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Tag: James Augoye

  • James Augoye: The unseen hand behind the “Road Master” in Delta

    James Augoye: The unseen hand behind the “Road Master” in Delta

    By Obaro Egagifo

    On July 3, 2020, the first batch of eight commissioners, which included the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, will be marking five years on the saddle in the administration of the State, since they were sworn in by the State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Since first assuming office in 2015, Augoye has been able to interpret the smart initiatives of the State Governor who has been nicknamed “Road Master” in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in road construction spanning over 407 roads, and several line drainages spread across the State.

    A careful appraisal of five-year developments in Delta paints a clear picture of why Governor Okowa is nick-named “Road Master”. But then, there is an ‘unseen hand,’ who has tacitly interpreted and astutely implemented the smart initiatives of the State Governor.

    Augoye, the unseen hand and brain behind the “Road Master” in Delta, is a thoroughly bred and well put together politician from Ugbokodo in Okpẹ Local Government Area of the State.

    On becoming Commissioner, Augoye, whose education spans from his community primary school to the great University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he bagged his Master’s degree in Public Administration, immediately revolutionized the Delta State Ministry of Works.

    In his commitment to seeing that Governor Okowa succeeds in his road infrastructural strides across the State, the very unassuming gentleman will always do everything possible to ensure projects are delivered on time and to make sure Deltans get value for their money.

    With how well Augoye has implemented the administration’s initiative, five years later, we can simply look back and Augoye has done quite well in delivering the campaign promises of the administration and more.

    Training for civil engineers

    At the beginning of every construction year in Delta, in the past years of Augoye becoming Commissioner for Works, he has made training and retraining of civil engineers at all cadre in the Ministry a top priority. Augoye has organized a yearly training workshop for the civil engineers aimed at sharpening and updating the skills of field engineers with modern technology in road construction. The training program is now code-named in the Ministry as “The James Augoye Training and Workshop for Civil Engineers”. Indeed, this will become one of the standing legacies of Augoye in the Ministry.

    Projects

    Indeed, the administration has stayed true in making more communities accessible, with roads that are very vital to the socio-economic development of the people. Construction of roads in the State under the watch of Augoye is all-inclusive as no local government in the State had not witnessed footprints of road construction.

    The people of Obomkpa, Issele-Uku, Onicha-Olona, Idumuje-Uno, Ukwu-Nzu, Issele-Mkpitime, among others in Aniocha North as well as Irri, Oleh, Ozoro, Iyede, Emede, Owhelogbo, Ellu, Ofagbe, Ikpide-Irri all in Isoko North and Isoko South and Ughelli, Amekpa, Afiesere, Ofuoma, Oteri, Abraka, Orerokpe, and several other communities in Delta central all have stories to tell of footprints in road construction into their various communities. The story is not different in riverine communities of Burutu Town, Ogulagha, Yokri, Obotobo, Sokebolo, Okerenkoko, Ogidigben, Koko, among others.

    While also constructing feeder roads, the administration has continued construction works on the Ughelli Asaba dualization project. A trip to the project site along Sector C which includes from Asaba to Oloh-Ossisa, reveals massive construction work currently ongoing as well as the Sector A from Ughelli to Isoko.

    Under Augoye’s watch, the Delta State Government has built over 400 roads, and counting

    Legacy project: Asaba stormwater erosion control project

    Perhaps the biggest achievement of the administration will no doubt be in the area of flood control in Asaba, the State capital. Embarrassed by hardship posed by flooding in the State capital, Governor Okowa awarded the multi-billion naira storm drainage contracts to check the perennial flooding of the State capital. Augoye took it upon himself to see that the aim of the Governor was achieved.

    Today, the hardship posed by flooding in the State capital has now become a thing of the past as Asaba now has deep underground sewers that take all the floodwater from Nnebisi road, connecting the Direct Labour Agency (DLA) road to Jesus Saves road and Agric road, on one end, while also curbing the menace of floodwater on DBS road, cabinet office road, and environs, connected to the Marian Babangida road, and properly channelled to Oyabi river.

