Oborevwori Revives Kokori Legacy With ₦12bn Road Project — Izeze
DELTA State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has deliberately honoured Kokori’s historic “sweet crude” legacy through the ongoing ₦12 billion rehabilitation of the 35.32km Erhoike–Kokori–Isiokolo–Okpara-Inland–Ovu–Oviorie–Ekpan Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
Izeze stated this on Wednesday during an inspection of the project, describing the intervention as a clear expression of the governor’s “Opportunities for All” agenda and a long-awaited relief for communities that had endured years of neglect.
According to him, the project is symbolic because Kokori, once famous globally for its low-sulphur Brent crude — popularly called Kokori sweet crude — is finally receiving attention befitting its contribution to Nigeria’s oil industry.
“The Oborevwori ‘Opportunities for All’ is going round and it has reached Kokori,” Izeze said. “His Excellency has remembered the Kokori brand, the sweet crude, and ensured that the goose that lays the golden egg also enjoys the Ukodo.”
The commissioner explained that the ₦12 billion rehabilitation includes: Repair of failed road sections, Stabilisation works, Full asphalt overlay, Reconstruction of culverts; and Construction of new drainage systems.
He noted that the inspection team visited a key 1.3km drainage channel in Oviorie designed to drain storm water into the Ethiope River through Ovu — a critical feature for the durability of the entire stretch.
Izeze confirmed that the contractor, Levante, has been consistently on site for about three months and fully resumed work in January after the Christmas break.
“So far, the work is encouraging and the quality meets required engineering standards. Levante has a good track record, and this project reflects that,” he added.
The inspection covered the full 35.32km stretch, from Isiokolo through Kokori, Oviorie and Ovu to Ekpan, where the road links the Amukpe Expressway.
Izeze commended Governor Oborevwori for initiating the rehabilitation of a road that has not been worked on for more than two decades, describing the move as “courageous” and “inclusive”.
He stressed that Ethiope East is predominantly an agrarian area, and the improved road will ease movement, reduce travel time and boost trade for farmers and small businesses.
In a separate inspection, the commissioner visited the ongoing construction of Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work, noting that only minor technical adjustments remained.
“Overall, the project has passed the test at this stage. Once the highlighted corrections are done, it will be a perfect job,” he said.
