Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday officially kicked off the construction of the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo Flyover in Ughelli, a project residents say will finally bring relief to the daily traffic chaos at the ever-busy Otovwodo Junction.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony in Ughelli North Local Government Area, the governor said the flyover is designed to permanently solve the long-standing congestion at the junction, which links the East–West Road with major roads leading to Warri, Sapele, Agbarha-Otor, Eku, and other parts of the state.
Oborevwori said Ughelli, known as one of Delta State’s major commercial and educational centres, has grown rapidly over the years, leading to increased vehicular movement and pressure on key roads, especially around Otovwodo, Oteri, and the East–West Road corridor.
According to the governor, the Otovwodo Junction has become a major bottleneck where motorists lose several hours daily, affecting businesses, workers, students, and transporters. He added that he had personally experienced the traffic situation on several occasions.
To reduce the hardship before the flyover construction, Oborevwori disclosed that his administration earlier opened and rehabilitated alternative routes, including Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street, and Royal Avenue linking Agbarha-Otor Road, at a total cost of nearly ₦6 billion.
He said the flyover project, awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is expected to be completed within 12 months, stressing that the deadline is critical because Otovwodo remains one of the busiest junctions in Delta State.
The governor explained that the project would consist of a multi-span reinforced concrete flyover with dual carriageways, roundabouts, and supporting roadworks connecting the East–West Road to other major routes, noting that it would significantly reduce travel time, improve safety, and boost commercial activities in Ughelli and neighbouring communities.
Oborevwori also noted that the project would create jobs for youths and skilled workers in the area and urged residents, traders, commercial drivers, and commuters to cooperate with traffic officials and contractors during the construction period.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability, the governor said Delta State would continue to execute major projects without borrowing, adding that many completed projects across the state would soon be commissioned, while more would be launched in 2026 under the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Peer Lubasch, thanked the Delta State Government and the people of Ughelli for the trust placed in the company, assuring that the project would be delivered to international standards.
Lubasch revealed that the 15-span flyover would feature dual carriageways, connecting roads, modern drainage systems, and solar-powered streetlights to improve night-time safety and durability.
After the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori paid courtesy visits to the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, and Chief Morrison Olori, Founder and Chairman of Ukodo Nation, where he reassured them that his administration remains committed to development across all parts of Delta State.
In their remarks, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the Otota of Ughelli Kingdom, Chief Peter Akpofure, commended the governor for responding to years of complaints by residents, describing the flyover as a long-awaited and transformative project, while also calling for more internal roads and supporting infrastructure in Ughelli.
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; state officials, traditional rulers, youth leaders, traders, transport unions, and residents, many of whom described the project as the beginning of a new chapter for Ughelli.
