By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Governor of Delta State, 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, assuring residents of the state of even development and safer roads.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor described the project as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives, and boosting economic activities across the state and beyond.
Governor Sheriff said the flyover was conceived in response to the urgent need to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction, which, over the years, had claimed many lives and destroyed property.
According to him, the dangerous intersection of vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.
He said 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.
He explained that the project includes a 1.3-kilometre flyover 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.
Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other top government officials, stressed the strategic importance of the corridor, describing it as a major economic and transportation link connecting the Eastern and Western parts of the Niger Delta, while also serving as a gateway to the North.
“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,” he said.
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.
The governor 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, 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, 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 awarded 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,” the governor assured, expressing confidence that the flyover would be completed on schedule.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described Oborevwori as an audacious and workaholic leader, reminding the Ika people of the numerous infrastructure projects executed by the administration in the area and calling for continued support for the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Frederich Weiser thanked the Delta State Government for the confidence reposed in the company through the award of the project.
He pledged that the firm would deliver the flyover to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency, and complete it on schedule with minimal disruption, drawing on its experience with similar projects across the state, including the Ughelli Flyover.
