Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State says ongoing developments across the state is evidence that local capacity was being strengthened, dismissing the notion that foreign expertise dominated project execution by his administration.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Governor Oborevwori stated this on Tuesday during an inspection of the Warri Stadium project where he posited that most of the jobs generated through state projects were being handled by local workers,
Reaffirming the state government’s ban on the illegal collection of levies popularly known as “Deve”, from developers, the governor not only warned that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting government, company or personal projects across the state, but threatened that anyone found engaging in such activities would face strict consequences.
The governor’s warning came on the heels of the recent arraignment of two suspects over illegal collection of ‘Deve’.
The two young men, Irikefe Ajueyitsi and Abubakar Nasiru, were on Monday, April 13, 2026, dragged before Chief Magistrate Edoja Sowho at Magistrate Court One, Warri, Delta State, on a two-count charge bordering on illegal demand and breach of peace.
They were accused of unlawful demand for the payment of development fee popularly known as “deve” from a property developer, Pastor Fred Aghedo.
But frowning at the act, Oborevwori declared that any form of unauthorised levy imposed on contractors or developers was “dead on arrival,” noting that such practices hinder development and discourage investors.
The governor commended the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Weyinmi Agbatayeniro, for his efforts in maintaining peace and fostering development in the area.
He noted that collaboration between the state and local authorities had been instrumental in ensuring a conducive environment for ongoing projects.
Speaking further, Oborevwori highlighted his administration’s commitment to job creation through infrastructure development.
He explained that ongoing projects across the state were engaging local labour and boosting economic activities, as artisans, suppliers, and traders benefit from the execution of government contracts.
He also disclosed that the state government has introduced a special allowance for medical doctors aimed at improving healthcare delivery and motivating health workers.
According to him, the initiative, which included additional financial incentives, underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting critical sectors.
Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the positive reception of government projects by residents, stating that the happiness and support of the people served as motivation for his administration to do more.
The governor assured Deltans that the government would continue to prioritise policies and actions that promote economic growth, peace, and sustainable development across the state.
