Hon. Bernard Odior, member representing Isoko North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to compel the contractor handling the Isoko Ring Road project to return to site or risk contract revocation.
Odior who made the appeal while interacting with newsmen, commended the state government for ongoing infrastructure development in the constituency, particularly the completion of Phase I and near completion of Phase II of the Emevor–Orogun Road.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Isoko Ring Road project, noting that the road, which connects communities including Ofagbe across Isoko North and South local government areas, remains critical to economic and social activities in the area.
While urging the governor to take decisive steps to ensure timely delivery of the project, Odior said; “he should prevail on the contractor to return to site and expedite the work, or revoke the contract and award it to a more competent firm.”
The lawmaker also used the opportunity to present a comprehensive account of his legislative performance, constituency interventions, and policy priorities.
He disclosed that over ₦50 million has been invested in educational support initiatives for constituents, with a comparable amount expended on healthcare interventions.
According to him, effective representation should be measured by tangible projects and measurable impact on the lives of the people.
“No human being can satisfy everyone; what matters is the overall impact of development projects on the people,” he said.
Odior highlighted additional efforts in youth empowerment, including job placements for graduates, as well as school renovations, provision of learning materials, and road rehabilitation projects across communities in the constituency.
On the legislative front, he noted that his responsibilities span lawmaking, oversight, and representation, adding that he has sponsored and supported motions and bills across key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance reforms.
He said his oversight functions involve monitoring government-funded projects to ensure compliance with budgetary provisions and quality standards.
A major policy thrust of the lawmaker is a proposed cultural preservation bill aimed at safeguarding indigenous heritage. He advocated making local languages compulsory in primary and secondary schools, with students’ progression tied to proficiency in indigenous languages.
He also called for the institutionalisation of cultural festivals and competitions to promote traditional values among younger generations.
Addressing concerns surrounding a recent cultural festival in Ozoro, Odior dismissed allegations linking the event to criminality, clarifying that it is traditionally a fertility festival.
He attributed the controversy to the actions of hoodlums who allegedly hijacked the event, noting that security agencies have since made arrests and found no verified cases of rape.
To prevent future occurrences, he revealed plans to sponsor legislation to regulate festivals and public gatherings across the state.
The legislator further addressed internal tensions within parts of the constituency, describing them as misunderstandings being resolved through dialogue.
He expressed optimism that an upcoming stakeholders’ conference would help restore unity and strengthen communal relations.
Odior reaffirmed his commitment to development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation, expressing confidence that his performance would earn him continued support from constituents.
