Photo: Bripin Enarusai
AGBOR/Nigeria: In a decisive move to curb recurring road crashes and save lives, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the N59.7 billion Agbor–Uromi Junction Flyover, a project designed to end years of deadly traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest intersections.
Speaking at the epochal event in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, the governor described the flyover as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives and boosting economic activities across Delta State and beyond.
Governor Oborevwori said the project was conceived out of the urgent need to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor–Uromi Junction, which, he noted, had over the years claimed lives and destroyed property.
According to him, the dangerous intersection among vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.
“This corridor is one of the most strategic routes in the country. 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,” Oborevwori said.
He disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
The governor explained that the project 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.
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.
Oborevwori also highlighted the employment opportunities the project would generate for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors and others across the construction value chain.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development, the governor said the state government had injected N100 billion as a special intervention fund, allocating N4 billion each to the 25 local government areas for infrastructure development, in addition to other sectoral investments.
He added that 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 address 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,” Oborevwori assured, expressing confidence that the flyover would be completed within schedule.
The governor was accompanied to the event by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other top government functionaries.
Earlier, 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 the 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 Oborevwori as an audacious and workaholic leader, reminding the Ika Nation of the many infrastructure projects executed by the administration in the area and appealed for continued support for the governor.
Mr. Frederich Weiser, who spoke on behalf of the management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, thanked the Delta State Government for the confidence reposed in the company and pledged that the flyover would be delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency.
He assured that the project would be completed on schedule with minimal disruption, drawing on the firm’s 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 to complete the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road, describing it as a vital feeder route to the new flyover.
Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, described the flyover 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 assured him of their unwavering support.
