By Sunday Apah
Delta State’s Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is defined by its empathetic and people-focused governance style, aimed at benefiting the community.
Izeze made these remarks while inspecting the ongoing construction of internal roads and drainage systems at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, on Tuesday.
The Commissioner expressed the Governor’s deep concern regarding the poor condition of the internal roads at the camp and acknowledged the impact this might have on Corps members’ perceptions of the state.
“Up until now, the internal roads within the NYSC Orientation Camp were nearly non-existent,” he noted. “With the arrival of the rainy season, the situation has only worsened, leaving the camp area muddy and challenging to navigate.”
He continued, “For many Corps members, their time at the NYSC camp represents their only experience with Delta State. Some may come, seek redeployment, and leave, but their impression will be shaped solely by their time at the Issele-Uku camp.”
“Governor Oborevwori recognizes this reality,” Izeze commented. “He believes that the three weeks Corps members spend at the orientation camp should be memorable and welcoming. Such understanding only comes from a leader who values human-centric governance.”
The Commissioner highlighted that the Governor’s empathy stems from personal experience, noting that his own children have served in the NYSC. “This helps him appreciate the importance of comfort and conducive living conditions for the Corps members at the camp,” he said.
As a result, the Governor has approved the construction of internal roads within the camp, especially in areas where Corps members stay, hold parades, and participate in recreational activities. The plan includes building 1.2 kilometers of roads accompanied by 2.4 kilometers of covered drainage.
Upon project completion, Izeze anticipates that many will refer to the Governor as “the Governor Quality” due to the high standards and thoughtful aesthetics of the finished work.
The contractor, Mr. Rony Karam, reported that the project is on track to be completed within two months, with much of the drainage work already finished. “As you can see, the drainage is nearly complete. Soon, we will begin the earthworks, laying the stone base, and finally, the asphalt. We expect to finish within two months,” he stated.
In a related update, Commissioner Izeze expressed disappointment regarding the stalled Nnemiyi erosion control project, which was designed to connect to the storm drainage system of the Okpanam–Ibusa Bypass Road.
“This is a project we inherited from the previous administration and has been left unattended for over two years. Clearly, it has faced significant delays,” he said. “I plan to report this situation to the Governor.”
He added, “From my assessment, the project’s stagnation appears to stem from the contractor’s inability to fulfill the terms of their agreement for reasons unknown. Consequently, I will recommend to His Excellency that this project be terminated due to its evident delays and failures.”
