By Kenneth Orusi
In a resolute bid to uplift infrastructure and connectivity in the Delta North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko has embarked on an inspection tour of key development projects.
At the forefront of this initiative is the one-kilometer Ubuobi Uzebu Road in the Idumuje-Ugboko community, a vital link that promises to rejuvenate local mobility and spur economic growth.
The new road stretches from Ubuoku Primary School to Uzebu axis strategically easing access to farmlands and connecting residents to essential services.
Historically, this route has been marred by poor conditions and seasonal flooding, complicating the movement of people, goods, and emergency services.
Recognizing these challenges, Senator Nwoko has championed this project to ensure that every community member benefits from improved infrastructure.
With an estimated contract value of approximately N400 million, the project is being executed in two carefully planned phases.
The initial segment, running from Palace Junction to Uzebu axis, is already well underway, with plans to extend the road fully to serve as a critical link between the community’s educational and healthcare facilities.
Speaking to reporters soon after each project tour, Dr. Michael Nwoko, the Senator’s Chief of Staff, revealed that Senator Nwoko has made it clear that his team will ensure strict adherence to quality standards and timelines, with commissioning anticipated within the next two weeks
Hear him: “Yeah, this is actually a one-kilometer road attracted by Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko in the Idumuje-Ugboko community, which is his community in Delta North Senatorial District. The whole idea is to have this road named Uzebu Road. That is Ubuobi Uzebu Road.
“It begins from the Ubuoku Primary School and down to the Uzebu axis. The point where we’ve got to is actually the point that is leading to the farmland.
“This road is strategic because it is actually at the heart of the town in the Idumuje-Ugboko. It is part of the effort of Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko to ensure massive infrastructural development in Delta North Senatorial District.
“We equally have other roads in this community, and I can assure you that many more communities in Delta North Senatorial District During the course of this visit, while we’re discussing this road,
we’re going to equally inspect other projects that are built for commissioning in no time.
“I have just interacted with the contractors, and I had made them to understand the need to be able to deliver this job promptly and above board. It must be delivered up to standard.
“Of course, they must also work within the time frame given to them so that this project, can be commissioned accordingly.
“Yes, what we told them was to ensure that this road is completed as at last week, but when we spoke to the engineer he assured us that we should allow them another
two weeks to be able to complete this project and I want to take them by the word, it must not exceed the next two weeks the whole idea is that this road projects alongside other projects must be commissioned.
“In fact the monitoring team put together by Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko are equally paying unscheduled visits you know to this project to ensure that they are delivered up to standard that is the whole idea.
“So i’m sure you have assured us that in two weeks it will be completed we’re not going to hear any story anymore so they have assured us now at least he is here as well and he has spoken that in two weeks that this project will be delivered and be ready for commissioning how much is the contract award”, Dr. Nwoko said.
Regarding street lighting, Dr. Nwoko explained that the areas of Ogbuobi, Atuma, and Ogbuobi along the Isicon axis, as well as the Ogbuofu axis, have been illuminated, while the expressway leading into the community has been fitted with solar-powered streetlights.
Contractor Abdurahim Sulaiman of the Al-Kibad Group reassured residents of their commitment to a prompt and high-quality delivery.
“Despite initial setbacks with equipment, we have mobilized all necessary resources to complete the work within the revised time frame,” he stated, reinforcing confidence in the project’s successful execution.
“We are very sorry for the delay that we have for the project, but as our Chief of Staff has said earlier, we will complete the project within the time frame and we ensure that we do a good and quality work.
“Our equipment are now right here.
And the one that has problem, we have called our mechanic to provide the solution to it immediately as possible.
“Initially, we are having a setback in hiring equipment over here. But everything has been provided accordingly. We have even brought our own equipment from our company so that we can complete the project within the time frame”, he assured.
Local residents, like lifelong community members, Mr. Debia Christian, are enthusiastic about the transformation this road will bring.
“For over 15 years, the road conditions have hindered our progress. Senator Nwoko’s intervention is not just about paving a road, it’s about paving the way for better healthcare access, education, and economic opportunity,” Christian remarked.
“I was born and bred here so I know how this side of the road was before now. Over 15 years, let me just say 15 years, the road has been bad.
“There was nothing like this since I was born and in fact, what the senator is doing for us is very good. We appreciate it.
“The road will benefit the indigenes of this town. We benefit from the road and that’s why we are happy with him.
“Senator has been our mentor in fact. He has been our boss and he has been our mentor. He has been helping us all along. He has been carrying us all along, doing things that we can never imagine.
“So he has been doing wonderful things in the village”, he said.
Also, Mr. Agbamuche Elozien, said: “This road has been very bad and it is very painful but I am happy that Senator Ned Nwoko, is doing what he campaigned and he is helping us in doing this road so that we can take our goods to the market.
“Before now, it costs us a lot of money, pains and stress taking our farm produce to the market even from the farm but now, it will be with ease.
“When rain falls before now, we don’t come out of our houses because the road was bad”, he described Senator Nwoko as a man of dignity, praying God to continue to give him life.
Senator Nwoko’s initiative reflects his broader vision for a region in need of modern amenities and efficient connectivity.
With improved transport routes facilitating easier access to a revitalized primary healthcare center and other community assets, the Ubuobi Uzebu Road project is set to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.
As the final phases of construction approach completion, the community eagerly anticipates the transformative impact of this project, a tangible demonstration of Senator Nwoko’s commitment to better representation and sustainable development in Delta North.
Kenneth Orusi, is the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of The Story and Chairman, ICC, Delta NUJ
