Oborevwori Honours Kokori’s Sweet Crude Legacy with ₦12bn Road Project – Izeze

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deliberately recognised Kokori’s historic “sweet crude” heritage through the ongoing ₦12 billion rehabilitation of the 35.32-kilometre Erhoike–Kokori–Isiokolo–Okpara-Inland–Ovu–Oviorie–Ekpan Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

Izeze made this known on Wednesday during an inspection of the project, describing the intervention as a clear reflection of Governor Oborevwori’s “Opportunities for All” agenda, especially for long-neglected communities.

According to him, the road rehabilitation underscores the governor’s decision to remember Kokori’s contribution to Nigeria’s oil history, noting that the community hosts Brent crude, popularly known as “Kokori sweet crude” because of its very low sulphur content.

He explained that the ₦12 billion project involves the rehabilitation of failed sections, stabilisation works, asphalt overlay, and the reconstruction of culverts and drainage systems to ensure durability.

Izeze disclosed that the contractor, Levante, has been consistently on site for about three months and that the quality of work so far meets required engineering standards. He added that the inspection covered the entire road stretch to ensure no section was overlooked.

Commending Governor Oborevwori for rehabilitating a road last worked on over 20 years ago, Izeze said the project demonstrates inclusive governance and will boost farming, trading and commercial activities in Ethiope East.

He stressed that the road project represents a deliberate effort by the Oborevwori administration to address years of neglect in oil-producing and agrarian communities.

The commissioner also inspected the ongoing construction of Okowa Crescent in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, noting that only minor technical adjustments were required.