WARRI: Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin Dual Carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori described the project as a symbol of renewed partnership between the Federal and State Governments aimed at improving national infrastructure and the welfare of Nigerians.
According to him, the project represents a major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, undertaken in collaboration with the Delta State Government.
He described the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road as a critical national corridor that connects major cities across the South-South geopolitical zone and provides access to Edo and other parts of the federation.
The section we are flagging off covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to ensure durability and the safety of road users, Oborevwori said.
The governor noted that the initiative underscores the benefits of synergy between the two tiers of government, stressing that development progresses faster when both work in the collective interest of the people.
“Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians. Their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,” he stated.
Oborevwori disclosed that the state government had paid ₦10 billion in compensation to facilitate the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge access road, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha, and adjoining communities.
He lamented the hardship commuters have endured for years on the Warri–Sapele–Benin corridor due to its deplorable state, saying the reconstruction will enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and boost economic activities.
Beyond economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminals often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and improve the response of security agencies,” he added.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Delta one of Nigeria’s safest states through sustained investments in infrastructure, peace, and security.
He also assured that the requests made by the Uvwie monarch, HRM Emmanuel E. Sideso, regarding the establishment of a Mother and Child Hospital and the provision of a 500KVA transformer, would receive prompt attention.
At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that future generations will remember me for. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that, the governor said.
The reconstruction project extends from the Effurun Roundabout by Spare Parts Market to after Ohore Community, before Ometan Bridge.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Hon. Reuben Izeze, said the project was conceived by Governor Oborevwori as part of his vision to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.
According to Izeze, the 10-kilometre project stretches five kilometres on each side and features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway per lane well above the standard 7.3 metres. He added that it is expected to be completed within 12 months, marking another milestone in the state’s development journey.
General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Engr. Thomas Feng, commended Governor Oborevwori for his confidence in the firm, assuring that the project would be completed on schedule and to the highest standards.
“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a new era of infrastructure development that will promote safer travel, stronger connectivity, and sustained economic growth for Delta State,” Feng said.
Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Anthony Ofoni, joined by his Okpe counterpart, commended the governor for his people-centred leadership.
He announced that the Airport Road in Effurun would henceforth be named Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori Way in recognition of his vision and developmental strides.
Also speaking, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded the governor for prioritising key infrastructure projects across the state.
He noted that ongoing works, including the three flyovers and major road expansions in Effurun and Warri, have transformed the urban landscape and energised local economies.
Representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Afe, also applauded the governor’s developmental efforts and prayed for the successful completion of his eight-year tenure to consolidate the gains of the MORE Agenda.
