Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday defied a heavy downpour to flag off the construction of the ₦21.3 billion Ugbolu–Okpanam Road in Oshimili North Local Government Area, describing the project as a landmark stride in his administration’s infrastructure renewal efforts under the MORE Agenda.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ugbolu, the Governor said the 12-kilometre road represents his administration’s commitment to building durable, people-oriented infrastructure that supports economic growth, enhances mobility, and improves the quality of life for residents.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks another milestone in the implementation of the MORE Agenda,” Oborevwori said. “Our infrastructure plan focuses on the prudent allocation of resources to deliver reliable, high-quality, and sustainable roads across Delta State.”
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The Governor noted that the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11, which promote resilient infrastructure and sustainable cities. He stressed that good roads are central to development, enabling trade, investment, and job creation while boosting security and reducing poverty.
According to him, the project will link Ugbolu and Okpanam communities, ease traffic flow between Ibusa and Akwukwu-Igbo through the newly commissioned Ibusa–Okpanam Road, and decongest Asaba’s city centre. It is also expected to stimulate agricultural production, enhance security along the corridor, and open new economic opportunities in Oshimili North.
Oborevwori disclosed that the project, valued at ₦21,311,311,898.20, had already received a 40 percent mobilization payment amounting to ₦8.5 billion to enable early commencement of work. The road will feature an 8-metre-wide asphalt pavement, 1.5-metre shoulders on both sides, and over 27,000 metres of reinforced concrete drainage with stormwater channels.
The Governor vowed that his administration would not tolerate contract inflation or variations, adding that all certified payments would continue to be cleared within five working days. “As of today, my administration owes no contractor, whether for inherited or newly awarded projects,” he said. “We will keep encouraging timely completion through prompt payments.”
He urged Levant Construction Company, the project contractor, to uphold its reputation for excellence and deliver the road within schedule. “Given their proven track record, I am confident they will deliver to standard. By the grace of God, we will all return here to commission this road for the benefit of the people,” Oborevwori added.
Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, praised the Governor for his hands-on leadership and dedication to infrastructural renewal. He said the road project is more than a construction effort, it is “a symbol of development, inclusion, and progress under the MORE Agenda.”
He recalled that the flag-off was initially slated for October 7 but postponed due to heavy rainfall, commending the Governor for keeping his promise to personally perform the groundbreaking despite adverse weather.
Traditional ruler of Okpanam Kingdom, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo, also commended the Governor for his developmental vision, describing the project as “a bridge of unity, connectivity, and growth” for the people of Oshimili North.
Managing Director of Levant Construction Company, Engr. Elie Tannous, thanked the Governor for his trust and assured that the company would execute the project with strict adherence to quality standards and timelines.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, APC leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives, marking another milestone in Governor Oborevwori’s drive to transform Delta’s infrastructure and promote inclusive growth across the state.
