Dr. Tonye Timi, Executive Director, Corporate Services, South/South Development Commission (SSDC), has said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is repositioning Delta through a deliberate focus on project conceptualisation, construction, and delivery.
Timi made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He noted that the governor has demonstrated “laser focus and speed” in executing projects, backed by strong ideas and energy, which are beginning to yield visible developmental results across the state.
According to him, Oborevwori’s decision to engage Julius Berger for civil works reflects bold leadership and has contributed significantly to ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Timi described the governor as a “welcome relief” in restoring confidence in governance through decisive and result-oriented actions.
“We can only hope that the people renew his mandate to continue building the state and restoring its pride of place among states in Nigeria,” he said.
He criticised past administrations for what he described as indecisiveness and excessive theorising, which led to abandoned projects and wasted resources.
Timi cited examples including the Oghareki Power Project, Warri Industrial Business Park, prolonged delays on the Asaba-Ughelli Road and Warri-Agbor Road, as well as the Kwale Power Project, noting that such initiatives drained scarce resources without delivering value.
“These abandoned projects have wasted scarce developmental resources and dissipated energy and focus,” he said.
He added that as the 2027 elections approach, Oborevwori’s administration will come under increased scrutiny, both as an incumbent government and a key player in Delta’s evolving political landscape.
According to him, the political environment in the state is shifting, with growing realignments and changing party dynamics.
“There will be much to assess about his tenure so far, as well as the broader political developments shaping the state.
However, the governor has recorded achievements he can point to with pride,” he said.
Timi further stated that Oborevwori has managed the state’s finances better than expected, despite initial concerns about high debt levels inherited at the start of his administration in 2023.
“At the beginning, there were fears that Delta was overburdened with debt and exposed to financial risks that could threaten economic stability. The outlook was not very promising.
“However, the governor has proven critics wrong by stabilising the economy and maintaining governance despite those challenges,” he said.
He added that the administration has made notable progress in infrastructure within a short period, surprising even critics of the governor’s emergence.
“He has defied pessimistic projections that his tenure would be consumed by debt servicing and creditor disputes,” Timi said.
The SSDC official noted that Delta had previously suffered from poor project execution, including roads that deteriorated quickly and power projects that failed to deliver electricity.
He said Oborevwori has shown both vision and determination to pursue large-scale development goals and deliver them within realistic timelines.
Timi highlighted key projects under the administration, including the construction of four flyover bridges in Warri, Effurun, Ughelli, and Agbor, spanning the state’s three senatorial districts.
He also pointed to investments in education and healthcare, including the development of a new campus for Southern Delta University in Orerokpe, construction of a College of Health Technology in Ovrode, and a Faculty of Medical Sciences building at the university’s Ozoro campus.
According to him, the completion of the Trans-Warri Road has improved access between riverine and urban communities, boosting trade and the movement of goods and services.
“Indeed, the governor has demonstrated boldness in pursuing development, refusing to be constrained by doubt, delay, or indecision,” he said.
Timi added that Oborevwori’s leadership style reflects independence and a clear departure from past administrations.
“He has set clear goals and shown a level of decisiveness and audacity not seen in previous governments in Delta. His actions have made it impossible to define his administration by the limitations of his predecessors,” he said.
