Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday inaugurated the Agbura–Oxbow Lake Road and the Oporoma Referral Hospital in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, describing the projects as transformative developments with far-reaching economic and social impact.
The visit comes years after Governor Douye Diri invited Osinbajo in 2022 to flag off the 630-metre Angiama–Oporoma Bridge across the River Nun, a key project aimed at connecting the headquarters of Southern Ijaw LGA by road.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly completed road, Osinbajo commended the governor for delivering what he described as life-changing infrastructure projects, noting that the road now connects several critical government institutions, including the NCDMB Towers, the Federal Secretariat, and the Central Bank of Nigeria office in Bayelsa State.
He recalled his earlier visit to the area during the bridge flag-off, saying the terrain had made the project seem almost impossible at the time.
“Just as His Excellency has said, I was here about four years ago to do the groundbreaking for the Angiama–Oporoma bridge… what seemed to be an endless road,” Osinbajo said.
He expressed satisfaction that the bridge had since been completed, adding that the newly commissioned road further extends connectivity to Agbura, Swali, and surrounding communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, as well as the Ogbia axis, home to the Federal University in Otueke and Oloibiri—widely regarded as the site of Nigeria’s first oil discovery.
Governor Diri, in his remarks, said the projects were part of a broader effort to open up the riverine communities of Bayelsa and create economic opportunities through improved access and transportation. He noted that the construction phase provided employment for hundreds of young people from nearby communities.
According to him, the new road network has already improved mobility across the Yenagoa–Oporoma–Ukubie corridor, boosting trade and access to public services in previously hard-to-reach areas.
Diri also recalled that Osinbajo had expressed interest in attending the inauguration of the Angiama–Oporoma Bridge alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier visit, but was unavailable at the time due to international engagements.
He described Osinbajo’s return as symbolic, saying it allowed the former Vice President to witness firsthand the completion of a project he once flagged off.
The Bayelsa State Government said the infrastructure projects form part of its long-term development agenda aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating local economies, and enhancing access to healthcare and education in riverine communities.
