Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, assured Deltans of his administration’s commitment to even development across the state as he flagged off the construction of the N59.7 billion Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor described the project as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives and boosting economic activities within Delta State and beyond.
Governor Oborevwori said the flyover was conceived to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the Agbor/Uromi Junction, noting that the intersection had, over the years, claimed lives and destroyed property.
According to him, the dangerous mix of vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.
He disclosed that the design and construction contract had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
The project, he explained, comprises 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.
Governor Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other top government officials, described the corridor as a strategic economic and transportation link connecting the Eastern and Western Niger Delta and serving as a gateway to the North.
“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 said.
He noted 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.
The governor added that the project would also generate employment opportunities for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors and others across the construction value chain.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, Oborevwori disclosed that the state government had injected N100 billion as a special intervention fund, with N4 billion allocated to each of the 25 local government areas for infrastructure development, in addition to other sectoral investments.
He said Ika South Local Government Area was also benefiting from other major projects, including the N15.4 billion contract for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage systems and five kilometres of road construction to tackle flooding and erosion, as well as the planned N12 billion, 15-kilometre Okpe–Abavo–Ekuku-Agbor Road.
“As a government, we award contracts strictly on merit and competence. Excellence will always attract further patronage,” the governor assured, expressing confidence that the flyover would be completed on schedule.
Earlier, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, described the Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover as a monumental and impactful project, commending Governor Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and translating plans into tangible development.
He said the scale and spread of infrastructure projects across the state under the current administration reflected purposeful and people-oriented governance.
Okowa also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that ongoing economic reforms, though initially challenging, were deliberately steering Nigeria toward a more sustainable future.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described Governor Oborevwori as an audacious and workaholic leader, reminding the Ika Nation of several infrastructure projects executed by the administration in the area and calling for continued support for the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Frederich Weiser thanked the Delta State Government for the confidence reposed in the company through the award of the project.
He assured that the firm would deliver the flyover to the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency, and 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), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, assured of the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the Delta State Government on the completion of the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road, describing it as a vital feeder route to the flyover.
Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, described the project as a “project of destiny” and thanked Governor 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, including the member representing Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo; APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka; the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu, Keagborekuzi I; and President-General of Agbor Community Union, Prof. Onyemaechi Ugboh, commended Governor Oborevwori for his massive infrastructure drive and pledged their continued support.
