Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has shown renewed attention to one of Nigeria’s most historically significant oil communities by approving the ₦12 billion rehabilitation of the 35.32-kilometre Erhoike–Kokori–Isiokolo–Okpara-Inland–Ovu–Oviorie–Ekpan Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, made this declaration during an on-site inspection on Wednesday, describing the intervention as a clear expression of the governor’s “Opportunities for All” mantra now extending to communities long sidelined despite their contribution to national wealth.
“The Oborevwori ‘Opportunities for All’ is going round and it has reached Kokori,” Izeze declared. “His Excellency has remembered that once upon a time there was a Kokori brand, there was a sweet crude, and the goose that lays the golden egg should also partake in the Ukodo.”
The commissioner who recalled Kokori’s central place in Nigeria’s petroleum story, explained that the community gave the world Brent crude—widely known locally as “Kokori sweet crude” because of its exceptionally low sulphur content and superior quality, as classified by the American Petroleum Institute.
“Kokori is historically where Brent crude comes from, regarded by the American Petroleum Institute as one of the sweetest crudes in the world. Yet, over the years, these communities have complained of neglect. They are the golden geese that lay the golden egg,” he emphasised.
The ₦12 billion contract covers extensive rehabilitation of failed sections, soil stabilisation, asphalt overlay as the final wearing course, reconstruction of culverts, and major drainage improvements.
According to the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Particular attention is being given to a 1.3-kilometre drainage channel in the Oviorie axis, engineered to safely discharge storm water into the Ethiope River via Ovu, safeguarding the road’s long-term integrity.
Izeze commended contractor Levante for steady progress over the past three months (excluding the Christmas pause), with full resumption in January.
He confirmed that workmanship remains consistent with the firm’s previously approved standards.
The inspection covered the entire corridor—from Isiokolo through Kokori, Oviorie and Ovu to Ekpan, where the road connects to the Amukpe Expressway—ensuring uniform quality across all sections.
Praising Governor Oborevwori’s resolve to revive a highway untouched for more than two decades, the commissioner said the project underscores the administration’s dedication to inclusive and equitable development.
Izeze framed the initiative as part of a broader effort by the Oborevwori’s government to address chronic infrastructure deficits in both oil-bearing and rural communities.
Separately, the commissioner inspected ongoing work at Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, where he expressed overall satisfaction and indicated that only minor technical corrections are required before handover.
