Delta State Government and German construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Wednesday, signed N78billion contracts for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis of the state.
The contracts include road expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, including a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, alongside two pedestrian bridges, Flyover bridges at Enerhen junction to Marine Gate, DSC roundabout and PTI junction.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, signed on behalf of the State Government, while the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Lars Richter, and the Regional Manager, Engr Friedrich Wieser, signed for the construction giant.
The Solicitor- General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafioghor, witnessed the signing.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the signing ceremony was a culmination of days and months of critical planning and deft negotiations and a major step forward in his administration’s plan to start an infrastructural revolution that would change the face of Warri and environs.
He said: “Today’s event is the high point of months of vigorous planning, meetings, reviews and tough negotiations. I am pleased that we have reached a point of agreement.
“It is pertinent to know that this is the first time in Delta State that we are engaging Julius Berger Plc in construction jobs. They have been in Delta, they worked in NPA, but this is the first time the state government is engaging them for construction projects.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Delta state, I want to express my deep appreciate to Julius Berger PLC, the Ministries of Works(High way and Urban roads), Justice, Finance and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government; for the countless energy invested in the process.
“I am aware that the road to this signing ceremony was tasking and draining but you stayed on course and, today, we are reaping the fruit of your diligence and resilience,” he said.
The Governor who said the choice of Julius Berger was informed not only by their excellent record but also by their experience in road construction in riverine terrains, tasked the contractor to deliver the projects within 27 months.
“We have seen what they have done in other states with topography like Warri and we are confident that they will replicate the same feat here.
“Upon completion, these projects will not only change the face of Warri and its environs, but also ease the traffic congestion in the area and alleviate the hardship faced by the commuters.
“As it is often the case with road constructions of this nature, there will be direct employment benefits for our people, especially, engineers, artisans and even food vendors. Transporters and so many others in the construction value chain also stand to benefit.
“I assure all Deltans and residents of the state that the M.O.R.E agenda is on course. They should expect more landmark projects across the different senatorial districts in fulfilment of our pledge to make life more meaningful to our people,” Oborevwori stated.
Richter, while thanking Delta State Government for giving the company the opportunity to deliver on the projects, commended Governor Oborevwori for the vision and foresight in a huge investment and for the commencement of a new era for the people of the state.
“We commend the Delta State Government for this and we are honoured to be the chosen partners for the construction of this vision.
“We are also looking forward for a successful partnership, a great achievement and the commencement of a new era to the benefit of the people of Delta state,” he said.
Oborevwori leading by example – South-South, PDP Chair
The South-South Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, says Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State is a shining example of what leadership is all about.
Orbih stated this Wednesday, when he led the South-South zonal working Committee of the party on a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba.
Orbih said they were in the state to formally congratulate Governor Oborevwori on his victory at the poll and its subsequent affirmation at the election petitions tribunal.
He described Governor Oborevwori as a product and symbol of loyalty and commitment to the party and commended him for his outstanding accomplishments in just a few months of being in office as governor.
“As the immediate past Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, your wealth of experience alone has placed the state on good stead for a harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislature.
” Now the elections are over and it is time for you to deliver on your campaign promises and we have observed with satisfaction the steps you have taken since you took over.
“You are building roads and bridges and you have shown great example of what leadership is all about,” he added.
He lamented the poor state of federal roads in the region and commended Oborevwori for not abandoning critical federal roads in the state and urged other state governments to emulate the Governor’s leadership example.
“Today in the South-South zone, it is difficult for people to travel from one state to another but we thank you for not abandoning the federal link roads in Delta State which you have been repairing because of your love for Deltans.
“We urge other states to emulate your kind gesture because our people in the South-South zone are going through very difficult times because of the poor state of federal roads. You have shown good example and I believe others will emulate what you are doing in Delta.”
He said with Governor Douye Diri’s sterling performance in Bayelsa, PDP was set to retain the state in the coming governorship election.
Orbih said the South South remained the stronghold of the party in the country and assured that from the steps taken so far by Oborevwori as Governor of Delta, the people stood to gain immensely from his M.O.R.E Agenda.
