By: Ike Philip Abiagom

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works has officially flagged off the Construction of a 17.55-Kilometre Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A) in Asaba, linking the South South Zone to the South East. This milestone event underscores the administration’s unwavering dedication to enhancing national road infrastructure and fostering economic growth.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works Engr (Sen) David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE lauded the host State Government for its commitment to infrastructure development, emphasising that governance is about improving the lives of the people. He commended the Edo State Governor’s proactive approach to addressing road infrastructure needs, acknowledging the numerous ongoing projects, including three major flyovers in Warri town. “Your state is a construction site. You have demonstrated that leadership is about responsibility, not excuses. Instead of blaming the Federal government, you are taking proactive actions. That is highly commendable,” he stated.

Engr. Umahi further highlighted the Federal Government’s broader vision for road infrastructure, revealing that multiple strategic road projects are either ongoing or in the pipeline, nationwide. These include the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Benin-Asaba Expressway, the Sokoto-Gusau-Katsina-Kaduna corridor, the East-West Road, the remaining section of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, amongst others. He assured that the 9-kilometre extension of the just-flagged off Reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Expressway to the 2nd Niger Bridge requested by the State Government has been approved.

To ensure the security and sustainability of the newly constructed roads and bridges, the Government has implemented advanced surveillance measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras along the Access Roads and the Bridge. These cameras will be linked to the offices of the Governors of the concerned States to monitor activities and prevent vandalism. Additionally, the project will incorporate solar-powered streetlights to enhance visibility and security.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritising inherited projects and delivering impactful infrastructure to Nigerians. He emphasised that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, road projects nationwide are receiving unprecedented attention, ensuring seamless connectivity and economic progress.

“All major road projects inherited by Mr. President are ongoing. He has given them priority attention. This administration believes in continuity and results, not political excuses,” he stressed.
The project, he continued, is part of a broader national infrastructure strategy aimed at connecting key economic zones and improving transportation efficiency. The government has assured that funding is secured, with 30% of the contract sum ready to be paid, while strict timelines and performance monitoring will be enforced to ensure timely delivery.

The Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, while acknowledging the presence of dignitaries at the occasion, stated “It is an honor and privilege to stand before you today, representing His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This occasion is not just about flagging off a road project—it is a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to economic development, national integration, and infrastructure renewal.

“The construction of the Access Road is a major step towards strengthening our nation’s connectivity. This road will ease movement, facilitate trade, and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Delta, Anambra, and beyond. It is yet another proof that under this administration, infrastructure development remains a top priority for fostering economic growth and national unity. I want to, especially, commend the government and people of Delta and Anambra States for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this project. Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this vision a reality. Infrastructure development is not just the responsibility of the Federal Government requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the State Governments, Local Communities, and Private Sector Partners,” says the President.

The Governor added “To our esteemed contractors, I urge you to ensure the highest standards of quality and timely completion of this project. This is not just a road; it is a legacy of progress that will serve generations to come.”

He extended his gratitude to all present-the traditional rulers, community leaders, and all who have contributed in one way or another to the realisation of the initiative. “Your support and dedication to the success of this project reflect our shared commitment to building a better, more connected Nigeria.

As we look forward to its completion, let us all continue to work together for the development of our great nation,” Governor Oborevwori concluded.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

It appears that the “Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Bill 2018 has become “useless” or a “dead on arrival” state law.
The law tailored to outlaw illegal and forceful entry into development sites in the state popularly known as “deve” in local parlance has become “unenforceable” for reasons yet to be established.

Newsbreeze reports that a stakeholder and a true son of Igbuzo Obi(Dr)Henry Ajudua at the weekend expressed his concern over the functionality of the law in Igbuzo and it environs. The bill establishing the law was assented to by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on 24th, August 2018 after year-long efforts to send it to the state assembly as Executive Bill after assumption of office in May 29, 2015.

The bill was given accelerated reading and passed for assent which was also done in record time.

Optimistic Okowa, probably thinking the bill would automatically put an end to the ugly era of extortion, molestation of properties developers in the state, is ‘dead wrong’  years plus after signing the bill into law as the menace remained unabated in the state.

Okowa was quoted to have said that the law will stop youths from trespassing into property development sites in the state and make investment to thrive.

According to the governor, harassment of property developers by touts in the name of “deve” had chased away a lot of developers from the state. He, however, was confident that with the signing into law of the bill prohibiting illegal and forceful entry into development sites, the state would witness speedy development.

But six years plus after this assertions from the governor and the law in place, the menace of ‘Deve” collecting, touts have continued in the state unabated mostly in Igbuzo,Nothing seemed to have changed.

Obi Dr Henry Ajudua,the President of Vebron Carre INC. USA on Friday, voiced his frustration that since the law came into existence no one has been arrested and prosecuted. According to him, this is not because the law has finally arrested the menace but because enforcement has become a big challenge to the law enforcement agencies.

He said, there is no record of criminal harassment of properties developers for the police to move in because, according to him people are not willing to report to the police.He however said that Igbuzo town is worst in terms of the social vices, he said that presently Vebron Carr USA is developing Multi-Million naira hospital in Igbuzo but the illegal extortion from State, local government agencies and various youths bodies is seriously hindering the project.

Obi Ajudua asserted that no investor will be willing to invest in Igbuzo and its environs because of the menace of government agencies and youths who on daily basis extort, and harass properties developers, particularly within the Igbuzo area.

He added that the law (Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law 2018) that ought to arrest the situation have not recorded any success as the state police command have not brought an offender to acknowledge many years plus after it was enacted.

“So the question is where is the future in Igbuzo? Every morning, youths wake up all over Oshimili North collecting one ‘deve’ or the other. “I want to appeal because there is break down of morality and respect. No society can grow if there is no sense of moral, discipline and respect”.

He dropped a subtle warning and threat, to cancel hospital work at Igbuzo following the menace of government agencies and youths’ harassment of project workers in the Vebron Carre site.

Specifically, the Vebron Carre, President while lamenting the menace of ‘deve’ collectors in Igbuzo, where one of his project is traversing, said several properties developers will leave Igbuzo town( Part of the Capital Territory) because of constant harassment by local youths.

His words, “I have warned them, if they don’t stop, we will pull out.Some Property Development Companies in Igbuzo are pulling out already. Imagine the number of people that they would have employed, contracts they would have given if those companies were still here.

Obi Ajudua outburst is coming despite the existence of “Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law 2018”. Findings indicate that since the law was put in place, Government agencies and  local youths still go about harassing and embarrassing developers in the state with a moribund law which ought to check their essences in place.

Obi Ajudua is calling on Delta State government to fully implement the Public and Private Properties Protection law also known as “Anti-Deve” law to pave way for accelerated development in the state.