Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo (Ughelli) Flyover, describing the project as a permanent solution to the persistent traffic congestion at one of the busiest junctions in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Ughelli, the governor said the flyover project represents a major milestone in his administration’s infrastructure renewal programme and is in line with its commitment to prudent resource management, durable road construction and the opening up of critical urban and rural corridors for inclusive economic growth.
Oborevwori noted that Ughelli, an important commercial and educational centre in Delta State, has experienced rapid population growth over the years, which has placed immense pressure on its road infrastructure, particularly at the Otovwodo Junction along the East–West Road.
He said the junction had become synonymous with daily gridlock, costing commuters several productive hours, adding that he had personally experienced the traffic situation motorists endure at the location.
“As an interim measure, we constructed alternative routes such as Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street and Royal Avenue linking Agbarha-Otor Road, at a cost of almost ₦6 billion, to ease traffic flow pending the construction of this flyover,” the governor said.
According to him, the project, which has been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is expected to be completed within 12 months, stressing that the timeline is non-negotiable given the strategic importance of the junction to the state and the Niger Delta region at large.
He explained that the project would consist of a multi-span reinforced concrete flyover with dual carriageways, roundabouts and associated roadworks linking the East–West Road with other major arterial routes.
He said the flyover would significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety and stimulate economic activities in Ughelli and neighbouring communities.
The governor also highlighted the job creation potential of the project, noting that it would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the construction value chain. He urged residents and motorists to cooperate with traffic officials and exercise patience during the construction period.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Oborevwori assured that the state government would continue to execute major infrastructure projects without resorting to borrowing. He added that several completed projects across the state were awaiting commissioning, while more projects would be flagged off in 2026 under the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.
Earlier, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Peer Lubasch, thanked the Delta State Government for the confidence reposed in the company, describing the award of the contract as a validation of its technical capacity and long-standing partnership with the state.
Lubasch said the 15-span flyover would feature dual carriageways, connecting roads, specialised drainage systems and solar-powered street lighting, assuring that the project would be delivered on schedule and to internationally accepted standards.
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Oborevwori paid courtesy visits to the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, and Chief Morrison Olori, founder and chairman of Ukodo Nation, where he reiterated that his administration remains committed to serving all Deltans without discrimination.
In separate remarks, Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the Otota (spokesman) of Ughelli Kingdom, Chief Peter Akpofure, commended the governor for initiating what they described as a transformative and long-overdue project. They appealed for additional internal roads and complementary infrastructure to further enhance development in the area.
The ceremony attracted a large turnout, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Omeni Sobotie; members of the National Assembly, Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Ngozi Okolie; top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, who hailed the project as a decisive step towards ending Ughelli’s long-standing traffic challenges.
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