is getting. We are solvent because Oborevwori has adopted an approach that makes us to have so much value for the money that comes into our state.”

  • Oborevwori’s report card unsettling Delta opposition – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori’s report card unsettling Delta opposition – Aniagwu

     

    Delta State Government, Monday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s impressive report card of massive infrastructural and human capital development was unsettling opposition in the state.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu disclosed this while speaking on a radio programme monitored in Asaba, the state capital.

    Aniagwu who said the opposition was free to talk and play politics, noted that the government would not be dragged too early into politics as it was focused on governance and delivering on Governors MORE Agenda.

    He said, “The opposition can play politics but we are talking governance and when the time comes to talk politics we will let them know that our politics is showing them what we have done.

    “I know that Governor Oborevwori has a lot to showcase in his report card and it is already unsettling the opposition in the state.

    “The opposition wants to drag us into politics too early but we don’t want to go there now but we have said we will reply them with more projects.

    “When they talk we show them projects because the project is our report card. Remember in 2022/2023 we told you that they will dissappear after the election, that they are resurfacing today does not mean that they will be sustainable.

    “We will continue to bring the projects to our people because that’s the major plank of Governor Oborevwori MORE agenda and the projects will continue to speak for us.”

    The Commissioner further said the Oborevwori administration would be judged on the fulfillment of the promises he made to the people at the appropriate time.

    “To be able to judge Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on his promise to the people, he made mention of the fact that he would sustain and complete ongoing projects while also initiating new ones.

    “For those living in Uvwie, Warri and. Environs you will agree that the skyline has changed on account of the flyover bridges in that corridor.

    “We have said we are not going to play politics because it’s not yet time. We are at the moment fully ready and committed to governance that brings value to Deltans”.

    “Anybody who wants to assess Governor Oborevwori will assess him with the work he has done vis-a-vis the promises he made to the people and how he is delivering on those promises.

    “We have said we will never embark on propaganda and we know politics is to be played but for us we are in governance and Governor Oborevwori is not loosing sight of that.

    “Governance for us is that we have made promises and we must go and fulfill those promises first and those promises will speak very loud for us when the time comes for politicking.”

    Aniagwu further remarked that Governor Oborevwori is emphatically responding to the promises made during electioneering campaigns

    He said the state government was making progress in the development of the state as part of concerted efforts towards connectivity across the state.

    On reasons for some projects not moving as expected, Aniagwu said increase in price of goods especially construction materials were responsible and the need for us to ensure that review of such projects would be such that the state is not short changed”.

    “When Oborevwori took over there was a spiral in prices of construction materials due to subsidy removal. This significantly affected contractors necessitating upward review of such projects.

    “We inherited up to 370 road projects across the state and we are running with them even as we are also introducing new ones.

    “In his meaningful development plan, Governor Oborevwori is committed to ensuring opportunities for all, meaning that every community have equal chance of development from his administration.”

    Aniagwu said just as Governor Oborevwori is developing the Warri axis he is also working on many road projects within Asaba capital territory.

    On insecurity, the Commissioner challenged parents on proper upbringing of their children and wards, adding that crimes are committed by children who lacked proper home training.

    He emphasized the important role of proper parenting to ensure a sustainable society devoid of crime and criminality.

    He said to have a functional educational system, the curriculum must be re-engineered to ensure that people graduate from higher institutions with certain technical knowledge or skills.

    He remarked that over 205,000 beneficiaries were empowered through the Delta Cares Programme adding that doing so would make them employers of labour rather than job seekers.

    On infrastructural renewal in public schools, Aniagwu said there is ongoing massive renovation of schools across the state and commended Governor Oborevwori for the initiative.

  • Sustain support for Oborevwori’s administration, Aniagwu urges Deltans

    Sustain support for Oborevwori’s administration, Aniagwu urges Deltans

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu has called on Deltans to sustain their support for the Sheriff Oborevwori administration in its determination to expand the frontiers of sustainable development in the state through the MORE Agenda.

    Aniagwu made the call in an interview with journalists shortly after inspecting the Issele-Azagba/Otulu Road project in Aniocha North Local Government Area as well as the Idumu Etiti Street project in Owerre Olubor and Mission Road/Ogboi Street project in Akumazi both in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

    He disclosed that the state government was very much impressed with the kind of cooperation it was getting from various communities across the state over Governor Oborevwori’s developmental strides, adding that he does not need anybody to tell him that Deltans were very happy about the various road projects.

    The Commissioner pointed out that Governor Oborevwori was irrevocably committed to ensuring that Deltans get commensurate value for money spent on projects, stressing that it was for this reason that the Governor placed emphasis on routine project inspection.

    “The reason why we are going around to see these projects is because His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborowori has made it clear that we must derive value for the money that we deploy for the construction of projects, be they in the road sector, in the housing sector, in the health sector, in the education sector, or in any other sector for that matter.

    “And for us to be able to derive that value, we need to ensure that we are not being shortchanged by any of the contractors and that our field officers, the engineers, are also living up to expectation, ensuring that all projects are delivered according to specification as per the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation.

    “That is the main reason why we have continued to visit these projects. And like we have mentioned, we have visited projects in Aniocha North and South. We are now in lka North-East, all still to ensure that Deltans derive value for money being spent on the projects.

    “We are very much impressed with the kind of cooperation we are getting from all these communities, I do not need anybody to tell me that they have been very, very happy about these roads.

    “They have, in spite of the fact that I am from this area, have continued to have kind words for the governor. And what we are also seeing is that the spread of these projects speaks to two major aspects of the governor’s plan of development which are meaningful development as well as opportunities for all.

    “You could see that the governor is taking projects to different places. When we said that we are going to have 25 local government areas on the table of the governor for the purpose of development, we were not joking.

