Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, will on Friday inaugurate the completed Phase One of the Oko-Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu Road project, including the access road connecting the corridor to the service road of the Second Niger Bridge in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
The road project, which spans about 4.7 kilometres and includes adjoining link roads serving the Oko communities, was executed by the Delta State Ministry of Works, Highways and Urban Roads as part of the state government’s ongoing infrastructure expansion drive.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Wednesday while inspecting the project site ahead of the governor’s visit and the commissioning ceremony.
Aniagwu explained that the project is designed to improve connectivity among several Oko communities, including Oko-Amakom and Oko-Anala, while also enhancing access to the Second Niger Bridge corridor. According to him, the first phase covers about 4.7 kilometres, while construction work has already commenced on the second phase.
He noted that the commissioning underscores Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to governance despite ongoing political activities in the state.
“In spite of electioneering campaigns and the party congresses, nothing is stopping governance. Immediately after our congress yesterday, the governor was even ready to commission the project today, but we pleaded for time to properly prepare the ground for the event,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner emphasised that the governor remains focused on delivering development projects across the state until the final day of his administration.
Aniagwu also revealed that the road was deliberately constructed at an elevated level due to the waterlogged terrain and the flooding history of the area.
“This environment is usually waterlogged during the rainy season. That is why the engineers designed the road to be raised far above the 2012 flood level. Some surrounding buildings are lower, but the road is elevated by several metres to prevent it from being submerged during flooding,” he explained.
He added that the construction process required extensive sand filling using sharp sand after removing unsuitable soil to ensure the stability and durability of the road alignment.
According to him, the project was handled by Setraco Nigeria Limited, a major construction firm known for executing large-scale infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
“The governor believes that five-star projects should be given to five-star contractors, and that is why Setraco, a very competent company that has delivered many projects for us, is handling this project,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner also disclosed that Amaechi Agusi and adjoining streets in Asaba, which will also be commissioned on Friday, were constructed by the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.
He explained that the roads were built with dual drainage systems on both sides to channel floodwater effectively into the main drainage along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, adding that contractors had been directed to begin immediate desilting and cleaning of drains ahead of the commissioning ceremony.
Aniagwu said the road project would significantly boost economic activities in the area by connecting communities to commercial centres and improving access to farmlands.
According to him, many parcels of land previously used for farming have already become viable residential plots due to the improved accessibility provided by the road.
“Providing roads like this enhances the commercial value of land and improves security because more people can access the community,” he said.
He further noted that the road corridor could serve as an alternative route linking parts of Delta State toward Ndokwa East and Patani areas, thereby improving connectivity and reducing travel time for commuters.
Beyond mobility, Aniagwu added that the road would help farmers in surrounding communities transport their agricultural produce to markets more easily.
The inauguration of the project forms part of the Oborevwori administration’s broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure and improve connectivity across communities in Delta State.
