Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday officially inaugurated the 6.72km Agbura–Oxbow Lake Road in Bayelsa State.
The newly completed road will serve as a convenient bypass for residents of Agbura, Ogbia communities, and motorists traveling to Nembe and beyond from Swali Market.
During the inauguration, the former Vice President expressed appreciation to Governor Douye Diri for his efforts to improve the lives of Bayelsans through enhanced infrastructure.
Osinbajo, while thanking Governor Diri for the invitation to commission the project, noted that it is not often in politics that people keep to their promises. He described Diri as a straightforward leader who keeps his word.
“I was here four years ago for the groundbreaking, but today the project has been actualised. This is a man of his word.
“This road is very special to the people of this area, as it opens access to Federal University Otuoke and Oloibiri, where oil was first discovered in large quantities.
“This road provides access to many communities and even the state capital. I want to thank Governor Diri for making life easier for the people of Bayelsa,” he said.
Diri expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa and Prof. Osinbajo for honouring the invitation to inaugurate the project, which had its groundbreaking in 2022.
According to him, “You honoured us during the groundbreaking in 2022 when you were Vice President. The project was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier this month, and today you are here again for another road project.
“Sitting beside you today confirms that you are a true Bayelsa man, as you often say you eat plantain every day.
“Development must be felt in every part of Bayelsa State. For us, there is nothing like difficult terrain; we must pursue development squarely,” he said.
Diri commended the federal government, led by President Tinubu, for supporting Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.
The governor also appreciated the contractors and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for ensuring the project was fully completed.
Hon. Moses Teibowei, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, stated that the project involved the construction of a 6.72km single-carriageway road with a 7.3-metre width, finished with two layers of asphalt binder and wearing course, along with 2.35-metre shoulders on both sides.
He added that one kilometre of drainage was constructed on each side in developed areas. Construction began on May 17, 2024.
The completion of the bypass will improve access to Swali Ultramodern Market, reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and boost commercial activities for residents of Agbura and neighbouring Ogbia communities.