    Those who are familiar with the capital city before now can testify of the level of flooding in the capital city. The whole of DLA, Okpanam road, DBS road, Ralph Uwechie road and several others including the Okotomi area of Okpanam have now been rescued from the annual flooding ritual. Indeed with the first phase of the stormwater drainages, Asaba residents now sleep with two eyes closed. All thanks to the effective supervision of Augoye.

    Legacy project: Asaba Airport project

    Another key achievement of the administration is the Asaba Airport. Deltans and indeed Nigerians would recall that in 2015, the Asaba International Airport was downgraded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over safety concern that was largely due to the faulty runway. With courage and determination on the part of the Governor, the Delta State Government awarded the contract to Setraco Nigeria Limited under the supervision of the Ministry of Works that has been under the purview of Augoye since the first term of Governor Okowa.

    With the downgrade, only Dash 8-Q 400 aircraft or its equivalent were allowed to operate using the airport. Today, the story is different; all the safety issues have been addressed; the Asaba Airport runway is now completed and operational with better facilities. The runway is 3.4 kilometres long, theoretically capable of receiving a 747 aircraft, meaning that larger aircraft like the 737 can now safely use the airport. As of 2013, Asaba Airport serviced an average of 6,880 passengers per month on 260 flights. Commercial activities have since increased drastically with the restoration of the airport to a decent condition, all thanks to the Ministry of Works supervisory role under the watch of Augoye.

    Legacy project: Marian Babangida road

    The Marian Babangida road is one strategic road at the heart of the city of Asaba. The road, a dual carriageway linking Okpanam road to the Asaba/Benin express road, has defied the technical abilities of past administration due to the terrain, the location, and nature of the road. When this administration came on board, the technicalities of the addressed were tabled and addressed appropriately. Today, the road has since been completed and in use by Deltans.

    Legacy project: Ugbomro road (Phase 1)

    This is another award-winning road project achieved by Governor Okowa under the meticulous watch of the gentleman Commissioner Augoye. At the inception of the administration, the Governor was so desirous of tackling that road problem, which has in the past, always been an abandoned project. That determination made the Governor to award the road contract to Setraco. The project has since been completed and commissioned. The people of Ugbomro, and other communities, and indeed the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) will forever remain grateful for the road.

    Roads and bridges in riverine communities

    Governor Okowa is not nick-named Road Master for nothing. From the Okerenkoko road projects, the Ogidigben township road, Burutu township roads, the Ayakoromor bridge project and indeed the multi-billion naira Trans-Warri Ode-Itsekiri road project and bridges linking over eight communities across the Excavos-Focados river could best be described as signature and historic projects in the life of the people. Indeed this is what the Road Master Governor means to the riverine communities.

    The unending commitment of Augoye, and his tenacity to effectively interpret government policies and implement, sets him apart, earning him the appellation as the unseen hand behind the “Road Master” in Delta, etching him as enviable and endearing in the hearts of Deltans.

  • After 29 years, Delta Govt completes historic bridge

    After 29 years, Delta Govt completes historic bridge

    After 29-years, the Delta State Government has completed the historic bridge that links Ovwor-Olomu and Effurun-Otor communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

    The bridge, which is 100 meters long, 20.meters wide, and 45 meters above the water level, was completed recently with over 300 meters of asphalt road and side drains on both sides of the approach.

    Inspecting the project on Wednesday, the State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, stated that the project was a dream come true for the people of both communities.

    Augoye emphasised that the actualization of the project was another milestone in the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, he said is poised to leave a stronger Delta legacy for Deltans.

    “The successful completion of this project is one of the legacy projects of the Okowa administration and we are proud that it is one of the achievements of indigenous engineering in Nigeria.

    “This bridge was abandoned by several administrations since 1991 when it was first awarded by OMPADEC. Now that it has been completed, both communities are open for further investment,” Augoye said.

  • Delta Govt charges Big Warri road contractor to increase pace of work

    Delta Govt charges Big Warri road contractor to increase pace of work

    The Delta State Government has charged Setraco, the contractor handling the Big Warri road project and bridges to increase the pace of work to ensure that the project is delivered on time as agreed with the contractor.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye gave the charge on Wednesday in the company of the Special Director of the project, Chief Otimeyin Adams during an inspection tour of the multi-billion naira road that will link Ubeji in Warri South Local Government Area to Ode-Itsekiri when completed.

    Augoye commended the contractor for the level of work done so far, stressing the quality of work done so far was very high. He said the project is about 25.8 kilometers long with 19 bridges and about 4 spurs leading to other communities.

    He said the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa was doing everything possible to ensure that he finances the project to conclusion, while acknowledging the challenges being faced in terms of financing of the project.

    “This is one of the projects inherited by this administration. This project was actually awarded on the 22nd of August 2006, but the contractor was mobilized to site on the 10th of September 2007.

    “As you can see, the work is a very long one, about 25.8 kilometers with 19 bridges. Of course, there are other spurs, about 4 spurs leading to other communities. At the moment this administration decided that we should concentrate on the main alignment, i.e. the Ubeji down to Ode Itsekiri.

    “Like the contractor said, they have done about 14 bridges; they have 5 more. Once those ones are completed, they will now continue with the road work and get it finished to Ode Itsekiri.

    “The quality of work here is very high. I must commend them for their efforts. I want to appeal to them to increase the pace of work to ensure that this work is completed by the end of next year, as earlier agreed with the contractor.

    “Of course, I know also they have challenges in terms of financing of the project. We are all aware of the State of our country’s economy, and it is also biting hard on Delta State. His Excellency, the Governor is doing everything possible to ensure that he finance this project to conclusion.

    Speaking on the importance of the road to the State, Augoye said, “As you can see, the road has not been completed, yet it has opened up the other side of the river to much economic activities. Before now the private depots were not there, but as soon as we completed the first 5 kilometers up to the river jetty, you can see that they have taken over the whole of that place.

    “If this side of the river is completed, it means that more industries would be opened in this side of the river. And of course, it would create economic activities and employment for our people around this area.

    Meanwhile, Area Manager of Setraco, Delta Region, Mr Joseph Helby contractor assured that his company was determined to complete the project by the end of 2021.

    “If all the parameters in the country go well, we supposed to finish this work by the end of 2021. The main alignment has 19 bridges. 14 are fully completed, remaining only 5 bridges. As we are moving gradually, the entire road will be motorable up to Ode Itsekiri,” Helby said.

    On his part, Chief Adams, who also spoke on the importance of the road to the people, said, “If you are coming from Ubeji, you will see that the road has opened up the rural areas. If you were here in 2006, you will know what I am talking about. The Ifie, Ajaetan, the spurs on this side of the river have been upgraded and there is life.

    “There are six tank farms in this area, which have provided employment for our youths and the social life of the people in this area has improved. 10 communities would be affected by this road. Already we have accessed 5 communities, remaining 5. We have Ubeji, we have Ifie, we have Ajaetan, we have Ijala, we have Igbodede, we have Ajegba, we have Usele, we have Uronyin, we have Orugbo and we have Ode Itsekiri.

    “This road would have long been completed if not for finances. And since he [Okowa] came on board, he has done within his best to reduce the debt profile of about N9 billion to N3 billion. And you can see the contractor, if not for COVID-19 and the economic setback, you be surprised to see the level of work. Like the Commissioner said, by 2021, all things being equal, if there is adequate funding, which we are appealing to the Governor for, we will get to Ode Itsekiri”.

  • Delta State sets to launch ultra-modern soil testing laboratory

    Delta State sets to launch ultra-modern soil testing laboratory

    The Delta State Government has started a process to launch by end of the year an ultra-modern soil testing laboratory within the premises of the Ministry of Works in Asaba, capital of the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the State Commissioner for Works, James Augoye made this known on Thursday while fielding questions from reporters after a tour of 12 major road projects in the State.

    The Commissioner, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of jobs done by the contractors, said as soon as the laboratory is completed, all tests would be moved to the ministry, instead of going to the University to Benin to carry out tests.

    “We have started the process of soil testing at our own laboratory within the premises of the Ministry of Works in Asaba. As soon as we are done with it, we will move all tests to the ministry instead of going to the University to Benin to carry out tests.

    “And I can assure you that by the end of this year, we will get that done, as we have already acquired the equipment,” Augoye said at the end of the inspection in Ika South and Ika North East local councils.

    Meanwhile, Augoye said the State Government was in high spirits to complete five major road projects, aggregating to 20.651 Km, before July, the peak of rainy season.

    Some of the projects are the construction of DDPA Housing Estate roads (Phase Three), construction of adjoining roads around Queen Street Agbor and the recon¬struction of Alihame/Agbor-Nta/Oki road in Ika-South Local Government Area.

    Others include the rehabilitation of Convent Street and the construction of Efeizomor road (from Owa-Ekei/Owa-Alero to Old Abraka road in Ika North-East Local Government Area.

    While commending the contractors for displaying high levels of commitment, the Commissioner appealed for increased in the pace of work to achieve completion before the heavy rains.

    With the exception of Convent Street which the commissioner said was awarded earlier than the rest, all others are at various levels of completion.

    “Of all the projects we visited, we discovered that the contractors were on site. Aside from a couple of minor observations, the quality of jobs is high. I must commend them for their efforts, and I also wish to urge them to step up their pace of work to ensure there is a substantial completion of work before the rains come.

    “I have no doubt that the contractors will deliver the jobs on schedule with the pace of work done so far. I am also certain the contractors would deliver on specifications, and in line with the timeline given to them,” Augoye stated.

    The Commissioner assured that the open drains noticed at some construction sites would be substantially covered, while the major drains within the town would remain open.

    He was accompanied on the visit by the Director of Urban and Regional Roads (North), Mrs. Juliet Aboloje, and others.

  • COVID-19: Delta Commissioner for Works donates food items to communities

    COVID-19: Delta Commissioner for Works donates food items to communities

    Delta State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye on Monday distributed food items as palliatives to residents of Okpe Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

    The distribution was the second phase of the palliative measure by the Commissioner to assist the people of Okpe during the lockdown to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Augoye, while distributing the food items in Opuraja, said the effort was aimed at cushioning the effect of the state government’s stay-at-home order.

    The Commissioner stressed the need for all Deltans to always comply with the stay at home directive of the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

    He advised Deltans to always adhere to regular handwashing, use of hand sanitizers, social distancing, and other guidelines emplaced by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

    During the distribution of the 150 bags of 50kg rice, Media Aide to the Commissioner, Obaro Egagifo hinted that the Commissioner had earlier distributed sanitizers and bags of rice across some households in his immediate community of Jeddo, Ugbokodo and Ughoton before the lockdown.

    He added that the Commissioner decided to extend the gesture to the entire Okpe LGA in the second phase to meet the needs of most vulnerable people residing in Okpe.

    He said the palliative measure was in line with the passionate appeal by Governor Okowa on well-meaning Deltans to extend a hand of support to the vulnerable within their localities.

  • PDP honours Augoye, Delta Commissioner for Works

    PDP honours Augoye, Delta Commissioner for Works

    The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State on Friday honoured Chief James Augoye following his re-appointment as the State Commissioner for Works by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Augoye was honoured at a grand reception organized by the Ward 10 chapter of the PDP in Jeddo, Okpe Local Government Area of the State.

    Augoye, who was presented with a plaque for excellent service to the State, appreciated the organizers of the event, and vowed that by the grace of God, he won’t disappoint the trust reposed on him by Deltans, and Okpes in particular.

    “By the grace of God, I will not disappoint. This is the beginning and we will not disappoint. I am a human being. I may not be right at all times. As we progress in our political journey, so many things are going to happen. I am yet to be satisfied with what I am doing because I believe there are so many things yet undone,” he said.

    Augoye, who was visibly elated by the occasion, was full of praise for Governor Okowa for believing in him; and he thanked the Chairman of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, who was present at the occasion, for standing as a father to him, stressing that Oyovbaire brought him to the limelight.

    Speaking at the grand reception, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, who graced the event, charged Augoye to shun ethnic biase in implementing projects across the State.

    “I am not someone who holds back criticism when someone is not performing right, neither am I someone who withhold commendation when someone is doing right.

    “The Commissioner for Works is doing well. He should do more to make sure that development is evenly distributed across the State,” Oborevwori said, while congratulating Augoye for his re-appointment at the occasion.

