By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
WARRI – A prominent industrialist and indigene of Delta State, Engr. Henry Ochuko Odugba, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to extend the reach of his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’ infrastructure development projects to Isoko communities.
In a signed statement made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday, Engr. Odugba specifically pleaded for the “full inclusion” of Isoko communities in the areas of road rehabilitation, bridge construction, and critical infrastructure development.
The industrialist expressed grave concern over what he described as “the continuous marginalisation of Isoko nation”, arguing that the region’s substantial contributions to the state and national economy through oil and gas production have not been matched by visible development.
“It is both unjust and unacceptable that Isoko communities, which contribute significantly to the economic sustenance of Delta State and Nigeria through oil and gas production, remain largely underdeveloped and neglected,” he said.
“Isoko nation cannot continue to be at the background while contributing at the forefront of economic sustenance. Development must be seen, felt, and fairly distributed.”
According to Engr. Odugba, the call for equitable development reflects the growing concerns of the Isoko people, who remain committed to peace, unity, and progress but seek fair treatment.
“The time has come for intentional governance that leaves no region behind,” he added.
Beyond road and bridge infrastructure, the industrialist lamented what he termed “the present epileptic power supply to Isoko nation”, placing strong emphasis on the urgent need for stable and reliable electricity across communities.
“The current situation of power supply to Isoko nation is a major setback to socioeconomic development in the communities,” the statement read.
“Many Isoko communities are presently in total or near-total darkness while small and medium-scale businesses have been crippled by lack of power supply. Economic growth is being stifled due to poor electricity supply.
“No meaningful development can thrive in darkness. Power supply is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Isoko needs light, now more than ever.”
Engr. Odugba therefore urged the Delta State Government to deliberately include Isoko nation in the execution of the MORE Agenda; fast-track road and bridge projects across Isoko land; address the persistent electricity challenges affecting the region; and ensure equitable distribution of development projects across all ethnic nationalities.
He reaffirmed the Isoko people’s commitment to peace, unity, and progress, while insisting that fair treatment and visible development must no longer be delayed.
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