From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr Eze Anaba has commended the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori over what he described as “real and measurable development” across the state.
Speaking in Effurun after a guided tour of projects, Anaba, said the editors were particularly impressed by the strategic investment in social protection initiatives, public sector reforms and massive road infrastructure, which collectively paint the picture of a state moving steadily towards sustainable progress.
According to him, “from all indications, Governor Oborevwori is not just making promises; he is implementing policies that touch the lives of ordinary citizens.
“We have seen some very impressive road networks that are fitting of this environment. We have had cases where roads cave in within weeks, schools collapse within weeks.
“The road network we have seen so far is quite impressive and from what we have seen so far, Delta is experiencing huge infrastructural development from schools, road networks and the flyover bridges.
“It is impressive and we can only give the Delta State government kudos and pray that this will continue for the enjoyment of the people.
“This is what meaningful development is all about. People should feel government. It should have an impact in the lives of people. Once the people feel this development is automatically accepted, we always say thank you and please keep it up.”
Also speaking, former presidential spokesman and Arise News Anchor, Dr Reuben Abati, expressed delight at the revitalisation of technical colleges in the state.
“I was particularly impressed to see that we now have functioning technical colleges in states like Delta. This is a crucial component of the national education curriculum, developing middle-level manpower with technical skills.
“We lost that capacity after many government-owned technical colleges disappeared over the years. But now, we have seen at least three of them operating effectively and I believe that technical education at this level will greatly benefit the youths and future technocrats in Delta State.
“In addition to the technical institutions, we also visited the Southern Delta University campus at Orerokpe. From there, we proceeded to Ezesi Road in Okpe Kingdom before heading to the Technical College in Omadino”, he added.
Abati noted the disconnect between public perception and on-ground development: “Many people who live in Abuja or Lagos don’t really see what is happening in their home states.
“Some claim to be from these areas but rarely visit, so they are unaware of the progress being made. I believe government must do more to publicise its projects and achievements.”
Speaking on the significance of the administration’s second anniversary, Abati said: “This is a milestone occasion. The people of Delta State expect even more from government going forward.
“One of the criticisms often raised during election campaign is the tendency for elected officials to focus development only in their own areas.
“However, from what I have observed today having traveled from the northern to the central, to southern part of the state, there appears to be a commendable spread of projects.”
He ended with words of encouragement for the governor, saying “I would like to tell Oborevwori that what he is doing aligns with the mandate given to him by the people. The only reward for hard work is more work. He should remain committed to doing even more for the people of Delta State.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, commended the editors for visiting Delta State and emphasized the need for an objective assessment of the progress recorded so far.
He stated that Oborevwori’s administration remains committed to improving the living standards of the people by delivering quality infrastructure.
The inspection tour began at Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass Road, continued along Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, and included stops at the Orerokpe campus of the Southern Delta University, the Technical College in Omadino, the Julius Berger flyovers at the PTI Junction and DSC Roundabout, as well as internal roads around Otovwodo junction in Ughelli.
