Oborevwori Pumps N175bn Into Grassroots Projects, Boosts Health Investments —Aniagwu
DELTA State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, says the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is scaling up rural development and strengthening healthcare delivery through record budgetary provisions.
Speaking on The Morning Show on ARISE News on Sunday, Aniagwu revealed that the state government has allocated N7 billion to each of the 25 local government areas in the 2026 budget to tackle critical grassroots needs.
He explained that the government had earlier set aside N3 billion per local government—totaling N75 billion—for rural road expansion. However, Governor Oborevwori approved an additional N4 billion per council to fund interventions in healthcare, education and other human capital priorities.
“Every local government in Delta now has N7 billion dedicated to it. At 25 LGAs, that’s N175 billion strictly for local-level projects, aside from other state-wide interventions,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner noted that the initiative builds on earlier allocations; 2024: N1 billion per LGA, 2025: Increased to N2.1 billion; and 2026: Expanded to N7 billion per LGA.
He described the move as unprecedented, noting that no other state currently dedicates such large direct funding to local authorities.
Aniagwu said the increased allocation will complement the over N16 billion already set aside for healthcare in the 2026 budget. He stressed that the government’s strategy goes beyond building hospitals to developing the workforce needed to sustain the sector.
He acknowledged the challenge of medical brain drain but said the administration has intensified recruitment and training to fill manpower gaps.
According to him, key interventions include: Establishment of a College of Health Technology in Ovrode, Isoko North, for training nurses and health workers, Delta remaining the only state with four state-owned universities, all contributing to medical training, Delta leading subnational health insurance coverage with over 2.8 million enrollees, ongoing renovation of over 400 dispensaries across the state, upgrades to general and cottage hospitals, construction of a new Specialist Hospital in Osubi, Okpe LGA; and acquisition of modern diagnostic equipment, including MRI scanners previously limited to private hospitals.
“We are not just building structures; we are equipping them with advanced technology and strengthening the manpower needed to run them,” Aniagwu said.
Aniagwu emphasized that the administration’s combined focus on rural infrastructure, accessible healthcare and human capital development is designed to raise living standards and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth across Delta State.
