Delta State has taken a monumental leap in infrastructure and economic empowerment with the launch of two major projects under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, both executed without resorting to borrowing. The focal point is the long-awaited N39.3 billion Otovwodo Junction flyover in Ughelli, designed to permanently decongest the notorious East-West Road bottleneck.
A Permanent Solution to Ughelli's Gridlock
On Monday, January 17, 2026, Governor Oborevwori performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Otovwodo flyover, a project awarded to construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. For years, the junction has been a nightmare for travellers and residents, causing massive traffic jams and lost productivity. The governor, who has personally experienced the frustration, described the flyover as a critical intervention under his MORE Agenda.
The ambitious project features a 15-span reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, roundabouts, and solar-powered street lighting. With a strict 12-month completion timeline, it promises to reshape Ughelli's skyline, improve road safety, and boost local economic activity by easing the movement of people and goods. Ahead of the main construction, the state spent nearly N6 billion on alternative routes to provide immediate relief.
Beyond Concrete: Fueling Economic Growth with MSMEs
While tackling physical infrastructure, the Oborevwori administration is also unlocking financial infrastructure for small businesses. In a significant move, the governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to manage a N1 billion revolving loan fund for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
This initiative, approved by the State Executive Council in 2025, targets the core of Delta's economy by providing single-digit interest loans to traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Governor Oborevwori emphasized that MSMEs are the true backbone of employment and grassroots prosperity. The partnership with BoI ensures professional management, with the potential to scale the fund to N10 billion or more based on successful repayment and impact.
Royal Endorsement and Broad-Based Development
The flyover project received strong endorsement from traditional institutions. Following the groundbreaking, Governor Oborevwori visited the palace of the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Dr. Wilson Ojakovo, Oharisi III. The monarch, through his Otota, Chief Peter Akpofure, praised the project as transformative for Ughelli's future as a modern metropolis.
This engagement is part of a broader strategy to strengthen governance. The administration recently presented 65 brand new SUVs (60 Toyota Prados and 5 Land Cruisers) to traditional rulers across the state, recognizing their role in peace-building and grassroots security.
The governor's development model extends to social welfare, including grants for petty traders, empowerment for women and youths, monthly stipends for 10,000 widows, and sustained scholarship programs. The recent Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Asaba also highlighted the administration's commitment to honouring national service and sacrifice.
With the Ughelli flyover set to change daily commutes and the MSME fund poised to spark business growth, Governor Oborevwori's promise of delivering development without borrowing is taking tangible shape across Delta State.
