Oborevwori pushes for completion of Ogwashi-Uku Dam, citing economic and human impact

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project, emphasizing its potential to unlock economic growth and transform lives across 16 communities. The appeal was made during a strategic meeting with the management of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority on Wednesday in Asaba.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, a vital infrastructure project with the potential to revitalize agricultural activities and address longstanding water supply challenges in the region.

Governor Oborevwori made the appeal at Government House, Asaba, while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Femi Adekanbi, and his team.

“I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment,” the governor said, addressing Dr. Adekanbi. “I urge you to leverage this opportunity to ensure the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam. The dam is central to the success of our planned Agro-Industrial Park, which is expected to create jobs, boost food production, and stimulate economic growth in the region.”

He expressed optimism that the project, stalled at the water reticulation phase, could be completed by October 2025. Its operationalization, he added, would significantly improve access to clean water for Ogwashi-Uku and 16 other neighboring communities, many of whom have struggled for decades with inadequate water infrastructure.

Underscoring the state government’s commitment to improved water and sanitation services, the governor revealed that he had approved the establishment of Water Sanitation Departments in all 25 local government areas.

Beyond infrastructure, the governor addressed broader issues raised by the Authority, including concerns about youth employment and the water situation in Ute-Okpu. He assured the delegation that his administration would look into the matters and provide necessary interventions.

Governor Oborevwori also reassured the team of the state’s strong security framework, citing effective policing and proactive intelligence gathering as key to the state’s relative peace. “Security challenges are not unique to Delta,” he noted, “but we have made tremendous progress. Some of our achievements are deliberately kept out of the media to protect ongoing investigations and operations.”

He pointed to the thriving presence of foreign investors and expatriates as evidence of the state’s stability, adding that their continued operations reinforce Delta’s position as one of the most peaceful states in the South-South region.

In a more personal exchange, the governor commended the River Basin Authority for showcasing locally processed garri, urging them to scale up production to benefit more rural communities.

“We will support you to succeed, because your success is our success,” he assured the team.

Earlier in the visit, Dr. Femi Adekanbi praised the Oborevwori-led administration for its visible strides in infrastructure and rural development. He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to complementing the state’s efforts in agriculture, youth empowerment, and food security.

“Our goal is to work closely with the Delta State Government to tackle the rising food crisis across our coverage states—Delta, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti,” Dr. Adekanbi stated.

He said the Authority is focusing on commercial rice production and has initiated a partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to equip young Nigerians with agricultural skills, enabling them to become employers of labor.

Clarifying the status of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, Dr. Adekanbi noted that while the structural aspect of the dam has been completed, the crucial water reticulation phase remains. Upon full completion, the dam is expected to provide potable water to four local government areas: Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Oshimili South, and Oshimili North.

He concluded by commending the governor for his people-focused policies, particularly those aimed at youth and agricultural development.