Tension is mounting in Delta State as the Isoko ethnic nationality expresses outrage over its exclusion from the newly approved N230 billion worth of infrastructural projects announced by the Delta State Government. The development has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the equity and inclusivity of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s development agenda.
The controversial approvals, made during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held at Government House, Asaba, and presided over by Governor Oborevwori, cover a broad spectrum of projects in health, road infrastructure, energy, and riverine development. Despite the staggering budget and the wide geographical spread of the projects, no mention was made of any major project earmarked for the Isoko region, igniting feelings of marginalization.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed the approvals to journalists, flanked by key commissioners including Sonny Ekedayen (Economic Planning), Reuben Izeze (Highways and Urban Roads), Dr. Joseph Onojaeme (Health), Hon. Ebikeme Clark (Riverine Infrastructure), and the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon.
Among the headline projects is the design and construction of a ₦59.7 billion flyover at Uromi Junction in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, and another at Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli, along the East-West Road, costing ₦39.3 billion. Also approved are strategic flood control works, road rehabilitations, hospital equipment installations, internal roads in various communities, and energy policy implementations.
Other areas benefitting from the infrastructure blitz include Warri North, Warri South-West, Ukwuani, Oshimili South, Ndokwa West, Udu, Ethiope West, Sapele, and Patani. But conspicuously missing from the list is Isoko, despite the huge contribution to state finances, a development residents and community leaders have described as a “deliberate act of neglect.”
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Anger continues to build on social media and among local stakeholders who argue that the Isoko region, despite its significant contributions to the state’s economy and its loyalty to the ruling party, has repeatedly been sidelined in capital project allocations.
Projects approved in other regions include flood control from Orikeze Avenue Junction to the Orogodo River in Ika South at ₦15.3 billion, completion of internal roads in Jagbala and Kantu in Warri South-West, access roads to the Model Technical College in Obiaruku, and the Olikili Layout Roads in Asaba. The government also greenlit ₦10 billion in compensation for landowners affected by the Second Niger Bridge Access Road project and approved the procurement of MRI machines for major state hospitals.
In defense of the Agbor flyover’s high cost, Commissioner Reuben Izeze explained that it will involve a 30-meter span beam and two large roundabouts, requiring specialized equipment to be imported from Germany by Julius Berger. He emphasized the project’s importance in reducing fatal accidents and improving agricultural productivity in the area.
The Council also ratified the transfer of the General Hospital, Otor-Udu, to the Federal Government for conversion into a Federal Medical Centre, and adopted a new State Electricity Policy to boost energy access.
While the government continues to roll out its development masterplan, the omission of Isoko from this monumental funding wave may deepen ethnic tensions in Delta State and raise critical questions about inclusivity, fairness, and representation in state governance. As calls grow louder for equity in project distribution, all eyes are now on Governor Oborevwori for a response that could either restore confidence or ignite further agitation.
