Delta state Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori today(14/10/2025) Flag-Off of the Reconstruction of the Effurun–Sapele–Benin Road Project just as he announced that ₦10 billion will be provided to the federal government as compensation to ensure that contractors move to site for the ongoing Second Niger Bridge access road project. He explained that the intervention will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha, and surrounding communities.
Below is the Speech by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, at the Flag-Off of the Reconstruction Project, held at Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
Today marks another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State Government. As you all know, the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road is a critical national infrastructure that connects major cities across the South-South and provides a gateway to Edo and other parts of the federation.
The section we are flagging off today is being reconstructed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works. The project covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and extensive stormwater drainage systems — all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users.
This development clearly shows that great progress happens when the Federal and State Governments work together for the people’s benefit. Our partnership on this and other key projects demonstrates our shared commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us.
As part of our collaboration, the Delta State Government has also paid ₦10 billion in compensation to ensure that contractors move to site for the ongoing Second Niger Bridge access road project. This intervention will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha, and surrounding communities.
For years, the poor condition of this road has been a nightmare to commuters, farmers, and transporters. Farm produce often got spoilt due to delays, while vehicle owners faced high maintenance costs. This reconstruction is, therefore, both strategic and people-centered — aimed at enhancing mobility, improving productivity, and boosting economic growth.
Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminal elements often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and give security agencies better access to patrol and respond swiftly to incidents.
Security remains a top priority for this administration. Working closely with the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, and other agencies, we have significantly reduced criminal activities in Delta State. I commend our security operatives for their tireless efforts and urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
This government will continue to transform Delta into a safe haven for residents and investors through deliberate investments in infrastructure, peace, and development. I have also listened carefully to the requests from the people of Uvwie Kingdom and surrounding communities. Some of those needs will be addressed as part of our ongoing projects, including the Mother and Child Hospital and other local road networks.
Let me emphasize that the flyover and other infrastructure we are delivering here are not for Uvwie alone — they serve as gateways to other parts of the state. Our focus is on projects that impact lives across Delta, and we are doing them for the glory of God and the progress of our people.
At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that generations will remember. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, “Oborevwori was here — and he made a difference.”
On this note, it is my pleasure to officially flag off the Reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road, from Effurun Roundabout by the Market Junction to the Mecca Bridge, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity.
Thank you, and God bless Delta State.
Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori
Governor, Delta State
Speech by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, JP, OON, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom
Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Right Honourable Sheriff Francis Oborevwori;
Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme;
Your Royal Majesties;
Honourable Members of the Delta State House of Assembly;
Chairmen of Local Government Councils;
Members of the State Executive Council;
Distinguished political leaders;
My esteemed chiefs, respected clergy, community leaders, and beloved people of Uvwie Kingdom —
On this memorable day, I, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, JP, OON, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, on behalf of the entire people of Uvwie, express our deepest and most profound gratitude to Your Excellency for your visionary leadership and commitment to the development of Delta State.
Recall that on November 27, 2023, Your Excellency performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of three flyover bridges, a Cloverleaf Interchange, and access roads in the Warri Metropolis, executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at a contract value of about ₦79 billion. Barely two years after, we are once again honoured to host you in Uvwie for yet another milestone project that will directly impact the lives of our people and further advance Delta’s economic growth.
These road and bridge projects are not just physical structures; they are catalysts for economic transformation and enduring symbols of your unwavering dedication to modernizing Delta State under the MORE Agenda. We are sincerely grateful for the priority your administration has accorded to the Uvwie Kingdom and the adjoining local government areas.
While we celebrate today’s progress, I humbly draw your attention to a few pressing needs in our community. These include the completion of the maternity and child care centre attached to the General Hospital; installation of a 500KVA transformer to restore electricity to areas that have been in darkness for over six months; connection of the Orerokpe farming community to the national grid, and construction of a 4-kilometre access road linking Ovwian to Orerokpe to ease the movement of farm produce to markets.
We also appeal for a drainage system and road network within the 100-Yard Power Layout along Maucely Road in Uvwie Local Government Area to address flooding and improve accessibility for the growing population.
Your Excellency, I am not here to make demands but to reaffirm our confidence in your administration. We have witnessed your sincerity of purpose, and we know that you will once again deliver for our people.
On behalf of the chiefs and people of Uvwie Kingdom, we salute you and your entire administration for your continued dedication to Delta’s progress.
Long live Delta State. Long live Uvwie Kingdom. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Speech by Comrade Reuben Izeze, Commissioner for Works (Highways), Delta State
Your Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Right Honourable Sheriff Francis Oborevwori;
Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme;
The Honourable Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Guwor;
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen —
Permit me to stand on the already well-established protocols.
It gives me great pleasure to present a brief overview of this important project — a project that is the product of a clear and purposeful vision. The full details will, of course, be presented by the visionary himself, His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori, as he performs the groundbreaking shortly.
In summary, this is a 10-kilometre dual carriageway project, with five kilometres on each lane. Unlike many other road projects, this one has several unique technical features. Each lane will have a carriage width of 8.8 metres, designed for durability and improved traffic flow.
Working closely with His Excellency over the last two years, I have come to truly understand his boldness and commitment to transforming Delta State through meaningful infrastructure. Many doubted at first, but today we are here at the construction site, witnessing progress in action.
This project will ease movement for commuters, businesses, and industries along this corridor. It will particularly improve access to key establishments such as the Mercyland complex and other enterprises that depend on this road for connectivity.
Before now, a journey of six minutes could take several hours due to the road’s poor condition. But under the visionary leadership of Governor Oborevwori, this story is changing. His Excellency continues to demonstrate exceptional courage and vision in taking on projects that once seemed unimaginable — including this major reconstruction on behalf of the Federal Government.
We thank His Excellency for his foresight and leadership. We also thank our partners, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for their commitment to quality delivery.
Thank you very much.
I am Comrade Reuben Izeze, Commissioner for Works (Highways), and I am proud to labour in service of Delta State.
