Governor Oborevwori Admits States Now Have More Money For Projects

Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has criticised his colleagues who continue to claim that there is no money to embark on developmental projects.

He said that his state has sufficient funds from various sources to undertake new projects and simultaneously complete ongoing ones.

Speaking in Ughelli, Ughelli North local government area of the state yesterday, when he performed the groundbreaking for the N39.3 billion Otovwodo (Ughelli) flyover project, the governor said there was no point hiding the truth from Nigerians.

While insisting that the money comes from somewhere, ostensibly from the federal government, he advised his colleagues to use public funds for the benefit of their people, as he is doing in Delta State, so that they may be happy.

“I want to tell you something. Some people do not even know. More money continues to come to the states. I am not a governor who will hide it. What am I going to hide it for?

“The money is coming from somewhere. Some people want to hide that there is no money; there is money. Use the money, as we are using it in our state. Use it in your state. The people will be very happy,” the governor said.

According to him, the project is a permanent solution to the long-standing traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest junctions, which includes a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, roundabouts and associated roadworks linking the East–West Road with other arterial routes, awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is expected to be completed within 12 months.

He noted that Ughelli, a historic commercial and educational hub, had witnessed rapid population growth, placing enormous pressure on its road network, particularly at Otovwodo Junction, on the East–West Road and other major routes.

Oborevwori said the junction had become notorious for gridlock, costing commuters several productive hours daily, and added that he had personally experienced the gridlock that motorists endure at the location.

According to him, the project, which would ease congestion, reduce travel time, improve safety and boost economic activities, is a major milestone in his administration’s infrastructure renewal drive and aligns with its agenda of prudent resource allocation, durable road construction and the opening up of urban and rural corridors for inclusive growth.

As an interim measure, the governor disclosed that his administration constructed alternative routes, including Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street, Royal Avenue to link Agbarha-Otor Road, at a cost of nearly ₦6 billion to ease traffic before the flyover.

The governor stressed that the timeline is non-negotiable due to the strategic importance of the junction.

Earlier, the managing director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Peer Lubasch, thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in the company, describing the contract as a validation of its technical expertise and partnership with Delta State.

He said the 15-span flyover would feature a dual carriageway, connecting roads, specialised drainage systems and solar street lighting, and assured timely delivery to global standards.