Oborevwori slams contractor over Warri stadium delay

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has voiced his displeasure over the protracted delay in the reconstruction of the Warri City Stadium, a project that has significantly missed its December completion deadline. During a recent inspection, Governor Oborevwori made it unequivocally clear that his administration demands adherence to contractual agreements and expects timely delivery of quality work. The governor's stern stance reflects a commitment to accountability and efficient resource management within the state.

“

I wasn’t smiling because we have an agreement with the contractor. The agreement is for the contractor to finish in December, and now we are in April.

While acknowledging the satisfactory quality of the playing pitch, Oborevwori sharply criticized certain aspects of the ongoing work, particularly the cladding, which he deemed substandard and temporary. He emphasized that the state government paid for durability and longevity, not for materials that would quickly degrade. The governor declared that such temporary solutions would be removed, reinforcing his administration's resolve to ensure that only materials capable of withstanding the test of time are used. This insistence on quality underscores the administration's vision for a stadium that serves the community for years to come.

“

We have paid for quality, not something that will fade in a few years. This cladding you are seeing is temporary; it will be removed. Only durable materials that can stand the test of time would be accepted.

Governor Oborevwori warned that while the existing contract would not be altered, the contractor, identified as Peculiar Consults, would face intense public scrutiny if further failures occur. He urged the media to hold the firm accountable, signaling a new era of transparency and public oversight in state projects. The governor also touched upon the rationale behind renovating the existing stadium rather than building anew, citing land constraints and the desire to preserve the Warri Stadium's identity. Plans to relocate residents were also rejected to protect their homes and livelihoods, demonstrating a people-centered approach to development.

“

If he fails us again, we will expose him.

The Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, who accompanied the governor, commended Oborevwori's dedication to sports development and praised the pitch's quality, noting its adherence to modern football standards. This collaborative spirit highlights the shared goal of reviving football activities in Warri. Looking ahead, Oborevwori expressed optimism about the upgraded stadium's capacity to host major sporting events and revealed plans to renovate the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, signaling Delta State's continued commitment to fostering sporting excellence.

“

a significant step towards reviving football activities in Warri