By Peter Omopo
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has pledged to commence the long-awaited reconstruction of the ECN Road connecting Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas, following repeated complaints from residents about its poor condition and the resulting disruption to daily life and economic activities.
The governor made the announcement on Friday at Orhuwhorun in Udu during the combined 50th and 19th memorial ceremonies of the late Chief and Madam Palama Akporhierayen. Oborevwori assured the public that the project would be executed to high standards and completed within a defined timeframe.
The ECN Road is a key transport artery in Delta State, facilitating movement between Udu and Ughelli South. It provides access to the Ujewu Terminal of the Warri–Itakpe rail line and connects several industrial hubs and host communities, including Aladja and Ovwian, home to the Delta Steel Company, as well as Iwhrekan and Otu-Jeremi, where the Utorogu Gas Plant—the largest gas facility in West Africa—is located. Other communities along the road include Ubogo, Egini, and Owhrode.
Oborevwori emphasized that the road project is part of his administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes the delivery of quality infrastructure as a foundation for security, economic growth, and improved living standards. “There is no local government where I don’t have leaders. You cannot say because you are a governor that you are all in all. No. You must be loyal to your people because we are only serving them,” he said, highlighting his commitment to inclusive governance and people-centered leadership.
The governor’s assurance comes after widespread concerns over the deteriorating state of the Otor-Udu/ECN Road, first reported in October 2025. Motorists, traders, and commuters cited flooding, deep potholes, vehicle breakdowns, and rising transport costs along critical stretches including Ovwian Grammar School, Ujewu, Otu-Jeremi, Ekakpamre, and Iwhrekan.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, acknowledged the road’s poor condition, noting that intervention had been delayed due to seasonal rains. “Weeping may tarry over the night… But joy comes in the morning. His Excellency is not unaware of the present state of the road and is only waiting for the rains to abate,” he said.
The reconstruction of the ECN Road is expected to significantly improve transportation, reduce travel time, and enhance economic activity across the connected communities.
