Osinbajo Commissions Key 6.72km Road in Bayelsa, Hails Governor Diri's Commitment
Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo officially inaugurated the newly completed 6.72-kilometer Agbura Oxbow Lake Road in Bayelsa State on Monday, marking a significant infrastructure milestone for the region. The road serves as a vital bypass for residents of Agbura and Ogbia communities, as well as motorists traveling from Swali Market to Nembe and beyond.
Praise for Governor Diri's Integrity and Development Focus
During the inauguration ceremony, Osinbajo expressed deep appreciation to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering efforts to enhance the lives of the people through improved infrastructure. He noted that it is rare in politics to find leaders who keep their promises, emphasizing Diri's straightforward and reliable character.
"I was here four years ago for the groundbreaking, but today the project has been actualized. This is a man of his words," Osinbajo stated. He highlighted the road's special significance, as it opens access to the Federal University Otuoke and Oloibiri, where oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in Nigeria.
"This road provides access to many communities and even the state capital. I want to thank Diri for making life easier for the people of Bayelsa," he added, underscoring the project's role in improving connectivity and daily life.
Governor Diri's Gratitude and Development Vision
Governor Douye Diri expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Bayelsa and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for honoring the invitation to inaugurate the project, which had its groundbreaking in 2022. He recalled Osinbajo's previous support as Vice President and noted the recent commissioning of another project by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the month.
"Sitting by you today, I see you as a real Bayelsa man, as you said you eat plantain every day," Diri remarked, fostering a sense of camaraderie. He reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring development reaches every part of Bayelsa State, regardless of terrain challenges.
"Development must be felt in every part of Bayelsa State. For us, there is nothing like difficult terrain; we must follow it squarely," he asserted. Diri also commended the federal government led by President Tinubu for its support to Bayelsa and Nigeria at large, and appreciated the contractors and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for ensuring the project's full completion.
Technical Details and Community Impact
Hon. Moses Teibowei, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, provided detailed specifications of the project:
- The road is a 6.72km single-carriageway with a width of 7.3 meters, finished with two layers of asphalt binder and wearing courses.
- It includes 2.35-meter shoulders on both sides and 1 kilometer of drainage on each side in development areas.
- Construction began on May 17, 2024, and has now been completed to high standards.
The completion of this bypass is expected to:
- Facilitate easier access to Swali Ultramodern Market.
- Reduce travel time and alleviate traffic congestion in the area.
- Enhance commercial activities for residents of Agbura and neighboring Ogbia communities.
This achievement represents a major milestone in the administration's dedication to improving infrastructure, boosting connectivity, and elevating the overall quality of life for people in the region. The project underscores a collaborative effort between state and federal entities to drive sustainable development in Bayelsa.
