Umukoro Condemns Content Creator’s Criticism of Sapele Road Projects
**Sapele lawmaker defends government’s commitment to infrastructural development**
SAPELE, Delta State — Hon. Okakuro Perkins Umukoro, the member representing Sapele Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, has condemned the recent criticisms of government projects in Sapele by a local content creator, Mr. Ugeh Elohor Kenneth. Speaking during a visit from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sapele chapter, Umukoro addressed the viral video posted by Kenneth, also known as LudusComedy, which criticized the state of roads in the town.
“There’s just one thing I want to respond to,” Umukoro began. “I want to seize the opportunity to address the issue of this content creator who came up recently to showcase a street like Shell Road, claiming the government is not trying. Normally, I condemn it in totality. What Mr. Kenneth did was wrong because whether we like it or not, Sapele is just one of 25 local governments in the state, and the governor has already started work here.”
Kenneth’s protest video, which went viral on social media, was a satirical commentary on the poor condition of Borrow Pit Road in Sapele. In the video, Kenneth lathered himself with soap while standing in a waterlogged section of the road, sarcastically thanking former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the former local government chairman for providing a “swimming pool” rather than fixing the road. Though humorous, the video highlighted the need for urgent attention to the town’s roads.
In response, Hon. Umukoro defended the efforts of the Oborevwori administration, citing the ongoing construction of 12 roads within Sapele Local Government. “These are not abandoned projects,” he clarified. “They are ongoing, and we cannot expect all roads in Sapele to be completed in just one year. It’s a four-year government. If the governor is working on 12 roads now, by the end of his tenure, we should be expecting about 40 to 48 roads,” he explained.
Umukoro emphasized that some of the road projects, like the rehabilitation of Hausa Road to Commercial Avenue, were unprecedented and represented the governor’s commitment to areas previously ignored. “These are areas we never expected to see touched in our lifetime,” he added, urging patience from the community.
The meeting, led by NUJ Sapele Chairman Comrade Nelson Agbajor, was an opportunity for the journalists to commend Umukoro for his efforts in Sapele. Agbajor noted the lawmaker’s visible contributions and community projects, to which Umukoro expressed his gratitude, reaffirming his dedication to representing the interests of the people.
“I never knew you would visit me, but I am eternally joyful that people recognize what I’m doing,” Umukoro said. “I have always been associated with the poor and derive joy in serving them. This is not about my strength or entitlement; it’s by the grace of God,” he remarked, reflecting on his humble beginnings.
The legislator also spoke about his efforts to make himself accessible to the people, particularly through his Sheriff Perkins Foundation, which he established to empower constituents. “I set up a constituency office with my own funds to ensure people can reach me. I was born in the slums, and while the slum is no longer in me, I remember my roots,” he explained, noting his commitment to staying connected with the grassroots.
In addition to road projects, Umukoro highlighted ongoing improvements in health and education under the Oborevwori administration. “As a member of the House Committee on Health, we recently visited Sapele Central Hospital and saw the projects carried out by DESOPADEC. The governor is also investing in education, with renovations ongoing in schools across the state,” he said, pointing to the governor’s MORE agenda as evidence of progress in Sapele.
Umukoro also called on journalists to play a balanced role in their coverage of government activities, emphasizing the need for both criticism and praise. “Journalists are the fourth arm of government. While you are independent, you also need to acknowledge when the government is doing something right. Criticism is necessary, but so is appreciation,” he advised.
He concluded by reiterating his openness to dialogue and his commitment to the development of Sapele. “I am always open to everyone. Call me anytime, and I will respond. I am here to serve,” he assured the journalists.
The lawmaker’s remarks emphasized a forward-looking approach to Sapele’s development while calling for constructive criticism and continued collaboration with the press in shaping the future of the local government
