Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday flagged off the construction of the N59.7 billion Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, describing the project as a major step toward improving road safety and stimulating economic activity.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor said the flyover was conceived to address long-standing traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction, which has over the years resulted in loss of lives and property.
He explained that the intersection, located on a federal highway, had become increasingly dangerous due to heavy vehicular traffic, the movement of motorcycles and pedestrians, and poor traffic flow, making a permanent solution inevitable.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion period of 14 months. The project includes 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.
The governor, 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 parts of the Niger Delta and serving as a gateway to the North.
He said the flyover, when completed, would enhance mobility, reduce travel time, expand economic opportunities and protect the lives of thousands of Nigerians who use the route daily. He also noted that the project would generate employment opportunities for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors and others involved in the construction process.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, Oborevwori 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, alongside other sectoral investments.
He added that Ika South Local Government Area was benefiting from additional major projects, including a 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 proposed 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 said, expressing confidence that the flyover would be delivered on schedule.
Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, described the Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover as a monumental project and commended Governor Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and translating development plans into concrete achievements. He said the spread of infrastructure projects across the state reflected purposeful and people-centred governance.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described the governor as an audacious and hardworking leader and urged continued support for his administration, particularly from the Ika Nation.
Speaking on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Frederich Weiser thanked the Delta State Government for the confidence reposed in the company and pledged to deliver the project to the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency, drawing on the firm’s experience with similar projects in the state.
Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Chiedu Ebie, assured of the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the state government to complete the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road, describing it as an important 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 the governor for what he called action-driven leadership, including the restoration of electricity to communities that had been without power for more than 14 years.
Other stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Nwokolo, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu, Keagborekuzi I, and President-General of the Agbor Community Union, Prof. Onyemaechi Ugboh, commended Governor Oborevwori for his infrastructure drive and pledged their continued support.