By Grandball Choice
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, January 12, 2026 performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the N39.3bn flyover project at Otovwodo community, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State, with the assurance that, when the project is completed, it would help to ease the troubling gridlock that had bedeviled the Otovwodo junction for years.
Hear him: “I was a victim of the traffic gridlock when I was held for hours. So, when I came in as governor of the State, we decided to take steps to address the challenge. I am, therefore, delighted to be here today for this historic groundbreaking ceremony of the Otovwodo Flyover, a landmark project that underscores our administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and urban renewal across the State”.
The ceremony, Gov. Oborevwori said, marked yet another significant milestone in his administration’s infrastructure development agenda.
“This exercise commenced in the last quarter of 2025, as part of our infrastructure plan that is anchored on two fundamental pillars. First, the prudent allocation of resources to deliver reliable, high-quality and durable road infrastructure. Second, the deliberate development of urban centres, communities, and rural road networks, where people can live, work and thrive in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11, which focus on resilient infrastructure and sustainable cities” .
He disclosed that, Ughelli was a prominent historical and commercial hub, with rich heritage in trade, education and multicultural coexistence. “For decades, it has served as home to people of diverse ethnic nationalities and languages and surprisingly, its population has grown tremendously over the years, accompanied by rapid urban expansion and increased economic activities”.
In his words: “The Otowodo junction, where we are gathered today is one of the busiest intersections in this part of the State. It serves as a vital link, connecting Asaba, Warri, Port Harcourt and other major destinations. It also connects to the recently completed 143-kilometre road, the longest single road project in the southern part of the state, including the dualization towards Sapele. Due to its strategic location, the Otowodo junction has over time become synonymous with severe traffic congestion, where public transport operators, commuters and other road users often experience long hours of delay and frustration at this point”.
“I have personally experienced this gridlock, and it became clear to us that a lasting solution was urgently required. In response to the urgency, we first constructed alternative routes through Udwere Street, Okogbe Street, David Ebruno Street, Ogwu Street, Edo Street, Royal Avenue and Agbar Road at a cost of nearly six billion naira”.
These alternative roads, he disclosed, have significantly helped to ease traffic pressure around the junction. “We have now reached a point where only a permanent Engineering solution can completely eliminate this traffic menace, hence, the decision to construct the Otowodo Flyover.
The project, the governor said, could not commence at the same time with the DSC Flyover, PTI Flyover and the NPA Marine Gate Flyover because, we needed to first provide adequate connecting roads. “Today, I am pleased to say that those connecting roads are now in place, to ensure smooth traffic diversion and continuity during construction.
While disclosing that the Otovwodo Flyover Project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the cost of Thirty-Nine Point Three Billion Naira (₦39.3 billion), Gov. Oborevwori hinted that, “This investment reflects our administration’s foresight, careful planning and commitment to long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
“When completed, this flyover will significantly improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, reduce travel time, boost economic activities, and improve the quality of life for residents of Ughelli and road users across the state. I want to assure the people of Delta State that this project, like others under our MORE Agenda, will be executed with the highest standards of quality, transparency and accountability.
I thank God for the foresight to plan ahead, for the construction of the adjoining roads that now serve as viable alternatives, and for the opportunity to continually serve the good people of Delta State” he said.
Commending the governor, the Otota of Ughelli Kingdom, Olorogun Peter Tobore Akpofure said, the location of the Flyover is very strategic; it is located at a four junction point – to Isoko, Asaba, Patani, Port- Harcourt, Warri, and Benin axis, and another going into Ughelli town.
“At busy periods, the junction is a lockdown area because the intersection experiences high traffic. On completion, the flyover will ease traffic and control traffic movement.
In addition, the Flyover will open up trade in the area, as it will attract good from Isoko, ijaw, Patani and other areas,” he said.
He added, “the construction of the flyover will ginger the development of the area and consequently the development of Ughelli as a whole.
Ughelli is a metropolitan town; an upcoming town and the presence of the flyover will attract businesses and to us, it is a start up to a blow up development in Ughelli and the environs. Going to places like Agbarha, Orogun, where there is a Polytechnic will be very easy when the flyover is fully constructed.”
The Otota disclosed that, the project is strategic and would bring development to Ughelli. “I am a victim of the traffic congestion, and when it happens, especially on Saturday mornings, you might be stocked there for about 2-3 hrs because it is a grid; it is a lockdown and nothing can be done.
“However, I want to appeal for a 10km cumulative network road around the town because many of the internal roads are dilapidated and I believed that, with the approval of a 10km road, we can bring to light the internal road network to compliment the development that will spring up from the flyover,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori because, this Flyover Project is one of the best things that has happened to the people of Ughelli and its environs.
In his remark, Bishop Kingsley Enakirheri said, “This is amazing, fabulous and marvelous. What our eyes are seeing, they are beyond our expectations. I shared with a fellow Bishop that, you don’t judge people by their hearts, but by their activities, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has done marvelously beyond the people’s expectations.
“One of the aspirants that contested with him, came to tell me that, if he was the Governor, he could not have done what Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is doing and they are all opening their mouths saying this is amazing”.
He added: “Gov Oborevwori has done well in the area of infrastructure, now he should be looking at human capital development. Now, we should be looking at the IT; how we can put our youths into learning technology and see how we can gain the IT world.
Look at the Indians, the companies in the United States, 38-40 CEOs are indians and I want to advise that our youths should be involved in take over the Internet world.