He added, “From the steps you have taken so far as Governor of Delta State, we have no doubt that the people will benefit immensely from your M.O.R.E Agenda.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori thanked the party hierarchy for their support, assuring that he would continue to do his best to provide sterling leadership for the people of the state who trusted him with their mandate.
He commended Orbih for his support to Bayelsa Governor’s re-election, saying that the party had performed creditably in the state.
“Chief Dan Orbih is somebody that l know and once he believes in something, he stands by it. When l wanted to contest for governorship election, l went to his house to seek his blessing and from that date, he followed up with my ambition.
“I am happy that you have taken a very bold step by going to Bayelsa to support our own brother who is doing extremely well.
“Governor Douye Diri is a very good leader who has done a lot for his people. When you get to Bayelsa, you will see quite a lot of impressive projects. Even with the bad terrain, you can see that he has constructed roads and even a flyover and a bridge.
“So, he has done very well. He is a very popular man that has been accepted by his people and l believe that, by the special grace of God, victory will come to PDP,” he said.
He said his administration had done quite a lot in the past few months, assuring that better days awaited Deltans in terms of infrastructural development across the state.
“Here in Delta State, we have done a lot in the last four months of our administration. We have completed and inaugurated some projects in the state and there are a lot of ongoing projects that we are executing.
“My administration will not abandon any ongoing project and we will also initiate new ones to advance the development of the state.
“Today, we have signed a contract agreement with Julius Berger which amounted to approximately N78 billion. By next month, we shall do the ground-breaking ceremony for the projects in Warri and Effurun areas of the state and we shall invite you to the ceremony when we are ready.
“Delta State is PDP. The Minister of 2?Works came to the state and saw that the Benin/Sapele Road is bad and even the East West Road is bad. Even the Minister for Niger Delta also visited and saw that the roads are bad.
“Because of the deplorable state of the Sapele/Amukpe/Agbor Road, l have directed that the contractor should do palliative works on the old road which is about 36 kilometres, to alleviate the plight of road users.
“The Ughelli-Asaba Road is a federal road and we are dualising it which is a very long stretch of road. Part of the sections of the road will be completed this year, and by next year, we will complete the entire stretch of the road.
“We have promised Deltans that we are going to do MORE for them. We have created a peaceful atmosphere in the state and that is why Julius Berger has come to execute projects for the state government. So, Delta State is safe and we are doing our best to make sure that we engage the youths,” he stated.
Oborevwori congratulates Delta NUJ Chairman, Oyowe
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee (SEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by Comrade Churchill Oyowe.
Oborevwori, whose congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon in Asaba, also congratulated Felix Ekwu,; Vice Chairman; Victor Sorokwu, State Secretary; Josephine Omordio, Assistant Secretary; Caroline Ubini, Treasurer; Polycarb Orosevwotu, Financial Secretary, and
Celestine Afokobah, Auditor.
He expressed optimism that Oyowe would contribute his quota to the growth and advancement of the journalism profession in the state, given his wealth of experience as a former State Secretary of the Union.
The governor, who assured the union of his support at all times, urged the new NUJ leadership to key into his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda and to lead the body of journalists to accelerate the development of the state.
The Governor also congratulated the immediate past State Council, led by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, for their outstanding service to the union and the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Comrade Churchill Oyowe and other members of the newly elected State Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on their victory at the just concluded polls.
“Your emergence at this time is significant and momentous in view of your sterling contributions to the growth and development of journalism as a former State Secretary of the Council.
“As you and your POWER team settle down to provide leadership for the State Council, I must charge you to rally round your other colleagues who lost in the election and work as a united and indivisible union.
“As a state government, we would continue to partner members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm as we strive to revolutionise governance in our state by providing landmark infrastructure across Delta State.
“The NUJ, under your astute leadership, must strive to continue playing the critical role guaranteed by the Constitution as societal watchdogs and agents of good governance and accountability,” Oborevwori stated.