Oborevwori: 2024 in retrospect

As the curtains fall on the 2024 fiscal year, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in Delta State has emerged as a defining force in Nigeria’s evolving narrative of leadership and governance.

This year has been marked by significant strides and transformative policies that reflect Oborevwori’s grassroots origin and his bold vision for advancing Delta State.

Governor Oborevwori began the year by reaffirming his commitment to the ‘MORE Agenda’, an acronym representing Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

Staying true to this vision, his administration launched a range of initiatives aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits, empowering the youth, women, and fostering economic growth across the state’s 25 local government areas.

One of the highlights of 2024 was the massive investment in rural infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and drainage systems were upgraded and new ones constructed in underserved communities, hence ensuring better access to urban centres and markets.

In 2024, the Oborevwori administration made significant strides in infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare. The administration is undertaking the construction of over 513 projects, notably in road infrastructure, covering nearly 1,500 kilometres.

Significant construction work on flyover bridges, at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction, being executed by Julius Berger, is enhancing urban renewal and mobility in Warri, Effurun and its environs. This extensive development has transformed Delta State into a substantial construction zone.

Also, notable among the projects is the massive ongoing completion of the Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway, a project aimed at boosting trade and connectivity across the state.

The Emevor-Orogun road Phase 1 was also completed and inaugurated in 2024, while a contract for the Phase 2 has also been awarded. The completed Okpanam-Ibusa bypass and several other roads within the capital territory were completed and inaugurated within the year.

Others include Ughelli Ring Road project, Isheagu-Ewulu Road, Obi-Ibabu Road, Beneku Bridge, ongoing construction of Trans-Warri Roads, Orere bridge, Upper and Lower Erejuwa as well as other connecting roads within Warri, Effurun, Okpe and Sapele areas. Riverine communities in Warri South-West and Burutu Local Government Areas are not left out in the development efforts of the Oborevwori administration.

Also, the governor’s focus on education was another defining feature of fiscal 2024. Aware of the challenges facing the sector, the administration prioritised the renovation of dilapidated schools, the recruitment of qualified teaching and non-teaching staff and the provision of learning materials.

Accreditation of programmes was also sponsored for higher educational institutions in the state, while numerous youths were trained and equipped with skills in technology, agriculture, commerce and the creative arts, thereby reducing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.

Additionally, tertiary schools in Delta State received increased funding for research and infrastructure, with Delta State University emerging as a hub for innovation in technology and renewable energy.

The Oborevwori administration also placed significant emphasis on healthcare and social welfare, with a focus on the primary healthcare system, which remains the cornerstone of any robust health system.

Substantial investments were made to renovate and equip primary healthcare centres across the 25 local government areas of Delta State. These efforts have brought functional healthcare facilities closer to under-served communities, ensuring basic medical services are readily available.

The administration equally made strides in improving secondary and tertiary healthcare systems. General hospitals and tertiary health institutions such as the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, underwent significant upgrades. Modern medical equipment, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, CT scanners, and dialysis units, were acquired to improve the quality of specialised health care available in the state.

The administration, within the year, also addressed the perennial issue of brain drain by actively recruiting and training medical personnel. By offering competitive remuneration and creating a conducive work environment, Delta State is becoming an attractive destination for healthcare professionals, reversing the trend of talent migration.

Oborevwori’s vision for an integrated healthcare and education system has led to the establishment of two landmark institutions – the College of Health Technology in Ovrode and the College of Health Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state. These colleges aim to address the critical shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, while positioning Delta State as a hub for medical education and services.

Social welfare programmes also gained momentum during the year, with the D-CARES programme providing financial assistance to 250,000 Deltans, including the elderly, people living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The government distributed ₦500 million to over 5,000 traders and artisans, aiming to boost small businesses and improve livelihoods. Another 5,426 persons received cash grants under the MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs, while 6,000 farmers were empowered with agricultural inputs to boost agricultural production in the state.

Fertilizers were also distributed to farmers across the 25 local government areas of the state in support of the state government’s drive to grow the family economy and ensure food security for Deltans.

This is in addition to the expanded focus on agriculture under the Result Area 2 – FADAMA (Food Security) of the D-CARES scheme, as well as the release of N1 billion counterpart funding for the Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA NEPAD), meant to empower 2,000 farmers for food production, livestock and aquaculture.

The Oborevwori administration also recently introduced the MORE Biz-Up programme to assist a minimum of 2,000 fledgling entrepreneurs who were finding it hard to cope under the harsh effects of the economy.

In a year marked by widespread security concerns across Nigeria, Delta State stood out for its relatively stable security environment. This can be attributed to Governor Oborevwori’s collaborative approach to governance. By working closely with community leaders, traditional institutions, and security agencies, the administration fostered a unified front against insecurity. The establishment of Operation Delta Sweep, a state-wide security network, and investment in technology-driven surveillance, further enhanced public safety.

To this end, the state government donated 31 vehicles, including 23 Hilux pickups and eight Sienna wagons, in addition to four Hilux vehicles previously delivered. This brings the fleet to 66 vehicles, aimed at enhancing daily patrols, especially during the ‘Ember’ Months.

The governor also demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability by introducing digital platforms for tracking budget implementation and public projects. These efforts enhanced trust between the government and its citizens, solidifying his reputation as a governor dedicated to the people’s welfare.

Looking ahead, Governor Oborevwori has assured Deltans that 2025 will focus on fiscal consolidation ushering in more projects, programmes and empowerment initiatives aimed at improving lives across the state.

So, as the state transitions into 2025, the Oborevwori administration is focusing on consolidating its achievements and addressing lingering issues. With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to the people, the governor is setting the stage for a legacy defined by growth, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.

With a budget size of N979,228,818,719 billion for 2025 fiscal year, comprising N630.461 billion for capital expenditure and N349.767 billion for recurrent expenditure, Delta State is expected to enhance the prospects of its overall development.

The 2025 budgetary allocations are to fund activities across different priority sectors, including agriculture, health, water resources, education and roads.

While signing the budget tagged ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation’ into law on December 4, 2024, Governor Oborevwori said the 2025 budget was geared towards consolidating on the many projects of his administration.

“The budget has been drafted in such a manner that it will impact positively in the promotion and preservation of public trust and our well being.

“This reaffirms our commitment in advancing Delta State through the prompt and qualitative service delivery as enshrined in our MORE Agenda,” he said.

Reflecting on 2024, it will be remembered as a year of resilience and progress for Delta State — a period when bold steps were taken to ensure a brighter future. Under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori, the state has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development, inspiring optimism for what lies ahead.

Ahon is the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor