By NORBERT CHIAZOR
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not known for drama, but he dances. I have seen him shuffle. In campaigns, church and chapel. Built stocky, his thickset frame bubbles when he rocks.
His Thursday July 4 jig at the unveiling of Okpanam/Ibusa road project was a handsome gesture.
But who would not dance when your guest is Davido’s uncle, Ademola Adeleke, Nigeria’s big and fun-loving governor?
It was a happy day watching Oborevwori and his Osun state peer, boogie down to kizz Daniel’s hit sensation,” Buga”
Shades of people who witnessed the Ibusa extravaganza- traditional rulers, rural folks, politicians, commissioners and journalists were pleasantly entertained as Oborevewori faced Adeleke’s flamboyance in shoulder-flexing flair.
But the event was deeper than the transient phenomenon of lively showmanship.
The opening of the Okpanam/ Ibusa road is the most iconic effort of Oborevwori in Delta North so far, since he became governor. Okpanam and Ibusa are among the largest settlements in Anioma, populated by thousands of aborigines, civil servants, business owners and sundry inhabitants.
Those landing into Asaba international airport or travelling by road from Warri, Lagos, Benin and other routes heading to Okpanam or Ibusa now have a perfect access road.
The completion of the road which began under the Okowa administration would boost transportation, commerce and economic engagements.
Okpanam and Ibusa had been occasionally entangled in land disputes. This road linking them is symbolic.It would boost peace and closeness between the two Anioma communities famed for enterprise and history.
At the opening ceremony of the road connecting both settlements, the traditional rulers -Obuzor of Ibusa, His Royal Majesty, Obi, Prof Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi and Ugoani of Okpanam kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, sat together beaming with smiles as happy royal brothers.
Okpanam/Ibusa road reminds one of wondrous Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown Road, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
A solid smooth way with scenic curves, rolling valleys and enchanting landscape, the Okpanam/Ibusa road meanders like a cool river cascading through lush green vegetation.The driving time from Asaba -Benin Expressway junction is about 4 minutes.
Delta North, Delta central and Delta South are obviously visible in Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda development plan.
The governor began his administration by engaging world famous Julius Berger with a N78 billion project for the transformation of Warri and Effurun through mega bridges and roads.
By the time he marked one year as governor, Emevor /Orogun road had been completed with kwale /Benuku bridge standing in all beauty and elegance.
Inaugurated May 29,2023, the Oborevwori administration initiated within one year,76 road projects across Delta spanning 171.49km and 85.30km length of drains.
Former Deputy Governor and respected Delta elder, Chief Benjamin Elue recently described Oborevwori as a liberal pan-Deltan leader with a vision encompassing all boundaries.
Governor Oborevwori’s eyes are clearly on Delta.
Everywhere.