In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori unveiled the policy document of his administration encapsulated in the MORE Agenda, an acronym for Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security.
Two and a half years down the line, the Governor has unarguably kept to his promise through the faithful implementation of the MORE Agenda, which has brought unprecedented development to the State.
The Meaningful Development plank of his administration has, indeed, brought substantial and appreciable development to the three senatorial districts of the state, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, sports and housing, as well as educational development. Since he assumed office, Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated his passion towards the development of the state.
His administration is building three flyover bridges in Warri and its environs, which are part of a larger project that includes road expansion and improvement works. The contract for the project was awarded to German construction giant Julius Berger. The three flyover bridges are located at Enerhen Junction to Marine Gate, PTI Junction and DSC roundabout along the Effurun/Patani, East-West Road.
Determined to spread infrastructural development across the three senatorial districts of the state, the Oborevwori administration approved the construction of flyover bridges at Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area and Uromi Junction in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area; both projects were awarded to Julius Berger.
Only recently, the Governor defied heavy downpour and performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the ₦21.3 billion Ugbolu–Okpanam Road in Oshimili North Local Government Area, describing it as another milestone in his administration’s aggressive infrastructure renewal drive under the MORE Agenda.
Speaking during the ceremony held at Ugbolu, Governor Oborevwori said the 12-kilometre road project embodies his administration’s commitment to building durable infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves the living standards of Deltans.
“Today’s ground-breaking marks another significant milestone in furtherance of this administration’s MORE Agenda. Our infrastructure plan, as clearly outlined in the Agenda, is anchored on the prudent allocation of resources towards the delivery of reliable, high-quality, and durable road infrastructure across Delta State,” Governor Oborevwori said.
The Governor noted that the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road aligns with Goals 9 and 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which promote resilient infrastructure, inclusive industrialisation, and sustainable cities. According to him, road networks are key enablers of development, which enhance trade, access to markets, and investment opportunities while creating employment and reducing poverty.
Oborevwori said the project would link Ugbolu and Okpanam communities, expand connectivity between Ibusa and Akwukwu-Igbo through the newly commissioned Ibusa–Okpanam Road, and ease traffic congestion in Asaba. The Governor added that the road would also stimulate agricultural productivity, reduce crime along the corridor, and enhance socio-economic activities in Oshimili North.
While saying that the contract, valued at ₦21,311,311,898.20, has already received a 40 per cent advance payment of ₦8,524,524,759.28 to the contractor, he said the road will feature an 8.0-metre-wide asphaltic pavement, 1.5-metre hard shoulders on both sides, and over 27,000 metres of reinforced concrete drains with stormwater channels.
Oborevwori stressed that his administration would not entertain contract variations or upward reviews, assuring that certified payments would continue to be processed and paid within five working days, saying, “As of today, my administration is not owing any contractor, whether for inherited or newly awarded projects.
We have consistently maintained prompt payment within five days of certification to encourage timely project completion.”
The Governor, therefore, urged the contractor, Levant Construction Company, to maintain its reputation for excellence and deliver the project on schedule, even as he said, “given their proven track record, I do not doubt that they will deliver satisfactorily. By the grace of God, we shall all be here again to commission this strategic road to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity.”
In his welcome address, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Innocent Esewezie, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his steadfast commitment to infrastructural development. He recalled that the ceremony was initially scheduled for October 7, 2025, but had to be postponed due to weather conditions, commending the Governor for honouring his promise to perform the ground-breaking.
Esewezie noted that the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road represents more than physical construction, describing it as “a testament to the Governor’s transformative MORE Agenda.” According to him, the local government has fully aligned with the Governor’s policies through localised development initiatives covering roads, markets, youth empowerment, and education.
“Our confidence in your government remains absolute. The people of Oshimili North are proud to partake in the dividends of your administration’s developmental strides,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, HRM (Dr) Michael Mbanefo, lauded the Governor for his progressive leadership and commitment to community development, even as he described the project as “a symbol of unity, connectivity, and growth.” The monarch, therefore, pledged the kingdom’s sustained support for the Oborevwori administration.
On his part, the Managing Director of Levant Construction Company, Engr Elie Tannous, commended the Governor for entrusting his firm with the project, assuring that the company would execute the job within schedule and in strict adherence to quality standards.
In a related development, the Governor performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin Dual Carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas of the state, declaring the project a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Federal and State Governments for the benefit of Nigerians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the project represented “another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State Government.”
He described the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road as a critical national infrastructure connecting major cities across the South-South geopolitical zone and providing access to Edo and other parts of the federation.
“The section we are flagging off covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users,” the Governor said.
He noted that the initiative underscored the gains of synergy between the two tiers of government, emphasising that development becomes faster when governments work together in the interest of the people, saying, “although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us.”
