Oborevwori Flags Off ₦39.3bn Otovwodo Flyover Project Amid Jubilation …Vows To End Ughelli Traffic Gridlock
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday performed the groundbreaking of the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo (Ughelli) Flyover, describing the project as a lasting solution to the town’s long-standing traffic crisis.
Speaking at Otovwodo Junction, the governor said the project represents a major milestone in his administration’s infrastructure renewal efforts and aligns with its commitment to prudent spending, durable road construction and the opening of new urban and rural transport corridors for inclusive development.
Oborevwori noted that Ughelli—one of Delta’s oldest commercial and educational centres—has experienced rapid population expansion, putting severe pressure on its road network, especially at Otovwodo Junction and along the East–West Road. The area, he said, had gained a reputation for persistent traffic gridlock, causing commuters to lose valuable hours daily.
The governor revealed that he had personally experienced the frustration of motorists at the junction and decided to provide immediate relief by constructing alternative routes at Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street and Royal Avenue linking Agbarha-Otor Road—an intervention that cost nearly ₦6 billion.
Oborevwori said the new flyover, awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, must be completed within 12 months, stressing that the timeline is non-negotiable given the strategic importance of the project.
He explained that the project features a 15-span reinforced concrete flyover with dual carriageways, roundabouts, service lanes and connecting roads linking the East–West Road with adjoining arteries. When completed, it will drastically reduce travel time, ease congestion, improve safety and stimulate economic growth within and beyond Ughelli.
The governor also highlighted the job opportunities embedded in the project, noting that thousands of direct and indirect jobs would be created throughout the construction phase. He appealed to residents to cooperate with traffic managers and exercise patience during the construction period.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to transparency and financial discipline, Oborevwori assured that the state will continue to execute major projects without borrowing. He added that several completed projects across Delta are awaiting commissioning, while more will be flagged off in 2026 under the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Peer Lubasch, commended the Delta State Government for its confidence in the company. He described the contract as a testament to Julius Berger’s technical capacity and longstanding partnership with the state, assuring timely delivery to global standards.
After the flag-off, the governor visited the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, and Chief Morrison Olori, founder of Ukodo Nation, where he reaffirmed that his government belongs to all Deltans.
In their separate remarks, Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the Otota (spokesman) of Ughelli Kingdom, Chief Peter Akpofure, hailed Oborevwori for initiating the project. They described it as transformative and overdue, and also appealed for more internal roads and supporting infrastructure.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Delta APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie; Members of the National Assembly, Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Ngozi Okolie; traditional rulers; community leaders; and residents who celebrated the project as a bold step toward ending Ughelli’s traffic nightmare.
