Community Outcry Over Delayed Infrastructure

Ofagbe Residents Demand Action on Stalled Isoko Ring Road Project

RESIDENTS of Ofagbe Community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State have taken to the streets in protest, demanding the immediate revocation of the contract for the long-delayed 24-kilometre Isoko Ring Road.

The demonstrators accused the contractor, Dora-Dan Global Resources, of incompetence and failure to deliver on the project, which they described as critical to the socio-economic wellbeing of several communities.

Allegations of Contractor Failure

Led by the President-General of the community, Engr. Cyril Jeke, the protesters expressed frustration over what they termed years of unfulfilled promises and slow progress.

According to Jeke, the road project—linking Ellu, Ovrode, Ofagbe, Orie-Irri, Okpe-Isoko, Uro-Irri, and Ada-Irri—was originally scheduled for completion by December 2022 during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Despite multiple interventions, including inspections by government officials and an upward review of the contract sum to boost execution, the community said the contractor has failed to meet expectations.

“A strategic meeting in June 2025 resulted in a commitment by the contractor to return to site and accelerate work, but that promise has not translated into visible progress,” Jeke stated.

Hardship Deepens as Project Lingers

Residents say the prolonged delay has turned the road into a major burden, especially as the rainy season approaches.

They described worsening conditions that have crippled economic activities, restricted access to healthcare, and made transportation increasingly difficult.

Farmers, in particular, lamented their inability to move produce to markets, while pregnant women and other vulnerable groups reportedly struggle to access essential services.

Placards displayed during the protest bore messages such as “Development Delayed is Development Denied” and “Government Funds, Zero Progress — Why?”

Government Response and Next Steps

Responding to the protest, Chief of Staff at Government House, Asaba, Hon. Johnson Erijo, commended the community for its peaceful approach.

He acknowledged prior commitments made by the state government and assured protesters that their concerns would be escalated to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“The government has zero tolerance for substandard work. Necessary action will be taken,” Erijo said.

While the community reaffirmed confidence in the governor’s development agenda, it insisted that decisive action—particularly revocation and reassignment of the contract—is now necessary to restore public trust and ensure timely completion of the project.