Abraka–Agbor Road: Ebie’s advocacy deserves recognition, GCON Media team says

Michael Olumide Alabi

The ongoing rehabilitation of the long-neglected Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road has renewed hope among residents, motorists, farmers, traders and other road users across Delta State.

The intervention by the Federal Government is widely regarded as a welcome development, particularly for communities that have endured years of difficulties occasioned by the deplorable condition of the road.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for responding to the concerns surrounding the road and directing the relevant authorities to intervene.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), under its current leadership, also deserves recognition for translating the Federal Government’s policy direction into an infrastructure intervention.

However, as the story of the rehabilitation unfolds, the role played by the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, should not be overlooked.

The GCON Media Team argues that an accurate account of the project should acknowledge the various levels of government and individuals whose leadership, advocacy and institutional responsibilities contributed to moving the road from a longstanding infrastructure challenge towards rehabilitation.

On February 22, 2025, during the commissioning of the reconstructed Abraka–Oben Road, the NDDC also flagged off the reconstruction of the Abraka–Agbor Road. At the ceremony, Ebie, in his capacity as Chairman of the Commission’s Governing Board, identified the project as one of the major infrastructure interventions being undertaken by the NDDC.

Ebie commended the management of the Commission for implementing the policies of the Governing Board and following the directives of President Tinubu. He also expressed satisfaction that work had commenced on the important corridor.

His involvement, however, according to the GCON Media Team, should be viewed beyond his presence at the flag-off ceremony.
Ebie has consistently expressed interest in infrastructure development within Ika Federal Constituency, with reports highlighting his inspections of NDDC-funded projects in the area.

Such interventions have included road projects, streetlights and electrification schemes, portable water projects, road upgrades and other community-oriented infrastructure. The reported provision of power-generating sets and fully equipped ambulances to Agbor Central Hospital, as well as computers and ICT equipment for the Law Faculty of the University of Delta, are also part of the broader development efforts associated with his engagement with the constituency.

His interest in the Abraka–Agbor corridor also continued after the initial flag-off.

At the flag-off of the Agbor–Uromi Junction Flyover, Ebie assured the Delta State Government of the NDDC’s readiness to collaborate towards the completion of the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road, describing the route as an important feeder road to the flyover.

That position, the GCON Media Team said, demonstrates that Ebie’s interest in the road was not limited to a single ceremonial appearance but formed part of a broader transportation infrastructure vision around Agbor and the Agbor–Uromi corridor.

The road serves communities including Abraka, Obiaruku, Abavo and Agbor and remains important to the movement of people, agricultural produce and commercial goods.

For this reason, the rehabilitation has implications beyond transportation. Its successful completion could improve economic activities, reduce travel difficulties and strengthen connectivity among communities along the corridor.

The GCON Media Team therefore believes that recognising Ebie’s contribution does not diminish the roles of President Tinubu, the NDDC management or other stakeholders.

Rather, it provides a more complete picture of how major public infrastructure projects move from public concerns and advocacy to government policy, institutional decisions and implementation.

“President Tinubu heard the cry of the people and gave the necessary directive. The NDDC responded, while its management moved to implement the intervention,” the group said.

According to the team, Ebie’s position at the centre of the NDDC Governing Board during this period, coupled with his advocacy, oversight responsibilities and continued public engagement on infrastructure issues affecting the area, deserves acknowledgement.

The group stressed that the road ultimately belongs to the people and that its successful completion should be regarded as a collective achievement of government and stakeholders.

It also called on residents of Abraka, Obiaruku, Abavo, Agbor and surrounding communities to welcome the intervention while demanding that the project be completed to the required standards and within a reasonable timeframe.

“The greatest tribute to President Tinubu, Chiedu Ebie, Samuel Ogbuku and the NDDC will be the successful completion of the road,” the group stated.

It noted that the true impact of the project would be measured when motorists can travel safely, farmers can move their produce, traders can transport their goods and communities can reconnect without the hardship associated with the failed road.

The group, however, expressed concern over what it described as attempts by some commentators to minimise Ebie’s role in the development.

It argued that political affiliation should not be allowed to erase legitimate contributions to public infrastructure development, noting that Ebie is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has publicly expressed his commitment to the party.

The team described efforts to completely disregard his advocacy and involvement as unfair and urged commentators and stakeholders to present a more balanced account of the project.

Ultimately, the GCON Media Team maintained that the Abraka–Agbor Road should be viewed as a product of government intervention, institutional responsibility, leadership and sustained advocacy rather than the achievement of any single individual.