Oghara Needs Real Development, Not Just Commissioning Ceremonies, Ugolor Tells Oborevwori

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

Human rights advocate David Ugolor has called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to move beyond ceremonial engagements and confront the persistent development challenges facing Oghara, including flooding, deplorable roads, insecurity and concerns over healthcare delivery.

Ahead of the governor’s visit to commission the Oghareki Model Technical College, Ugolor acknowledged the state government’s investment in technical education but insisted that Oghara’s development needs go far beyond the commissioning of projects.

In a public statement made available to journalists in Benin City, through “The Common Good Letter”, he urged the governor to seize the opportunity to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of residents by addressing the community’s longstanding concerns.

Ugolor maintained that while investments in education are commendable, the people of Oghara deserve tangible improvements in their daily lives, not merely commissioning ceremonies and political promises.

He stressed the need for concrete action to tackle the challenges undermining the community’s safety, infrastructure and access to essential healthcare.

“Investment in technical education is welcome. Young people deserve the skills and opportunities the college promises,” the statement said, urging the government to match its investment in education with tangible improvements in residents’ living conditions.

Ugolor called on the state government and Ethiope West Local Government to disclose funds allocated and released for drainage, flood control, roads and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara.

He also demanded transparency regarding project locations, contractors, payment records and completion status.

He urged the government to develop a properly funded flood-management plan and commission an independent assessment of blocked waterways, natural catchment areas and the possible impact of land use and fencing in areas controlled by the Nigerian Navy on water movement and drainage.

The statement further called for a clear timetable to improve roads, address security concerns and restore reliable services at the teaching hospital.

Ugolor urged Governor Oborevwori to listen directly to flood victims, patients, healthcare workers, business owners and residents of neglected streets rather than relying solely on accounts from political associates and supporters.

He also criticised the response of Ethiope West Local Government as inadequate, calling on the council to publicly account for its plans, expenditure and progress on outstanding projects.

With another election season approaching, Ugolor said Oghara residents should judge political candidates by their performance and commitment to addressing the community’s needs.

He challenged those seeking votes to explain how they would tackle flooding, improve roads, strengthen security and address healthcare challenges, while accounting for public resources already spent.

“Oghara’s votes must be earned through service to its people,” the statement declared.

Ugolor maintained that the success of government initiatives should be measured not by commissioning ceremonies but by tangible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, public safety, youth opportunities and transparent management of public funds.