Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project, stressing its importance to local development and economic revitalisation.
The governor made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Dr Femi Adekanbi, who led a delegation to Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
Oborevwori congratulated Adekanbi on his recent appointment and urged him to justify the confidence placed in him by President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Authority.
He expressed optimism that the dam would be completed by October, adding that it is critical to resolving persistent water supply challenges in Ogwashi-Uku and 16 surrounding communities.
“I want to appeal to you to ensure the dam is completed. The success of our Agro-Industrial Park in the area hinges on its functionality,” the governor told the visiting officials.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development across the state, noting that water and sanitation departments have been approved for all 25 local government areas to improve service delivery.
Responding to concerns raised by the delegation, the governor pledged to look into employment-related issues and the ongoing water supply difficulties affecting the Ute-Okpu community.
He also reassured the visitors that Delta remained relatively stable, pointing to the presence of foreign nationals working across the state as an indicator of its secure environment.
“Security challenges exist everywhere. Delta is no exception, but we’ve recorded considerable progress. Some of these gains are not in the public eye because they form part of ongoing investigations,” he said.
Oborevwori commended the Authority for showcasing locally processed garri and urged the expansion of such agro-initiatives, particularly in underserved rural communities.
“We will continue to support your efforts. Your achievements are tied to our collective success,” he said.
Earlier in the meeting, Dr Adekanbi praised the governor for visible improvements in infrastructure development and affirmed the Authority’s readiness to work with the state in addressing food insecurity.
“We are keen to collaborate with Delta in tackling food shortages across Delta, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti States,” he said.
He disclosed that the Authority was focusing on large-scale rice production and had partnered with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to train young people as agricultural entrepreneurs.
On the status of the dam project, Adekanbi clarified that the main structure had been completed, but that final work on water distribution systems remained ongoing.
“Once concluded, the Ogwashi-Uku Dam will serve communities in Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South,” he said.
He also commended the governor’s dedication to youth empowerment and agricultural advancement across the state, promising to align the Authority’s efforts with the state government’s development agenda.
