Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has mounted a robust defence of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, dismissing criticisms that the government is excessively focused on construction projects while neglecting other critical sectors of the state's economy.
In a detailed statement titled "Beyond Mischievous Sensationalism: Setting the Records Straight," Izeze accused critics of deliberately ignoring verifiable facts and achievements recorded under the Oborevwori administration's M.O.R.E Agenda, insisting that governance should be assessed by measurable impact rather than political rhetoric.
According to the commissioner, while some critics have attempted to portray the administration as being preoccupied with infrastructure projects, the government has simultaneously made significant investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, security, and economic development.
"When governance is measured by impact, not ink, the numbers tell a different story," Izeze said, adding that the administration's achievements over the past three years demonstrate a deliberate effort to combine physical infrastructure with human capital development.
He noted that Delta State's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from N83 billion in 2023 to N158 billion in 2024, representing a 90.4 per cent increase, while the state's debt profile reportedly dropped from N465 billion to N249 billion within the same period.
According to him, these figures reflect prudent fiscal management and responsible governance.
The commissioner further disclosed that as of December 2024, the administration had executed 513 road projects covering more than 1,300 kilometres, alongside 950 kilometres of drainage infrastructure across the state.
He added that by 2025, the number of road projects had increased to over 600, with 25 bridges under construction or completed, while approximately 300 kilometres of roads were delivered in 2025 alone.
Izeze argued that these accomplishments demonstrate a government committed to development and not merely the award of contracts as alleged by critics.
Turning to agriculture, the commissioner described the Oborevwori administration's initiatives as one of the most ambitious agricultural transformation programmes in the country.
He recalled that Governor Oborevwori in March 2025 unveiled a $1 billion oil palm investment programme aimed at transforming Delta into a leading agribusiness destination in Nigeria and West Africa.
According to him, 68 host communities have already released approximately 130,000 hectares of land for the project, surpassing the initial target of 100,000 hectares.
The first phase of the programme, estimated at $150 million, is expected to develop 35,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and establish two processing mills.
He said projections indicate the project could generate about 288,700 jobs during its initial phase and more than one million jobs over time, while potentially lifting two million residents out of poverty.
The commissioner also highlighted interventions under the D-CARES programme, noting that more than 16,000 farmers had benefited from support schemes covering crop production, livestock farming and fisheries.
He added that the administration had expanded cassava and rice production initiatives in Aviara, established greenhouse projects across the state and introduced a successful Neighbourhood and Homestead Farming Programme aimed at enhancing food security and household income.
On education, Izeze said critics had failed to acknowledge major investments made by the administration in improving learning outcomes and expanding access to education.
He disclosed that more than 5,500 teaching and non-teaching staff had been recruited to strengthen public schools across the state.
The commissioner also noted that the State Executive Council approved N6.7 billion as counterpart funding to access Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grants, while over N1 billion had been disbursed as bursary awards to more than 60,000 students.
He stated that 33,064 students benefited from the bursary scheme in 2025 alone.
Izeze further pointed to the recent global success recorded by Delta State students at the World Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, where they emerged champions ahead of contestants from several advanced countries.
He specifically cited the achievement of Miss Ikhamateh Splendour, who was named Overall Best Debater at the competition, describing the feat as evidence of the administration's commitment to human capital development.
Addressing youth empowerment, the commissioner said the government's MORE Biz-Up Programme had continued to support at least 2,000 emerging entrepreneurs through grants and business support initiatives.
He disclosed that over 200,000 youths had benefited from various skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship training and empowerment schemes introduced by the administration.
According to him, more than 50,000 young people have directly benefited from targeted interventions designed to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance.
He also cited the establishment of a modern ICT and Computer-Based Test Centre at Onicha-Olona as part of efforts to equip young people with digital skills required in the modern economy.
In the healthcare sector, Izeze said the state currently operates 65 General Hospitals and 441 Primary Healthcare Centres, while three tertiary healthcare institutions are under construction.
He stated that more than 150 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 25 local government areas had been renovated and equipped under the current administration.
The commissioner further noted that the Asaba Specialist Hospital now boasts advanced diagnostic facilities, including MRI, CT scan and dialysis units, while dialysis treatment costs in state-owned hospitals had been reduced from over N70,000 to N45,000.
He added that Governor Oborevwori approved a N200,000 tax-free incentive for doctors working in the state as part of efforts to address the challenge of medical personnel migration.
According to him, the administration has also introduced a welfare programme for widows, under which 10,000 beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of N15,000 alongside healthcare support.
On security, Izeze defended the government's decision to construct and rehabilitate police facilities across the state, arguing that security remains the primary responsibility of government as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
He said the administration's investments in security infrastructure were part of preparations for the anticipated establishment of state police and efforts to strengthen community-based security architecture.
The commissioner also referenced the recent Delta State Security Summit 2026, where Governor Oborevwori emphasised that security is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, businesses and citizens.
He noted that the establishment of the Delta State Security Trust Fund further demonstrates the government's commitment to providing sustainable support for security agencies through public-private partnerships.
Izeze maintained that the administration's achievements had earned Governor Oborevwori widespread national recognition, including Governor of the Year awards from ThisDay, Vanguard, The Sun, Silverbird Television and News Telegraph.
He added that the governor was also named Leadership Governor of the Year 2025 and received the Democracy Heroes Award as the Most Prolific Governor of the Year.
The commissioner further cited the implementation of the N77,500 minimum wage for workers, digital budget tracking reforms and civil service restructuring as evidence of the administration's commitment to good governance.
While reiterating support for constructive criticism, Izeze cautioned against what he described as politically motivated distortions of facts.
"Deltans are not against criticism. Every government must be held accountable. However, criticism must be rooted in facts and not fiction. It must acknowledge what has been achieved even as it demands more.
"Governor Oborevwori has built roads and schools. He has built bridges and businesses. He has built flyovers and futures. The evidence is visible across Delta State, from the riverine communities of Burutu to the urban centres of Warri and beyond.
"Development is not a choice between concrete and content. True development is achieved through the marriage of both, and that is exactly what the M.O.R.E Agenda represents," Izeze stated.
