By; EMMA ARUBI, Warri
A Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, lecturer, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, has stated that the very bad and impassable Federal roads in Delta State is affecting the education system, affecting transportation of agricultural products to the masses and visibly assisting criminal elements in their devilish kidnapping activities that is creating insecurity across the state.
The university don has therefore, appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently take over the reconstruction of these death trap and deteriorating roads stretching from Sapele-Eku-Abraka-Obiaruku-Abavo-Agbor respectively.
According to him, “the 70-kilometer stretch, which serves as a vital link across several local government areas, has been in a dire state, significantly affecting daily commuters, farmers, and the broader economy”.
Dr. Bebenimibo, expressed his concerns in an open letter addressed to the governor, imploring him to address the hardship faced by road users, highlighting the neglect by the Federal Government over the years.
“The road is virtually impassable,” Dr. Bebenimibo wrote. “Despite being a Federal road, its condition severely impacts Delta State, cutting across eight local government areas, including your own, Okpe. The road’s disrepair is a major factor driving up the cost of agricultural products and transportation, and it contributes to the prevailing insecurity in the region.”
While citing the road’s critical role in education, he noted that, “The current state of the road is killing education in Delta State. Both Delta State University, Abraka, and the University of Agbor are situated along this route. Staff and students are finding it increasingly difficult to commute.”
Dr. Bebenimibo argued that though the road is federally owned, Governor Oborevwori should seek President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval to commence the reconstruction, drawing inspiration from the actions of former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, who successfully constructed multiple flyovers on federal roads in his state.
“Governor, you have demonstrated ‘street credibility’ and a commitment to the people during your 2023 campaign. Now is the time to show it in action by addressing this critical infrastructure issue,” Dr. Bebenimibo emphasized.