“The Flyover project is a marvelous one because, of you had passed here before, you will know the nuisance of traffic, and I am happy that our traditional rulers were around as the project will affect the Isokos, the Urhobos, the the Ijaws and the who of Delta State.”
“The people of Ughelli should cooperate with those who are working in the place as the project is bypass to Onitsha and it is a wonderful concept. Do not fight Julius Berger in any form or anyway, so that the work is done smoothly,” he added.
On his part, he traditional ruler of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III JP, disclosed that the Otovwodo Flyover Project is the beginning a rapid development in the kingdom. “This Flyover Project will bring Ughelli to the apex as one of the major towns in Delta State, and I am glad, Ughelli people are happy with our Governor and the president as we will not forget this development. I am glad because the project came to Ughelli during my reign, and I pray for the governor for a successful two-tenure.”
Also, a critique, Mr Zik Gbemre, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for making the difference with the award of the Flyover Project and the subsequent flag off.
In Zik Gbemre’s words: “The ground breaking for Otovwodo Flyover, by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a major project that, when completed, will solve the worst traffic challenge along the Ughelli-Patani-Port Harcourt expressway.
“Those who ply this section of the East West Road know the worst traffic situation motorists and passengers experience on the Ughelli-Patani-Port Harcourt at Otovwodo Junction”.
He said, “If constructed, the Flyover will ease traffic for motorists and passengers travelling to Isoko, Kwale, Asaba, Patani, Yenagua, Port-Harcourt and beyond. A sustainable transport infrastructure like this by Governor Oborevwori is well appreciated.
“It will ease traffic for both the poor and the rich. That’s genuine concern for the common good and posterity will judge Gov Oborevwori well,” he added.
Also, a chieftain of the PDP in Ughelli North, Mr Oke Umurhohwo, while commending the project said, “The Otovwodo Flyover is a significant project for Ughelli, and it is encouraging to see that work has commenced at the site.
“If properly executed, completed on schedule, and well maintained, the flyover will help ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and support commercial activities within the Ughelli metropolis. Projects of this scale must be delivered to the highest standards so as to truly serve the people over a long time. Ughelli deserves infrastructure that works, lasts, and adds real value to everyday life,” he posited.
And for Comrade Shedrack Ofiavwe, “The groundbreaking of the Otovwodo Flyover marks a decisive move toward eliminating the long standing traffic congestion at this critical axis. This project is not just an infrastructure, it is a productivity unlocked for commuters’ businesses and the broader urban ecosystem”.
With a delivery timeline of 12 months this intervention reflects disciplined planning, execution, focus and results- driven governance.
Under the leadership of His Excellency Gov Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State is firmly in build mode.
This strategic infrastructure investment reinforces public confidence, stimulates economic activity and lay a solid foundation for sustainable prosperity under the MORE Agenda. Let’s call it what it is, performance earns trust, and trust earns continuity as one good term deserves another.
The project is being championed by the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as part of his administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises meaningful infrastructure, inclusive growth, and sustainable development across the state. It is expected to significantly improve traffic flow within Ughelli metropolis, reduce travel time for commuters, and further strengthen Delta State’s position as a hub of economic and social progress.”
Also in his remarks, Comr. Sagboje Odiri Milton, CLN Delta State Chairman, and Deputy National Secretary, Forum of State Chairmen, National Youth held that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is not on a short cut to success.
“Our hearts were filled with pride and joy as we joined the bridge-builder and youthful Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, at the historic groundbreaking ceremony of the ₦39.34 billion Otowodo Flyover project. For me, this moment was far more than a jamboree. It was a powerful reassurance to the people of Ughelli North Local Government Area that their voices have been heard and their long-standing concerns genuinely acknowledged and addressed by a leader who speaks less but consistently delivers life impacting projects to Deltans.
“For years, the Otowodo Junction had symbolized daily struggle of endless traffic gridlocks, lost man hour, and slowed economic activities.
Families felt it. Traders felt it. Young people in pursuit of opportunity felt it. But today, hope rose from the ground as the foundation for a future of ease, safety, and progress was laid.
“Interestingly, this transformative project is being handled by the world-class construction firm, Julius Berger, which speaks volumes about Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s insistence on quality, excellence, and durability.
He said, It further affirms him as a leader who does not cut corners, but builds with foresight, for today, for tomorrow, and for generations yet unborn. “Your Excellency, thank you for leading with empathy, courage, and vision. Thank you for proving that development is not a promise postponed, but a reality delivered.
“We believe in your vision. We trust your leadership, and we are proud to stand with you as you continue to build bridges; not only of concrete, but of opportunity, unity, and shared prosperity for the advancement of our dear state.”
However, the President General of Otovwodo Community, Engr Ovigue Ugbarugba assured that the community that has gained from the administration of Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori will ensure that the contractor handling the project is given a conducive and enabling environment to operate. “We are very proud and bold to say that Otovwodo community the headquarters of the great Ughelli Kingdom is among the first to benefit from your administration. The award of the Otovwodo community ring road and the seamless mobilisation to site in July 2023 is unprecedented.
“This is true because, whilst you were in the process of settling down after your swearing-in, you hit the ground running.
Whilst we were reminiscing on this, you have again beat our imagination in your usual way of taking people by surprise as the contractor Julius Berger has mobilized to site since August 19, 2025 to begin the extraction soil for testing”, he said.
On his part, the U3 Youth Wing leader, Chief Ejiro Hope commended the Governor for his developmental strides, particularly for the Otovwodo Flyover Groundbreaking.
“The project is a historic milestone that reflects the Governor’s dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people”, he said.
