Tag: Oborevwori

Ex-Delta Governor, Chief James Ibori, has advocated support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, despite a frosty relationship between himself and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, over the outcome of the last governorship election.

Ibori made this appeal in a New Year message on his X handle, formerly Twitter, on January 1.

Ibori did not support the incumbent governor, Oborevwori, in the 2023 Delta governorship poll, but instead backed his protégé, David Edevbie, as a successor to ex-Governor Okowa.

Having failed in his bid, Ibori shunned all Delta Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) functions and openly courted the opposition APC in the run up to the election.

But in an about-face, Ibori urged ‘Deltans’ to join hands to “drive positive change and progress in our beloved Delta State and our nation at large.”

He further advised Nigerians to remain resolute despite the challenges in the past year and hope for a brighter future.

He said: “Dear fellow citizens of Delta State and Nigeria, as we bid farewell to the challenges of the past year and embrace the dawn of 2024, let us unite with unwavering resilience and hope for a brighter future ahead.

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“Despite the hurdles we’ve faced, our collective strength has always been our greatest asset. Let us continue to stand tall and resilient in the face of adversity, and determined to forge ahead towards prosperity.

“In this new year, let’s extend our hands in support of our government. Together, let us collaborate, not just in words but in actions, to drive positive change and progress in our beloved Delta State and our nation at large.

“Let’s build bridges of understanding, engage in constructive dialogues, and foster a spirit of togetherness. Our combined efforts are pivotal in achieving sustainable development, ensuring peace and creating opportunities that benefit every citizen

“May 2024 be a year of unity, growth and shared successes. Let’s embark on this journey with optimism, determination and a commitment to supporting our government’s initiatives that aim for a more prosperous future.

“Thank you for your resilience, dedication and unwavering support. Together, let’s make 2024 a year of triumphs and achievements.”

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said his administration would continue to upgrade roads across the three senatorial districts.

He spoke yesterday in Effurun during the groundbreaking ceremony of the

N77.9 billion road and flyover projects awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.

The governor, accompanied by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, ex-governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, federal and state lawmakers and other top government functionaries, reiterated his administration’s commitment to upgrade roads across the state.

He noted that road was a critical infrastructure driving the development of other sectors of the economy.

The four projects were awarded to the construction giant in Uvwie and Warri South local governments.

“The projects are as follows: the design and construction of flyover from Enerhen junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri in Uvwie and Warri South councils.

“The design and construction of road expansion and improvement works on the section of DSC/NPA expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway.

The project includes construction of a three-quarter Cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun flyover as well as two pedestrian bridges in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government.

The design and construction of flyover at PTI junction, on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government.

Oborevwori said the cumulative contract sum for the four projects was over N77.99 billion, adding that the contractor had a completion period of 27 months.

“I stand here today filled with joy and excitement as we begin the process of giving Warri the desired facelift with this groundbreaking ceremony.

“This signals the commencement of construction of four key projects in Warri/Effurun metropolis.

“It is the fulfilment of a promise I made after my inauguration as governor on May 29, this year. We have released the agreed sum as advance payment to the contractor.

“These four strategic projects are aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced between Effurun roundabout, through PTI road junction, to DSC roundabout on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway at Effurun.

“They will also ease vehicular movement at the stretch from Enerhen junction, Effurun to Marine gate, Warri, in Uvwie and Warri South local governments,” he said.

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The governor added that the projects would not only change the face of Warri/Effurun metropolis, but also ease tragic congestion and by implication, alleviate the suffering experienced daily by commuters.

He said because of the strategic nature of the roads in the region, construction works would result in traffic disruptions, diversions and other inconveniences to motorists and commuters.

Oborevwori, however, said government and the contractor would take steps to minimise the disruptions.

He appealed to motorists and pedestrians to be patient, orderly and obey traffic rules and regulations, to facilitate ease of movement and reduce travel time through the construction area.

The governor advised

motorists to use the alternative routes in the vicinity whenever feasible, to reduce the volume of traffic in the construction area.

“The state government has begun a programme of maintenance and rehabilitation of these alternative routes to reduce inconvenience for travellers and motorists.

“I urge the contractor to work relentlessly to meet the schedule we have agreed on,” he said.

Oborevwori, however, urged the

immediate communities and their leaders to appreciate the enormous investment government was making and solicited for their support to ensure the speedy completion of the projects.

The Managing Director of Julius Berger PLC, Dr. Lars Richter, said the project would be delivered within the stipulated period of 27 months

Also, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the projects and promised to ensure their protection from the time of commencement to completion.

“Our youths need to be engaged. We will make sure the project is completed without any disturbances,” the king said.

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, promised to ensure that the projects came to fruition.

Represented by Dr Rowland Oritsejafor, the royal father said the projects were unique because they would unite the people.

In attendance were former governor of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, royal fathers and chiefs, among others.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Effurun branch, has urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to extend his building of quality infrastructural projects across the state, to facilities in the judiciary.

It hailed the governor for awarding the projects for the construction of three flyovers, as well as expansion of the NPA-DSC Expressway at Effurun/Warri area of the state to Julius Berger Company PLC.

Chairman of the branch, Ben Ubioworo Esq., who spoke with reporters after their monthly meeting, said Governor Oborevwori had broken the jinx of poor and substandard performance that had bedevilled the state for decades.

Decrying the poor condition of courts in the state, particularly the courts in Effurun, Warri and their environs, Ubioworo urged the governor “to replicate the New High Court complex in Asaba, in the Central and South districts of the state.” 

“The desire of His Excellency to revamp our road infrastructure should be extended to the state judiciary facilities.”

Appealing to monarchs and youths in the area to ensure hitch-free execution of the N78 billion flyovers and road project, he said the timely completion of the projects would transform Effurun and Warri to mega cities befitting of their status as oil cities. 

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“As a body whose duties include promotion of good governance, we have considered Your Excellency’s move and effort towards executing quality and standard projects to better the lot of ‘Deltans’ as a move worthy of commendation.

“The recent award of the contract for the building of flyovers and roads in Warri/Effurun to a reputable construction company, Julius Berger, is an indication that you are poised to deliver quality governance to our people.

“We therefore use this as an opportunity to express our appreciation to His Excellency and also to advise our monarchs, youths and community leaders to ensure and guarantee a peaceful and a secure environment, to enable the contractor complete the projects in record time,” the chairman said.

Noting that the branch would commend “every sustained good moves of the governor geared towards the delivery of good governance to the people of the state,” he, however, added: “It will also not hesitate to constructively criticise His Excellency in areas where he is perceived not to be faring well.”