Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project, highlighting its significant economic value to the surrounding communities.
The governor made the appeal while receiving the management team of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Femi Adekanbi, at Government House, Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori, said; “I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment and trust that you will justify the confidence Mr. President has placed in your team.
“I urge you to use this opportunity to ensure the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam. We have a major Agro-Industrial Park project in the area, and the dam is critical to its success.”
He expressed hope that the project would be completed by October this year, stating that its completion would help resolve the pressing water supply issues affecting Ogwashi-Uku and 16 surrounding communities.
“As a government, we remain committed to the development of the state. I have approved the establishment of water sanitation departments across all 25 local government areas in the state,” he added.
Responding to issues raised by the Authority, including employment and the Ute-Okpu water situation, Governor Oborevwori said his administration would look into the concerns raised.
On security, the governor reassured the delegation of the state’s relative peace and successful efforts in combating crime.
“Security challenges are not unique to Delta, but we have made significant progress. Some of our achievements are kept out of the media to avoid disrupting ongoing investigations”, he said.
He stressed that the state remains one of the most peaceful in the South-South, noting the presence and operations of several expatriates as proof of a stable security environment.
Governor Oborevwori also thanked the Authority for presenting locally produced garri and encouraged them to expand production, especially for rural communities.
“We will support you to succeed, because your success is our success,” he stated.
Earlier, Dr. Adekanbi commended the governor for the impressive infrastructural developments across the state and reiterated the Authority’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and encouraging youth participation in agriculture.
“Our goal is to work with the Delta State Government to tackle the food crisis across our coverage states—Delta, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti,” Dr. Adekanbi said.
“We are focusing on commercial rice production and have partnered with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to train youths, empowering them to become job creators.”
He clarified that while the Ogwashi-Uku Dam has been structurally completed, the water reticulation phase is pending. Once completed, it will provide clean water to four local government areas: Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South.
Dr. Adekanbi lauded the governor’s initiatives in supporting youth empowerment and agricultural development.
