By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has reinforced the ban on the illegal collection of levies popularly known as “Deve,” warning that the practice will no longer be tolerated as the state pushes ahead with rapid development across key sectors.
The governor issued the fresh warning during an inspection visit to the Warri Stadium project, where ongoing construction activity has become a focal point of government’s infrastructure drive. He cautioned that anyone found imposing unauthorized charges on developers, contractors, or even private individuals risked strict consequences.
His message was direct and unambiguous: the era of disruptive and unofficial levies is over.
The renewed crackdown comes on the heels of the recent arraignment of suspects linked to the illegal collection of “Deve,” a development that has further signaled the government’s determination to move from policy pronouncements to enforcement on the ground.
For years, the practice has lingered in parts of the state, quietly inflating project costs, frustrating contractors, and in some cases slowing down development. Now, the Oborevwori administration is drawing a firm line.
According to the governor, such unauthorized charges are “dead on arrival,” stressing that they have no place in a state actively courting investment and accelerating infrastructure delivery.
At the Warri Stadium site, the broader picture was evident: heavy machinery in motion, workers on site, and a steady pace of construction that the government says reflects its commitment to job creation and economic stimulation. Beyond bricks and steel, the projects are also feeding a local value chain, engaging artisans, suppliers, and small traders who depend on government contracts for daily income.
Oborevwori also emphasized the importance of peace and coordination between state and local authorities, commending the leadership in Warri South Local Government Area for maintaining a stable environment that allows projects to progress without disruption.
He reiterated that most of the jobs generated through ongoing infrastructure projects are being handled by local workers, describing this as a deliberate strategy to strengthen capacity within the state rather than rely heavily on external expertise.
Beyond the construction sites, the administration is also making moves in the health sector. The governor disclosed the introduction of special allowances for medical doctors, a policy aimed at improving service delivery and boosting morale among healthcare professionals.
As Delta’s development landscape continues to expand, the government maintains that its dual approach, firm enforcement against disruptive practices like “Deve” and sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital will remain central to its economic agenda.
For now, the message from Government House is clear and deliberate: development will not be negotiated at the edges, and no informal system will be allowed to stand in its way.
