Dr. Michael Nwoko, Chief of Staff to Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, has provided an in-depth account of the significant projects initiated and completed by the senator during his two and a half years in office, heralding a new era of development in Delta North Senatorial District.
Senator Nwoko’s interventions span healthcare, infrastructure, water resources, power, and human capital development, illustrating a strategic blend of social welfare initiatives and long-term economic growth.
Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare
Healthcare is a cornerstone of Senator Nwoko’s priorities. Dr. Nwoko revealed that a large-scale medical outreach was initiated in November 2023, benefiting over 200 individuals across Delta North’s three federal constituencies.
This initiative included free consultations, specialist care, surgeries, and medications in Idumuje Ugboko, Agbor, and Umusan.
The second phase in September 2024 saw an expanded outreach, treating over 600 beneficiaries at healthcare centers in Idumuje Ugboko and Umuagu, providing essential services like specialist consultations, surgeries, and free medications, including eyeglasses distribution.
Furthering this initiative, modern medical equipment was distributed to selected primary healthcare centers across the district in December 2024.
Lighting Up Communities with Solar Streetlights
To boost security and stimulate economic activity, Senator Nwoko launched solar streetlight projects in key communities.
Notably, solar streetlights were commissioned in Kwale in July 2024, alongside similar projects across Idumuje Ugboko, Idumuje Unor, Onicha Ugbo, and Asaba.
Clean Water Through Renewable Energy
Recognizing the necessity of water security, Senator Nwoko facilitated the establishment of solar-powered water systems in Umunede and Idumuje Ugboko, ensuring communities have access to potable water without reliance on diesel, thereby promoting renewable energy and reducing operational costs.
Reviving Strategic Dam Projects
Dr. Nwoko emphasized the senator’s dedication to large-scale water infrastructure projects. The Ogwashi-Uku Dam, initially attracted during his House of Representatives tenure, has undergone vital maintenance, enabling water distribution to over 60 communities.
A new dam project in Aniofu has also completed feasibility studies and is being integrated into the 2026 Appropriation Bill to enhance water supply and support efficient irrigation.
Rehabilitating Key Transport Corridors
On transport infrastructure, Senator Nwoko has overseen the rehabilitation of the Benin–Asaba Expressway, improving connectivity between Delta North and the eastern corridor, which had become nearly impassable by late 2024.
Opening New Economic Frontiers
Working in tandem with interventionist agencies, Senator Nwoko has fostered vital regional initiatives, including a coastal road project from Asaba-Oko to Patani that encompasses ten communities in Ndokwa East, currently in the NDDC budget.
This project is anticipated to unlock significant economic opportunities. Additionally, he is making strides toward the funding completion of the Okpai Power Plant step-down project.
Empowering Over 1,000 Constituents
Senator Nwoko has also placed emphasis on human capital development, launching an extensive empowerment program early in his tenure in November 2023, which benefited 260 youths, women, and farmers.
The program has since expanded to assist over 1,000 individuals, providing essential training and financial support for business growth.
A Trajectory of Sustainable Development
Dr. Nwoko affirmed that while some projects are still in progress due to procurement timelines and budget considerations for 2025, he remains optimistic about the transformative impact of these initiatives.
He expressed confidence that Senator Ned Nwoko’s outstanding performance marks a significant milestone in the representation history of Delta North.
“As we approach the conclusion of his first tenure,” Dr. Nwoko remarked, “the people of Delta North will recognize that he has established a new standard for representation and will advocate for his return to fully realize these transformational projects.”
