Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, January 12, 2026, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli, marking a decisive step toward permanently resolving one of the state's most notorious traffic bottlenecks. The event, held amidst jubilant crowds and widespread community support, was hailed as a transformative infrastructure milestone under the governor's MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Security).
Speaking at the ceremony in Ughelli, North Local Government Area, Governor Oborevwori described the project as a permanent solution to the long-standing gridlock at Otovwodo Junction, a critical intersection on the East-West Road that connects major urban arteries and serves as a gateway to several communities. He noted that Ughelli, a historic commercial, educational, and industrial hub, has experienced rapid population growth and increased vehicular traffic in recent years, putting immense pressure on its road network. The junction has become synonymous with hours-long delays, economic losses, and frustration for commuters, motorists, and businesses.
The governor shared a personal anecdote, revealing that he had firsthand experienced the notorious gridlock at Otovwodo, which often consumes several productive hours daily. “I have been here and seen what motorists go through,” he said, underscoring his administration's determination to deliver lasting relief.
As an interim measure to alleviate the situation while the flyover was in planning, Oborevwori disclosed that his government invested nearly ₦6 billion in constructing alternative routes, including Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street, and Royal Avenue linking to Agbarha-Otor Road. These palliative roads provided temporary relief, but the governor stressed that only a comprehensive flyover would offer a sustainable fix.
The contract for the project has been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the country's leading construction firm renowned for delivering high-quality infrastructure projects. Governor Oborevwori announced that the flyover is expected to be completed within 12 months, describing the timeline as non-negotiable given the strategic importance of the junction to commerce, education, and regional connectivity. Construction activities have already commenced at the site, signaling the administration's urgency and commitment.
The project scope includes a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, integrated roundabouts, and associated roadworks linking the East-West Road with other key arterial routes. Additional features encompass specialized drainage systems to combat flooding, solar-powered street lighting for enhanced safety and sustainability, and pedestrian walkways. Upon completion, the flyover is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, eliminate bottlenecks, and stimulate economic activities by facilitating smoother movement of goods, services, and people.
Oborevwori highlighted the project's job creation potential, noting that it would generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities across the construction value chain—from skilled engineers and artisans to local suppliers, transporters, and vendors. He urged residents and motorists to exercise patience and comply with traffic directives during the construction phase to ensure smooth progress and safety.
Reaffirming his administration's fiscal prudence, the governor assured that major projects like the Otovwodo flyover are being executed without borrowing, relying instead on prudent resource allocation and internally generated revenue. He disclosed that several completed projects across Delta State are awaiting commissioning, with more groundbreaking ceremonies planned throughout 2026 as part of the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.
The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Peer Lubasch, expressed gratitude for the state's confidence in the company. He described the contract as a testament to Julius Berger's technical expertise and long-standing partnership with Delta State. Engr. Lubasch assured that the 15-span flyover would be delivered to global standards, on schedule, and with all necessary safety and quality features.
Following the groundbreaking, 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 his commitment to serving all Deltans irrespective of background or location.
Local leaders, including Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the Otota (Spokesman) of Ughelli Kingdom, Chief Peter Akpofure, commended the governor for the initiative, describing it as transformative and long overdue. They appealed for additional internal roads and complementary infrastructure to maximize the flyover's benefits.
The ceremony attracted a large turnout of dignitaries, including 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 such as Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Ngozi Okolie, top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and excited residents. Jubilant crowds lined the streets, cheering the governor and expressing optimism that the project would usher in a new era of ease and prosperity for Ughelli.
This groundbreaking marks yet another bold infrastructure step by the Oborevwori administration, following the near-completion of flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction in Warri-Effurun, and the approval of a sister project at Uromi Junction in Agbor. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a clear focus on modernizing urban mobility, decongesting key economic corridors, and fostering inclusive growth across Delta State.
As the Otovwodo flyover takes shape, residents and commuters in Ughelli look forward to a future free from the daily ordeal of gridlock, with improved safety, efficiency, and economic vitality.