    “I am happy that we are seeing that for every local government we go to, you could see projects. When the governor was given an award, he was awarded the best governor in terms of financial management and infrastructure.

    “You could see that it is practical. We have seen some persons in the opposition who possibly do not even understand what is happening, and they are saying stories that are at variance with reality.

    “The reality is that Governor Oborevwori is sure that he is going to continue to reply with projects, and you are seeing the projects. So, the more they go painting pictures that are not in line with reality, the more projects we are going to show to them that Oborevwori is not sleeping.

    “I am happy that Deltans are always very appreciative people and by the grace of God, ahead of 2027, the people will speak, and they will speak very, very loud, because the projects of Oborevwori are even quite louder,” Aniagwu added.

  • Rural Devt: Oborevwori connecting communities, transforming lives in Delta – Aniagwu

    Rural Devt: Oborevwori connecting communities, transforming lives in Delta – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Thursday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was connecting communities and transforming lives through provision of road infrastructure across rural communities in the state.

    Speaking on national television monitored in Asaba, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori has completed over 100km of roads with over 150km ongoing.

    He said Oborevwori provided N1 billion each for road construction in the 25 local government areas in 2024 fiscal year and upscaled it to N2.1 billion each in the 2025 budget.

    “When the governor came in on May 29, 2023, he made a number of promises, but chiefly he was clear on the need to continue on existing projects, in which case he was going to ensure that no project was abandoned and at the same time initiating new ones.

    “In terms of connecting our communities, he has been able to ensure that every local government has roads that are ongoing or completed, which is why he created the Ministry of Works, Rural Roads, and then started with the responsibility of opening up our rural communities.

    “In 2024 fiscal year, he made sure that we, first of all, amassed one billion for each of the local governments to enable us to tackle some community roads.

    “The moment we saw the benefit of that particular budgetary provision, at the time we now started preparing for the 2025 budget, he directed that we must increase it to above N2 billion per local government.

    “As I speak to you, in terms of tackling rural roads, we provided over N2.1 billion to be able to tackle rural roads in every local government and that is not inclusive of what we have also provided for ongoing and new projects.

    “The government in seeing the need to indeed link up to communities in our state, directed that we must also extend this construction of roads to riverine areas.

    “Delta being a coastal state, has a whole lot of riverine communities where they need to also construct roads in addition to bridges to link up to these rural and riverine communities.

    “All those are ongoing and we have commissioned a number of them. As I speak to you, not less than 100 kilometers of such roads have been completed, even as over 150 again are also ongoing.”

    The Commissioner further remarked that Governor Oborevwori was interested in developing rural communities alongside the urban centres to curb rural-urban migration.

    “The reason is because we believe that once the rural communities are developed, we would have been able to chiefly empower the people because the number of the people who even migrate to the urban centers also come from these rural communities.

    “Making rural communities much more livable to the people will ultimately free the urban areas, because the issue of rural-urban drift that makes the urban areas to become overpopulated, puts a whole lot of pressure on the infrastructure in the urban centers.

    “So for us to be able to keep pace with this development in urban centers, we needed to do something in the rural areas in addition to the fact that it also makes it possible for us to ensure security of life and property in those communities.”

    He said no state had budgeted over N125 billion for development of road infrastructure in rural communities across the country, assuring that requests for road construction in communities would prioritised on need assessment basis subject to availability of funds.

  • Oborevwori silencing critics with legacy projects – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori silencing critics with legacy projects – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Wednesday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s legacy projects had silenced critics in the state.

    Aniagwu, who spoke during the inspection of the ongoing storm water project to deflood Okuokoko, Ugolo-Okpe, Osubi and environs, said Governor Oborevwori was building legacy projects that would impact positively on the lives of citizens.

    The Commissioner who was in company of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon and top officials of the ministry, said: “The other day when I addressed the media, I mentioned that the governor’s preoccupation is to continue to reply critics with more projects.

    “What you are seeing here is another fact that he is committed to building very lasting legacies through meaningful development across the length and breadth of the 25 local government areas in the state.”

    He added, “This particular project is a storm drainage to control a whole lot of flood water and address the menace of flood in Ugolo-Okpe, Okuokoko, Osubi and environs.

    “Before now, you have a whole lot of flood water, even during little or flash flood or just little rainfall, you see a number of houses submerged.

    “As a government, the same way he is also tackling the one in Asaba. Not long ago, you accompanied us to see the storm drainage that is being built across the Ogbeogonogo Market into the River Niger.

    “You also saw his effort to open up the waterfront in Asaba. All these are part of those meaningful developments. At this moment, they are already backfilling, having constructed the storm drainage underground. So, in a week’s time, you may not see this again.

    “The same way he is also making similar effort in Asaba, the capital territory. Today, individuals are already eyeing the waterfront in Asaba because Oborevwori is opening it in line with the meaningful development.”

    The Commissioner, who also inspected Esezi Road dualisation and flood control measures at Orerokpe, the Orerokpe – Okuloho – Oviri-Okpe – Aragba Road, urged the contractors to increase their speed with a view to taking advantage of the dry season before the rains set in.

    “Not long ago, too, you heard Governor Oborevwori say that he is not going to sacrifice quality projects delivery on the altar of friendship and that means that those who are working for us must do so in line with the specification as clearly spelt out in our Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation.

    “We also urge them to ensure that they increase their speed because, any moment from now, the rains will come in heavily and that is why we are in a hurry to be able to tackle particularly this downstream, so that in the event that the rain comes, it does not cause any form of upset in this environment.

    “So, what you are seeing here is Oborevwori answering critics with another very special project which you may want to call Legacy Project.”