Sheriff Oborevwori encountered strong criticism from some politicians in the state prior to the 2023 Delta State gubernatorial election. 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, rejected him as a failure because he lacked the gravitas, exposure, and carriage necessary to lead a complicated state like Delta.
Analysts agreed, speculating on whether the former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker had the foresight and intelligence 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 won praise from Delta State’s citizens. Across all political parties and opinions, there is a general feeling of surprise: “This is beyond our expectations.”
For a leader whose actions have changed the state’s infrastructure environment in a way never seen before, citizens, businesspeople, and even past detractors now publicly embrace and thank him.
Making use of his MORE Agenda—Meantingful 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. Delta’s governance has been redesigned by him.
Focusing on road infrastructure, which is essential for economic growth in a state with a variety of topography and a strong reliance on transportation for trade, agriculture, and oil, is at the core of Oborevwori’s success. The administration started 317 road projects throughout the state in the first year of his reign, which was a startling amount. Over 600 road projects and 25 bridges had been added by the middle of 2025, several of which were finished or almost ready for commissioning. One notable accomplishment is the dualization of the 46-kilometer Ughelli-Asaba Road in Sectors C1 and C2, which has improved connection between the Central and Delta North senatorial districts and reduced traffic congestion. Oborevwori’s dedication to long-lasting, significant projects is demonstrated by this project, which is one of 42 roads scheduled to be inaugurated at his second anniversary festivities in 2025.
Past administrations have neglected the riverine areas, but Oborevwori has brought about revolutionary developments there. After being inactive since 2006, the Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri corridor, a 20.95-kilometer access road, was resurrected and finished with 15 bridges of varying spans. By linking ten towns in Warri South-West, this project has increased citizens’ mobility, bolstered trade, and created economic opportunities. Similar to this, the long-stalled Ayakoromo Bridge is currently undergoing full-scale construction with the goal of connecting isolated Bomadi settlements to urban centers. In addition to improving access for agricultural areas, other rural roads like the Ogulaha–Okonti–Odimodi Road and the 47-kilometer Ohoror–Bomadi Road are also boosting local businesses and lowering post-harvest losses.
Urban redevelopment has also been a key component, especially in places like Warri and Effurun where traffic jams used to hinder business. For road extensions, flyovers, and cloverleaf interchanges, Oborevwori and Julius Berger inked a N78 billion deal in 2023. 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 points of reference. The latter two were held this year with groundbreaking ceremonies. By decluttering important thoroughfares, these structures, together with the DSC/NPA Expressway’s expansion and pedestrian bridges, have improved urban mobility and drawn investments. In 2025, the Enerhen Junction Flyover was inspected in the midst of joyful people, symbolizing the “beyond expectation” feeling as locals celebrated the obvious change.
Additionally, environmental resilience and flood control have drawn previously unheard-of attention. Asaba’s Airport Road, Ugborikoko, Ugboroke, and Environs Flood Control Project Phase III protects houses and businesses from recurring flooding. In addition to the extensive storm water drainage systems in Warri and Asaba, the Waterfront City Project in Asaba, which is almost finished with access roads for mixed-use development, positions the capital as a cutting-edge center for business and tourism.
Oborevwori’s administration has placed a higher priority on human capital development and education than on building roads and bridges. One example of his dedication to skill development is the February 2, 2026, opening of the Omadino Technical College in Warri South. This facility supports the MORE Agenda’s focus on opportunities for all by providing technical training for young people. The next generation has been empowered and unemployment has decreased thanks to comparable programs that have equipped thousands of people in his first two years.
Oborevwori’s progressive stance is demonstrated by its energy and industrial projects. The 2024 ratification of the groundbreaking Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill aims to use the state’s resources for autonomous power production and delivery. Industrialization is being driven by the Delta Azure Carbon Mosaic Project, which generates carbon-based revenue, and the Koko/Kwale Free Trade Zone, which has eleven anchor tenants. Along with creating jobs, these endeavors help the economy diversify away from its reliance on oil.
Such achievements are the result of fiscal restraint. If no tax increases are implemented, internally generated revenue is expected to surpass N200 billion by 2025, having increased from N83 billion in May 2023 to N158 billion by December 24. The administration has paid off historical debts like N8.4 billion in DESOPADEC liabilities and N10 billion in pension arrears, avoided additional borrowings, and made sure that salaries are paid on time. This is the most admirable aspect of all of this.
This acceleration is promised in the 2026 budget, which was signed at over N1 trillion, with 70% going toward capital expenditures. Additionally, the Oborevwori administration’s inclusive development plan for the state is highlighted by the N4 billion in infrastructural funding allotted to each of the 25 local governments. These projects, which ensure no area is left behind, span all 25 local governments, from the Okerenkoko–Pepeama–Kokodiagbene Road in Warri South-West to the Kwale–Beneku Bridge in Ndokwa. Isoko’s agricultural growth is being supported by highways like as Okpolo-Enhwe-Uwheru and Emevor-Ivrogbo-Orogun.
In sports, international events will soon be held at the renovated Warri Township Stadium, which chose to undergo extensive modifications due to land constraints.
The tremendous response from the public is to be expected. Enthusiastic crowds always attend inspections of projects like the Udu Harbour Market, and traders compliment the governor’s hands-on approach. “Ukodo,” Oborevwori’s nickname in Delta State’s sociopolitical circles, is all over social media as Deltans applaud a leader who accomplishes goals without fanfare. Curiously, Deltans’ opinions have expanded beyond their satisfaction with Oborevwori’s performance. He will undoubtedly be reelected because it has now advanced to a point that has cemented his legacy.
In hindsight, there was no need to question Oborevwori’s suitability. His astute streetwise strategy, developed as a grassroots politician, has turned into practical leadership. Delta State is prospering beyond expectations rather than merely developing, which is evidence of leadership that puts people before politics.
With the implementation of the MORE Agenda, the state anticipates a future of steady advancement, where opportunities are abundant and infrastructure unites communities. Deltans also won’t exchange “Ukodo” for anyone else till his eight years as stipulated by the constitution are up.
