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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, January 12, 2026 flagged off the construction of the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo (Ughelli) Flyover, declaring the project a permanent solution to the crippling traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest junctions.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ughelli amid jubilation from residents, the governor described the flyover as a landmark intervention under his administration’s infrastructure renewal drive, anchored on prudent resource management, durable road construction and inclusive development.

Oborevwori noted that Ughelli’s rapid population growth and status as a major commercial and educational hub had overwhelmed its road network, particularly the notorious Otovwodo Junction on the East–West Road, where commuters lose hours daily to gridlock.

He said he had personally experienced the hardship motorists endure at the junction, stressing that the flyover would finally put an end to years of traffic chaos.

As a stop-gap measure, the governor recalled that his administration had earlier constructed several alternative routes, including Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street and Royal Avenue linking Agbarha-Otor Road,  at a cost of nearly ₦6 billion to ease congestion pending the flyover.

The project, awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is expected to be completed within 12 months, a timeline Oborevwori described as non-negotiable given the strategic importance of the junction.

According to him, the project will feature a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, roundabouts and extensive roadworks connecting the East–West Road to other key routes. He said it would significantly reduce travel time, improve safety and stimulate economic activities in Ughelli and beyond.

The governor also highlighted the project’s employment benefits, noting that it would create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the construction value chain. He appealed to residents for patience and cooperation with traffic officials during the construction period.

Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline, Oborevwori assured that the project, like others across the state, was being executed without borrowing. He added that several completed projects were awaiting commissioning, with more slated for rollout 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 for the confidence reposed in the company, describing the contract as a testament to its technical capacity and long-standing partnership with the state.

He disclosed that the 15-span flyover would include dual carriageways, connecting roads, specialised drainage systems and solar-powered street lighting, assuring that the project would be delivered on schedule and to global standards.

After the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori paid courtesy visits to the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, and Chief Morrison Olori, Founder and Chairman of Ukodo Nation, where he reiterated his commitment to serving all Deltans without bias.

In separate remarks, Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Jaro Egbo, and the Otota (spokesman) of Ughelli Kingdom, Chief Peter Akpofure, praised the governor for the “long-overdue” project, describing it as transformative, while calling for additional internal roads and complementary infrastructure.

Dignitaries at the event included 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; top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, who hailed the project as a decisive step toward ending Ughelli’s traffic nightmare.