Niger Delta
Oborevwori Begins N78bn Star Projects In Delta
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has stated that his administration will continue to aggressively upgrade roads across the three senatorial districts in the State.
Oborevwori gave the assurance on Monday in Effurun, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the N77.9 billion road and flyover projects awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in the State.
The Governor noted that road was a critical infrastructure driving the development of other sectors of the economy.
The Tide’s source, reports that the four projects were awarded to the construction giant in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas of the State.
The projects are the design and construction of flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri in Uvwie and Warri South LGAs.
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 bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges in Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The design and construction of flyover bridge at PTI Junction, on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) Highway, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area.
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 the 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 government areas”, he said.
The Governor added that the projects would not only change the face of Warri/Effurun metropolis but 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 all reasonable steps to minimise the disruptions.
He appealed to motorists and pedestrians in the area 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 further 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 commenced a programme of maintenance and rehabilitation of these alternative routes to reduce inconvenience to 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.
Earlier, Dr Lars Richter, the Managing Director of Julius Berger PLC, assured that 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 assured.
On his part, 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 that 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 Delta State House of Assembly has commenced public hearing on the State Human Trafficking (Prohibition) Bill, 2024.
The Tide’s source reports that the public hearing was organised by the House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services and Girl Child Entrepreneurship in Asaba.
Chairman of the committee, Mrs Bridget Anyafulu, said the hearing was to provide members of the public the opportunity to offer contributions to the proposed law.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure that the state has a law that adequately answers to the challenges it seems to address and satisfy the needs and aspirations of our people and society.
“We have invited you to join us to make a law that will help to effectively address and eradicate the odious practice of human trafficking in our state.
“We know that as stakeholders, the effective participation in making this law will go a long way in enhancing the quality of the law that will finally emerge from the process”, she said.
Anyafulu assured the stakeholders that the committee would look into their suggestions and consider areas that could help to strengthen the bill as well as enhance its quality.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ms. Orode Uduaghan, called for the inclusion of the National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in the implementation process.
It also reports that Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), State Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), among others, were involved in the public hearing.
They commended the State Executive for initiating the bill and called for its speedy passage.
The Federal Government has handed over 24,180 bags of 50kg maize and 5,828 bags of 25kg ‘garri’ to the Akwa Ibom State Government for distribution to vulnerable households.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, made the presentation on behalf of the Federal Government in Uyo, the State Capital.
Represented by Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, the Head, Operations, NEMA, Akwa Ibom State office, Umar said the donation was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to Nigerians.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government approved the release of 42, 000 metric tonnes of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable households.
Umar said that the president’s promise was the government’s way of reducing the impact of the current economic hardship in the country.
“We are here to hand over the food items to the state government for distribution to the intended beneficiaries in the communities”, she said.
The NEMA D-G said that the food items should be shared in the communities through properly constituted committees at the local government levels.
She said membership of the local government committees should include the council chairman, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency and the traditional institutions.
Umar said 20 per cent of the food items for each council area should be given to religious groups, and that three per cent of it should be given to boarding schools in the area.
Receiving the items, Dr Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, commended the Federal Government for the intervention.
Offor said that the gesture was a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of the citizenry.
The commissioner promised that the state government would ensure that the items were given to the intended beneficiaries.
A group, Concerned Obidient Movement, has declared support for Mr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election.
Leader of the group, Mr. Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, told newsmen in Benin that the election transcends individual personalities.
“It is a critical moment that will shape the future of Edo. The PDP is creating a climate of renewed political energy that promises sustainable progress.
“Its candidate, Ighodalo, and the deputy, Osarodion Ogie, possess the vision and qualifications that align with the aspirations of Edo people,” he said.
Igbinevbo highlighted the candidates’ deep understanding of the State’s challenges and potential which, he said, positions them to lead the state into a new era of prosperity and responsible governance.
He urged Edo people, both at home and in the Diaspora, to unite in their support for the PDP and its candidates ahead of the election.
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