Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure to boost trade, attract investment and promote sustainable development in riverine communities across the state.
Governor Oborevwori stated this on Monday while commissioning a modern market in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area.
Represented by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the Governor said the project was part of deliberate efforts to strengthen grassroots economic activities and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
He said the market would provide a conducive environment for traders and entrepreneurs, adding that the facility was designed to serve the commercial needs of Oporoza and neighbouring communities.
The market comprises 24 lock-up shops, 24 open shops, modern male and female restrooms, a solar-powered water scheme and landscaping designed to provide a clean, safe and functional trading environment.
Governor Oborevwori assured the people that their request for an extension of the facility would be considered once the market was put to effective use.
He said the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that riverine communities were not left behind in the state’s development agenda.
According to him, the facility is expected to support small businesses, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities and contribute to the state’s internally generated revenue.
The Governor urged community leaders and traders to take ownership of the facility, maintain it properly and ensure that it serves the purpose for which it was established.
He said the project was also in line with the administration’s MORE Agenda and its commitment to creating opportunities and promoting inclusive development across Delta State.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Samuel Oligida, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the economic development of Oporoza and its environs.
Oligida said the facility would strengthen local enterprises, promote commerce and stimulate economic activities in the community.
He described the project as an intervention aimed at empowering residents and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The Commissioner commended the contractor for completing the project within the stipulated period and urged beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facility.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Chief Ebikeme Clark, commended Governor Oborevwori for extending development projects to riverine communities, describing the intervention as a demonstration of equitable development.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Warri South West Local Government Area, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, represented by Mr. Christopher Tonwe, described the market as a valuable intervention that would boost economic activities in Oporoza.
Chairman of Oporoza Community, Comrade Emmanuel Ebi, expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori, describing the market as a landmark development in the history of the community.
The commissioning was attended by members of the Delta State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, traders and residents.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official commissioning and formal handing over of the facility to the community leadership for allocation of shops to traders by the Governor’s representative and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
