Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin dual carriageway, describing the project as a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Federal and State Governments for the benefit of Nigerians.
Speaking at the event held in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas, Governor Oborevwori said the project represents “another major stride in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in partnership with the Delta State Government.”
He described the Warri–Sapele–Benin highway as a critical economic corridor linking key cities in the South-South and providing access to Edo and other parts of the country.
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“The section we are flagging off today features a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and a comprehensive stormwater drainage system—all designed for durability and the safety of road users,” the governor said.
Oborevwori stressed that the project underscores the benefits of intergovernmental synergy, noting that development progresses faster when governments work together in the interest of citizens.
“Although this is a federal road, the users are Deltans and Nigerians. Their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,” he stated.
The governor also revealed that his administration had paid ₦10 billion in compensation to fast-track the ongoing Second Niger Bridge access road project, aimed at easing traffic and improving connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha, and surrounding communities.
Lamenting the years of hardship suffered by motorists on the Warri–Sapele–Benin route, Oborevwori said the reconstruction would enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and boost economic activities.
“Beyond the economic benefits, this road will strengthen security. Bad roads often aid criminal activities, but once completed, this highway will make travel safer and improve security response,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to making Delta one of Nigeria’s safest states through sustained investment in infrastructure, peace, and security, and assured residents of Uvwie Kingdom that their requests for a Mother and Child Hospital and a 500KVA transformer would be addressed.
“At over sixty years of age, I’m not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that,’” he said before officially flagging off the project from Effurun Roundabout to Ometan Bridge.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described the reconstruction as the vision of a leader determined to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.
He explained that the 10-kilometre stretch—five kilometres on each lane—features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway, exceeding the national standard of 7.3 metres, and would be completed within 12 months.
General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Engr. Thomas Feng, commended the state government’s confidence in the company and pledged timely, high-quality delivery.
“This project marks the beginning of a renewed era of infrastructure that will promote safer travel, stronger connectivity, and sustainable economic growth,” Feng assured.
Earlier, Uvwie Local Government Chairman, Chief Anthony Ofoni, announced that the Airport Road in Effurun would be renamed “Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori Way” in recognition of the governor’s visionary leadership.
Also speaking, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded the governor for prioritizing key projects in Uvwie and across the state.
He noted that ongoing works—including three flyovers and major road expansions in Effurun and Warri—had transformed the urban landscape and spurred economic activity.
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, represented by Okakuro Mike Afe, also commended the governor’s developmental strides and prayed for his successful completion of two terms to consolidate the gains of the MORE Agenda.
The ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and industry captains, all hailing the road reconstruction as a beacon of renewed hope for Delta State and beyond.
