Akarai Gets First Tarred Road as Oborevwori Flags Off N29.8bn Project
By Oghenefejiro Emado
07, May 2026
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday flagged off the N29.8 billion Aboh-Akarai Road and Bridge project in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, stressing his administration’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure across riverine, rural, and urban communities.
Speaking at the groundbreaking, Oborevwori said his government remains focused on delivering reliable road networks that drive growth, economic renewal, and better living standards. He maintained that no part of Delta would be left out of democratic dividends, regardless of terrain or remoteness.
The Governor traced the project’s origin to a burial the Deputy Governor attended in Akarai, where poor access delayed travel for hours. “He appealed passionately for this road. I assured him it would be done. Today, that promise is a reality,” Oborevwori said.
The 11-kilometre road — running from Aboh through Umuti to Akarai-Obodo and Akarai-Etiti — will be built with reinforced concrete pavement due to the swampy terrain. Asphalt, he noted, would not withstand the mangrove forests, deep swamps, and heavy clay deposits. The design also includes concrete drains, culverts, and a 140-metre multi-span bridge across the Okiri River. It will sit above the 2012 flood levels to ensure year-round access.
Oborevwori described the project as more than infrastructure, saying it will boost trade, attract investment, create jobs, and ease movement of farm produce. “For years, these communities relied on river transport. This road changes that. Farmers, students, patients, and families will all benefit, even in the rainy season,” he added.
He disclosed that the contractor has received a 40% mobilization payment of N11.9 billion, with completion targeted within 12 months. He also announced that the next groundbreaking will be the 10-kilometre Ojobo-Torugbene Road in Burutu LGA, valued at N32.8 billion.
The Governor urged community leaders, youths, and residents to cooperate with the contractor for smooth execution.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme thanked Oborevwori for what he called “unprecedented love” for Ndokwa Nation. “The vision I brought before you is now reality. On behalf of Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani LGAs, we say thank you,” Onyeme said. He described Oborevwori as “a builder of bridges of possibility” and noted that Akarai is seeing a tarred road for the first time.
Onyeme listed other ongoing and approved projects in Ndokwa Nation: Emu-Ebendo to Ashaka Road, Ase to Umu-Ase Road, Eweshi to Otokutu Road, Ndemili to Utagba-Uno Road, and the Amai-Aragba Road. He assured the Governor of massive support in the next election.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said Oborevwori continues to silence critics with bold multi-billion-naira projects across the state.
Ndokwa East LGA Chairman, Hon. Vincent Oshilonya, said the project will end years of hardship caused by poor access. “It will ease transportation, improve commerce, and create opportunities for families, farmers, and businesses,” he said.
Also speaking, Ndokwa Neku Union President-General, Comrade Amaechi Asugwuni, alongside Chief Mary Chidi, Chief Godswill Obielum, and the Obi of Aboh Kingdom, HRM Greg Oputa III, praised the Governor for appointing an Ndokwa son as Commissioner for Energy amid calls for improved power and infrastructure in the region.
