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By our Reporter

The apex socio-cultural organization of the Ndokwa people, Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), has passed a vote of implicit confidence in Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, citing his inclusive leadership style, equitable governance and commitment to infrastructural development across the state.

The endorsement was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NNU, elders and key stakeholders of Ndokwa Nation to Government House, Asaba, where they commended the governor for what they described as purposeful and people-oriented governance.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, President-General of the NNU, Chief Amaechi Asugwuni, said the visit was to express appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his numerous interventions in Ndokwa land and other parts of Delta State.

He noted that the Ndokwa people had continued to benefit from the governor’s goodwill and commitment to balanced development, adding that his administration had demonstrated clear evidence of responsive governance.

Asugwuni particularly praised the completion and handover of the Ndokwa House project, describing it as a historic achievement that would serve as a centre for consultation, planning and decision-making for generations of Ndokwa people.

He also lauded the completion of the Asaba-Kwale-Ughelli Road, saying the project had enhanced connectivity between Asaba and Ndokwa communities while providing a strategic transportation corridor within the state.

The NNU leader further commended Oborevwori’s open-door policy, noting that requests for consultations and engagements had consistently received prompt attention from the governor.

While expressing gratitude for the administration’s achievements, Asugwuni raised concerns over persistent electricity challenges in Ndokwa communities and appealed for the implementation of the Okpai Independent Power Plant Step-Down Facility.

He, however, condemned acts of vandalism against public infrastructure, insisting that development could not thrive in an atmosphere where critical facilities were being sabotaged.

“As a people, we condemn in the strongest possible terms every act of vandalism directed at public infrastructure. We cannot continue to demand development while allowing a few individuals to sabotage facilities meant to improve our lives,” he said.

He apologized for the losses resulting from the vandalism of power infrastructure and assured the governor that community leaders were strengthening local security arrangements to prevent future occurrences.

The delegation also appealed for the siting of additional higher institutions and critical infrastructure projects in Ndokwa land, alongside the construction of key roads to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity.

Concluding his remarks, Asugwuni said the entire Ndokwa ethnic nationality unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Oborevwori in recognition of what he described as the governor’s exemplary, inclusive and development-driven leadership.

Responding, Governor Oborevwori thanked the people of Ndokwa Nation for their support and confidence in his administration, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to the development of every part of Delta State.

The governor commended Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme for his dedication and contributions to the growth of the state, while also praising the leadership qualities of the NNU President-General.

Addressing concerns over electricity supply, Oborevwori acknowledged the challenges facing Ndokwa communities and blamed repeated acts of vandalism for delays in restoring power to affected areas.

He disclosed that the state government had approved additional funding for electrification projects and assured the delegation that work would commence soon in the affected communities.

The governor added that his administration was engaging the Transmission Company of Nigeria and other stakeholders to address the power situation, while confirming that the proposed Okpai Step-Down Facility remained under consideration.

Oborevwori also commended the Ndokwa Nation for publicly condemning vandalism, stressing that the destruction of public assets increases project costs and hampers development.

On demands for additional tertiary institutions, the governor noted that Ndokwa Nation already hosts a federal university and urged stakeholders to focus on strengthening existing institutions.

He assured the delegation that several road projects requested by the people had either been approved or were already under construction.

The governor further emphasized that Ndokwa people occupy strategic positions in his administration, including the offices of the Deputy Governor, Commissioner for Energy and Commissioner for Finance, assuring them that their interests remained well represented.

Speaking on the state’s political future, Oborevwori said the prevailing political arrangement in Delta State promotes continuity, stability and inclusiveness, while reiterating that his administration remained focused on delivering tangible projects across the state.

“What I do for Ndokwa, I will do for Isoko, Ijaw, Urhobo, Anioma and every other part of the state. The evidence is visible across Delta State. Our projects are spread throughout the state. We are showing results and we are showing our work,” the governor stated.

He thanked the delegation for presenting a united front comprising traditional rulers, lawmakers, local government chairmen and political leaders, assuring them of the government’s continued partnership in advancing the unity, prosperity and development of Delta State.