The long-awaited Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road project has reached a decisive milestone, with all bridges on the main alignment completed and just seven kilometers of roadwork left to be asphalted.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection tour of the project.
For the first time since construction began nearly two decades ago, Izeze and officials of the Ministry of Works drove seamlessly across the completed bridges into Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri nation.
Conducted around the site by the Special Project Director, Chief Adams Otimeyin, the Commissioner described the development as a landmark achievement in Delta State’s infrastructure journey.
“Thankfully, we were able to drive into Ode-Itsekiri successfully, something that has never happened in all our previous inspections,” Izeze noted.
He praised construction giant Setraco Nigeria Limited for showing resilience in executing the project despite the challenging terrain.
“Nineteen years after this road was conceived, Setraco has demonstrated remarkable capacity to deliver.
“About 2 kilometers have already been asphalted, leaving 5 kilometers before final finishing ahead of inauguration by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori,” he explained.
The Works Commissioner attributed the breakthrough to Governor Oborevwori’s consistent commitment to funding, which, he said, distinguished his administration from previous governments under which the project suffered repeated delays.
“This project once seemed like one that would never be completed. But today, progress is visible because Governor Oborevwori has shown the leadership and dedication required to see it through.
His unwavering funding has given both the contracting firm and the Ministry confidence to deliver,” Izeze added.
Setraco Project Manager, George Maron, also commended the governor’s determination, assuring that the company remains firmly on course to complete the road before the end of 2025.
“The level of commitment to this project is very high. This progress is entirely due to the vision and determination of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose leadership has made completion realistic,” Maron stated.
When fully delivered, the Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road is expected to not only provide direct access to the historic Ode-Itsekiri community but also boost economic, cultural, and social integration across Delta State, making it one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in the state’s history
