Delta govt launches N12bn road rehabilitation to revive Kokori’s historic oil community

Delta State’s Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has revealed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is deliberately recognising Kokori and its historic “sweet crude” heritage through the ongoing N12 billion rehabilitation of the 35.32-kilometre Erhoike–Kokori–Isiokolo–Okpara-Inland–Ovu–Oviorie–Ekpan Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

Izeze made the disclosure on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the project, describing the road intervention as a practical demonstration of Governor Oborevwori’s “Opportunities for All” agenda, which aims to uplift communities long neglected.

“The Oborevwori ‘Opportunities for All’ is going round and it has reached Kokori,” Izeze said. “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.”

Highlighting Kokori’s historical role in Nigeria’s oil industry, the commissioner noted that the community produces Brent crude, popularly known as “Kokori sweet crude” for its exceptionally low sulphur content.

“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 added.

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The N12 billion project includes rehabilitation of failed sections, stabilisation works, asphalt overlay as the wearing course, and reconstruction of culverts and drainage systems. Izeze noted the importance of drainage, highlighting a critical 1.3-kilometre section in Oviorie designed to discharge storm water into the Ethiope River through Ovu.

“The project entails rehabilitating failed portions, stabilising them and then applying asphalt overlay. Some drains are also being reconstructed to ensure durability,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the contractor, Levante, has been on-site consistently for about three months (aside from the Christmas break) and resumed full operations in January.

“So far, the level of work is encouraging and the quality delivered is up to standard. We have worked with Levante before, and the quality of their work has always met the required engineering standards,” Izeze stated.

The inspection covered the entire stretch of the road, from Isiokolo through Kokori, Oviorie, and Ovu to Ekpan, where it links with the Amukpe Expressway, ensuring no section was overlooked.

Izeze commended Governor Oborevwori for taking on a road that had not been rehabilitated in over 20 years, noting that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.

“For a fact, this road has not been rehabilitated for over 20 years. For His Excellency to take it up again shows clearly that he is a governor for all,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the project would reduce travel time, improve movement of farm produce, and boost commercial activities in the largely agrarian Ethiope East Local Government Area.

He described the rehabilitation as a deliberate effort by the Oborevwori administration to correct years of neglect and close infrastructural gaps in oil-producing and farming communities.

In a related development, Izeze also inspected the ongoing construction of Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, expressing satisfaction with the project’s quality and noting that only minor technical adjustments were needed.

“Overall, so far so good. The project has passed the test at this stage, and once the highlighted adjustments are effected, it will be a very perfect job,” he said.

The road and associated infrastructure projects are expected to significantly enhance connectivity, economic activity, and access to essential services in Delta State’s key communities.