*Flags Off N59.7bn Agbor-Uromi Junction Flyover
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development across the 25 local government areas.
Speaking on Monday, January 19, while flagging off the construction of the N59.7billion Agbor-Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Council, Oborevwori, accompanied by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, and other top government functionaries, described the project as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives, and boosting economic activities across the state and beyond.
The governor said the flyover was conceived to urgently adrress the persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy junction over the years, which have claimed lives and destroyed property, adding that the dangerous intersection among vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.
He disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover, including a 1.3-kilometre flyover bridge along the Uromi-Agbor Highway, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs and solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and sustainability, had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
Acknowledging the strategic importance of the corridor as a major economic and transportation link connecting Nigeria’s Southeast and Southwest zones, as well as a gateway to the northern parts of the country, Oborevwori said: “Anyone travelling from Lagos to the East or from the East to the West must pass through this route. Its importance to the national economy cannot be overstated.”
He enthused that upon completion, the flyover would significantly enhance mobility, reduce travel time, expand economic opportunities and safeguard the lives of thousands of Nigerians who ply the route daily.
He also underscored the employment opportunities the project would generate for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors and others across the construction value chain.
Oborevwori disclosed that his administration had injected N100billion as a special intervention fund, allocating N4billion each to the 25 local councils for infrastructure development, in addition to other sectoral investments.
He stated that Ika South Local Council was also benefiting from other major projects, including the N15.4billion contract awarded for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage systems and five kilometres of road construction to address flooding and erosion, as well as the planned N12billion 15-kilometre Okpe-Abavo-Ekuku-Agbor Road.
Expressing confidence that the flyover would be completed within schedule, the governor stated: “As a government, we award contracts strictly on merit and competence. Excellence will always attract further patronage.”
Earlier, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, commended Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and translating plans into tangible development, describing the flyover as a monumental and impactful project.
Okowa said the scale and spread of infrastructure projects across the state under the Oborevwori administration reflected purposeful and people-oriented governance.
“Indeed, Deltans should celebrate Oborevwori. He has a huge basket of projects, many of which have moved from conception to reality,” Okowa said.
He also commended his successor for aligning Delta State with the federal government, describing the decision as bold, strategic and beneficial to the people.
The former senator prayed for Oborevwori’s continued peace, wisdom, strength and good health, expressing optimism about the future of the state, Ika Nation and Nigeria at large.
He used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s current economic reforms, which though initially challenging, were deliberately steering Nigeria toward a more sustainable future.
Speaking on behalf of the Management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Frederich Weiser expressed appreciation to the state government for the confidence reposed in his firm.
He pledged to deliver the flyover to the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency, and to complete it on schedule with minimal disruption, drawing on its experience with similar projects across the state, including the Ughelli Flyover.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie, assured of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with the the state government to complete the Abraka-Obiaruku-Abavo-Agbor Road, which he described as a vital feeder route to the new flyover.
Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Jerry Ehiwarior, described the flyover as a “project of destiny.”
He commended Oborevwori for what he called action-driven leadership, including the restoration of electricity to communities that had been without power for over 14 years.
Other speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony including the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu, Keagborekuzi I; President General of Agbor Community Union, Onyemaechi Ugboh; member representing Ika Federal Constituency, Victor Nwokolo; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, lauded Oborevwori’s massive infrastructure drive, assuring him of their unwavering support.
On his part, the senator repreenting Delta North in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko, while commending the governor, charged him to also to bring the Okpai IPP project to fruition.
In his message on one of the billboards, titled, ‘Welcome to Delta North,’ Nwoko said: “This project (flyover) is a major step forward for our district. When completed, it will save lives, ease traffic congestion, improve the movement of people and goods and boost economic activities across Delta North.
“I am hopeful that the Okpai Power Plant Step-Down Project and the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam will also be delivered soon. Reliable power and water supply are fundamental to sustainable development and improved quality of life for the people.”
