Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday braved a heavy downpour to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the ₦21.3 billion Ugbolu–Okpanam Road in Oshimili North Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal under the MORE Agenda.
Speaking at the ceremony in Ugbolu, the Governor described the 12-kilometre project as a strategic investment in durable road infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the living standards of residents.
“Today’s event marks another significant milestone in the implementation of our MORE Agenda,” Oborevwori said. “Our infrastructure plan is anchored on the prudent application of resources for the delivery of reliable, high-quality, and sustainable road projects across Delta State.”
He noted that the Ugbolu–Okpanam Road aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 11, which promote resilient infrastructure and sustainable cities. The project, he added, would ease traffic congestion in Asaba, strengthen trade links between Ugbolu, Okpanam, Ibusa, and Akwukwu-Igbo, and boost agricultural productivity and security along the corridor.
The Governor disclosed that the contract, valued at ₦21,311,311,898.20, had received an advance payment of ₦8,524,524,759.28, representing 40 percent mobilization to the contractor, Levant Construction Company.
According to him, the road will feature an 8.0-metre-wide asphaltic pavement, 1.5-metre shoulders on both sides, and over 27,000 metres of reinforced concrete drains with stormwater channels.
Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for contract variations, emphasizing that contractors are paid promptly upon certification. “As of today, Delta State Government is not owing any contractor, either for inherited or new projects. We process certified payments within five working days to ensure timely completion,” he said.
He commended Levant Construction Company for its record of excellence and charged the firm to deliver the project on schedule. “By the grace of God, we shall all gather again to commission this road to the glory of God and for the benefit of our people,” he assured.
Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, in his goodwill message, hailed the Governor for keeping his promise despite the weather challenges that had forced the postponement of the earlier scheduled date.
“The Ugbolu–Okpanam Road is not just a physical structure but a symbol of your administration’s transformative vision. The people of Oshimili North are grateful and fully aligned with your developmental agenda,” Esewezie stated.
The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo, also praised the Governor’s leadership and commitment to community development, describing the road as a “symbol of unity, connectivity, and growth.”
Managing Director of Levant Construction Company, Engr. Elie Tannous, assured the state government of timely and quality delivery of the project.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie; top government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
The event, despite the rains, underscored the Oborevwori administration’s determination to pursue its infrastructure renewal agenda with vigor and consistency.
