Niger Delta
Warri Flyover: Motorists Hail Delta Govt., Appeal For Remedial On Adjoining Route
Some motorists and commercial transporters operating in Warri and environs have lauded the Delta State Government on the ongoing construction work on the flyover at the Enerhen junction.
Speaking in separate interviews with The Tide’s source on Tuesday in Warri, they lamented the pains and man hours being lost in a journey of less than five minutes if the adjoining road was good.
They also appealed to the State Government to carry out remedial work on the Obaidele Street which serves as the only adjoining route to the Avenue and Warri/Sapele Roads.
The source reports that the flyover, which connects Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state, was among the projects awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in 2023.
It further reports that since the construction company moved to site in July, the Warri/Sapele Road, Effurun/Sapele Road and Udu Road had remained closed.
The development had also forced some major transport companies located within the area to relocate their offices temporarily.
A motorist, Mr Samson Agbonlahor, said that the State Government could grade the adjoining route to allow for easy movement of vehicles and tricycles before moving to site.
“Sometimes, you can spend 20 minutes on this route to connect the Oil Field Road and some other times, you can spend more than an hour on this short distance”, he said.
Agbonlahor said remedial work on Obaidele Street would have eased the traffic and pains motorists experienced daily on the short route.
A commercial tricyclist, Mr. Anozie Cletus, said connecting the Warri/Sapele Road from the Enerhen junction had become a nightmare.
According to him, only commercial tricyclists coming from the Effurun axis and conveying heavy luggages now pass through the access route.
“Those carrying passengers only stopped at the barricaded point while the passengers trekked a distance to connect either Warri/Sapele Road or Avenue, depending on the direction they were going.
“Those carrying heavy luggages do not have other options than to pass through the adjoining route.
“Julius Berger is doing a great job at the Enerhen junction and we are appealing to the state government to do a little work on the Obaidele Street to ease our movement and pains”, he said.
Another commercial tricyclist, Mr. Monday Ighomena, recalled how he spent about two hours on the route following the breakdown of a truck.
“You know there is no way to reverse; everywhere is tight coupled with the heavy downpour; nobody to control traffic, it was a sad experience.
“I will use this medium to appeal to the state government to help us amend the adjoining route to allow free-flow of traffic”, he said.
The source reports that the Delta State Government awarded contracts for two flyovers to Julius Berger Plc. in 2023.
The multi-billion Naira projects sited at the PTI junction and Enerhen junction were flag-off in November 2023, by the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
The State Government during the occasion, acknowledged the pains residents would go through when work would commence and promised to create access routes.
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The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
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