Ughelli, Delta State – January 12, 2026
Ughelli, Delta State – January 12, 2026
The groundbreaking ceremony for the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo (Ughelli) Flyover performed on Monday, January 12, 2026, by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been widely described as a clear response to years of sustained advocacy for infrastructure development in Ughelli North, particularly by Hon. Akpososo Oghenekaro.
Governor Oborevwori, while flagging off the project, said the Otovwodo junction had become notorious for severe traffic congestion, costing commuters several productive hours daily. He noted that he had personally experienced the gridlock at the junction, describing the flyover as a permanent solution to one of Delta State’s busiest and most problematic traffic corridors.
“This junction has been a major bottleneck for years. I have personally sat in the traffic here. This flyover is a lasting solution that will ease movement, improve commerce, and enhance the quality of life for our people,” the governor said.
The development has brought renewed attention to a September 8, 2025 advocacy by Hon. Akpososo Oghenekaro, Director General of the Mimikay Organization, who had openly challenged the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) over abandoned and poorly executed projects across Ughelli North, especially in Afiesere, Oteri, Agbarha-Otor, and Otovwodo.
In that earlier call, Hon. Oghenekaro demanded that DESOPADEC immediately resume stalled projects, employ more local indigenes, and provide a transparent account of all projects executed, abandoned, or yet to commence in Ughelli North.
He specifically cited Afiesere’s abandoned community infrastructure, Oteri’s dilapidated road networks, Agbarha-Otor’s uncompleted health centre, and Otovwodo’s failed erosion control measures, warning that continued neglect would worsen flooding, healthcare challenges, and economic hardship in oil-producing communities.
“DESOPADEC must tell the Afiesere people the projects they have done and those they have neglected. We need accountability, clarity on funds spent, and realistic timelines for completion,” Oghenekaro had stated at the time.
He also appealed directly to Governor Oborevwori to intervene, aligning his demands with the governor’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
Beyond infrastructure, Hon. Oghenekaro equally raised concerns about staff welfare within DESOPADEC, drawing attention to long-standing grievances dating back to 2009. He highlighted salary cuts of 30 percent implemented in 2013, unpaid end-of-year bonuses since 2016, limited promotions, lack of medical care, unresolved minimum wage issues, and alleged victimization of union executives—issues that have resulted in multiple court cases since 2018.
He urged DESOPADEC leadership to reverse the salary cuts, restore bonuses, improve medical coverage, implement fair promotion policies, and engage constructively with labour unions to restore staff morale and productivity.
With the Otovwodo Flyover now underway, many Ughelli residents say Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated responsiveness to the long-standing cries of the people.
Community leaders and residents of Afiesere, Oteri, and Agbarha-Otor have expressed optimism that the flyover project signals a broader commitment by the Oborevwori administration to address neglected infrastructure and enforce accountability across DESOPADEC’s operations in oil-producing communities.
Political observers note that the project further strengthens the governor’s reputation for translating advocacy and inspection findings into concrete action, reinforcing public confidence in his administration’s development agenda.
As work commences on the Otovwodo Flyover, stakeholders are hopeful that other abandoned projects across Ughelli North and the state’s oil-producing areas will receive similar attention, ensuring inclusive growth and lasting development for the region.