The Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Hon. Vincent Oyibode, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, joined engineers from the Delta State Ministry of Works (Rural Roads), Asaba, and the Secretary of the Delta State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Ekabo, in inspecting the newly approved Oleri Community Road project.
The road project, recently approved by the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, will link the entrance of Oleri Community to the Catholic pilgrimage site known as the Our Lady of Visitation Shrine, Oleri, in Udu Local Government Area.
Speaking during the inspection, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, who is also the Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, Obiaruku, commended Governor Oborevwori for approving the project.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church in facilitating the approval and particularly appreciated the Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, for his passionate appeal to the Governor on the need for the road.
Rev. Fr. Ekabo also lauded the Udu Local Government Chairman, Vincent Oyibode, for his support and commitment to the project, noting that his relationship with the Governor helped draw attention to its importance.
In his remarks, Oyibode described the road project as a major development initiative that would transform Oleri into a significant religious tourism destination, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, the establishment of the pilgrimage centre has repositioned Oleri Community as a hub for worship, spiritual renewal, and religious activities.
“This project is divinely ordained. The presence of a Catholic pilgrimage centre in Oleri is for a purpose, and this road will open up the community to visitors from different parts of the world who will come here to worship God,” he said.
The Council Chairman expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering commitment to infrastructural development across Delta State.
He urged residents of Oleri Community to remain peaceful and cooperate with contractors when construction begins, stressing that the project belongs to the entire community and should be protected.
“We will do everything possible to safeguard this project. Oleri is a peaceful community, and we must ensure that nothing hinders the successful completion of this road,” he stated.
Olorogun Oyibode further assured residents that he would closely monitor the project until its completion and pledged the support of the local government towards ensuring its successful execution.
He also called on the people of Udu to continue supporting the administration of Governor Oborevwori, assuring them that more developmental projects would be attracted to the area.
In their response, the President-General of Oleri Community, Comrade Paul Rhota, alongside members of the community leadership and residents, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving the road project.
They described the approval as a landmark development that would improve access to the pilgrimage centre, stimulate economic activities, and accelerate socio-economic growth in the community.
The community also appreciated the efforts of Bishop Anthony Ewherido, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, and Olorogun Vincent Oyibode in facilitating the project and assured the Governor of their continued support.
