Izeze Hails Oborevwori’s Courage as Ayakoromo Bridge Records Major Construction Milestones
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as an “unusual governor” with uncommon courage, as work progresses steadily on the Ayakoromo Bridge linking Egbo-Ide in Ughelli South Local Government Area to Ayakoromo community in Burutu Local Government Area.
Izeze made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing bridge project, which he undertook alongside his Technical Assistant, Engr. Ejovi Adasen; Deputy Director, Highways, Engr. Eghwrudje Ojarigho; and other top officials of the Ministry of Works.
According to the commissioner, the Ayakoromo Bridge exemplifies Governor Oborevwori’s audacity in taking on complex and seemingly impossible infrastructure projects, noting that the governor’s leadership style is defined by action rather than rhetoric.
Izeze praises Oborevwori’s administration for developing Delta State
“This is not just about overcoming fear; this is a clear demonstration of audacity and courage. His Excellency has the boldness to take on very tasking projects that others would shy away from. That is why I call him an unusual governor,” Izeze said.
He explained that significant milestones had already been achieved on the project, including the completion of demolitions and all integrity tests, which paved the way for full-scale construction to resume.
“You can see that work has resumed earnestly. The main alignment of about 1.5 kilometres has been stabilised, and construction is ongoing on piers 4, 5, 6, 7 and 11. Once these are completed, work will continue on the remaining 18 spans of the bridge,” he stated.
Izeze disclosed that the contractor, Setraco Nigeria Limited, had assured the state government that beams launching would commence within the next three months, expressing confidence in the firm’s capacity to deliver the project as scheduled.
He attributed the steady progress to Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to consistent funding, noting that the project is funded under an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) arrangement that guarantees timely payments.
“This project has never lacked funding. Payments are made consistently as and when due. There are no outstanding liabilities, in line with the governor’s promise,” he said.
Speaking further, the commissioner said the visible progress should reassure residents of Ayakoromo and Egbo-Ide communities that the governor remains committed to fulfilling his promises.
“He may not talk much, but once he speaks, he delivers,” Izeze added.
Also speaking during the inspection, Setraco’s Project Manager, Engr. Nabil Chaihin, expressed optimism that the project would record even more visible progress before the end of the year.
“We started a few months ago and have already opened several access points. By the next rainy season, around June or July, the progress will be much more evident. We believe the government and the communities will be satisfied because this project is for the people,” he said.
Chaihin commended the host communities for their cooperation, describing the working relationship as smooth and supportive.
“Both communities have shown full cooperation. Everything is going smoothly here, and I am very happy to be part of this project,” he added.
On his part, Chairman of Ayakoromo Federated Community, Mr. Princewill Brakala, thanked Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for reviving and advancing the bridge project, which he said had lingered for several years.
He described the Ayakoromo Bridge as more than a construction project, noting that it would open up riverine communities and link them to the hinterland, thereby boosting economic activities.
“This is a project we have long awaited. It will transform our community and improve access to other parts of the state. We sincerely thank His Excellency for executing this project with speed,” Brakala said.
He also appealed to the state government to consider additional road infrastructure within the community to further enhance connectivity to major express routes.