    Meanwhile, chairman of the occasion, Chief (Barr.) Isaac Itebu congratulated Governor Okowa, Speaker Oborevwori and Efe Afe, member representing Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie constituency in the House of Representatives for their victories at the tribunal, and also commended the Governor for the various appointments flowing into Okpe.

    Itebu appreciated the chairman and members of PDP Ward 10 for putting the event together to honour one of their own, and emphasized the need for those who have been appointed to one office or the other to appoint one or two persons and place them on salary in order to ease tension in the polity.

    He appealed to the youths of Delta State to be patient with government and be consistent with whatever endeavours they are involved in, stressing that the emergence of Augoye as Commissioner for Works for the second tenure of Governor Okowa was due to his excellent performance.

    “One you recognize excellence and performance, it encourages someone to do more. We are expecting more appointments. Those who have been appointed should appoint others and place them on salary to ease tension in the polity,” Chief Itebu said, while stressing that those who have been appointed it’s not because they worked more than others but by the grace of God.

    Chief Itebu charged that the issue of Okpe identity be laid to rest, saying he agrees it is the turn of Delta central to produce the next governor of Delta State comes 2023.

    “It is the turn of Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie to produce the next governor of Delta State. By the special grace of God, we will produce the next governor,” he said.

    Chief Robert Onome, President, Okpe Union Worldwide, and Duke of Esezi Quarters of Okpe Kingdom, who also addressed the audience, thanked God Almighty for making the day possible, saying “since 1998, we have been the main pillars of PDP in Okpe LGA” while describing Augoye as an embodiment of humility.

    Also in attendance at the grand reception are Efe Uko, Okpe PDP Chairman, Chief Dora Sakpaide, Special Assistant to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Joyce Overah, Solomon Bayagbon, the Chairman of Jeddo Community, and Rt. Hon. Benson Umukoro, amongst other dignitaries.

  • 2019: Augoye rolls out drums for Atiku, Okowa, other PDP candidates

    2019: Augoye rolls out drums for Atiku, Okowa, other PDP candidates

    Delta State Commissioner for Works, James Augoye has said Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will make Nigeria work again.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Augoye stated this on Sunday during campaign drumming support for various PDP candidates in the 2019 General Elections in Ughoton, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

    While speaking during the campaign, Augoye lamented woes the country has suffered under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    He said Buhari crippled the economy of the nation and rendered it’s security apparatuses incapacitated.

    Augoye stressed Atiku is the only candidate that can change the fortune of the nation for good, and said the administration of Atiku will be far better off than that of Buhari’s.

    He urged Nigerians to vote massively for the PDP presidential flag bearer.

    The Delta State Works Commissioner also urged the people of Okpe Ward 10 to vote PDP candidates for Delta Central Senatorial District, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    TNG reports Evelyn Oboro is the Delta Central Senatorial District flag bearer, Efe Afe, candidate for House of Representatives, and Sheriff Oborevwori for House of Assembly.

    While highlighting the development strides of Governor Okowa, Augoye said the SMART Agenda of Governor Okowa has yielded good fruits, and benefited Deltans, especially the people of Jeddo, Ugbokodo and Ughoton communities.

    Stressing that Okowa recognises and have high regards for the communities, he said the administration will complete the Okpe road for easy access to commuters, and to ease traffic congestion at Effurun round about and other parts of Warri metropolis.

    “Okpe road is in three phases. Presently we are on phase one. Also, plans are in place for the dualization of Jeddo road from Shaguolo down to Omadino.

    “Jeddo has to return Governor Okowa so that the Okpe road can be completed, and the proposed dualization of Jeddo road can be accomplished,” Augoye said.

    Community leaders, women and youths, who spoke during the campaign declared unparalleled support for all the PDP candidates in the 2019 general elections.

    Speaking during the campaign, chairman of Jeddo community, Solomon Bayagbon said, “Okowa’s government has done much for our community, and we are grateful.

    “I want to assure Governor Okowa that Jeddo community is behind him. The women, youths, and all residents are behind him.

    “We will not disappoint him. We have agreed to declare Jeddo for Governor Okowa”.

    The Jeddo community leader pleaded with Okowa to ensure that contractor handling the Okpe road is mobilised back to site for speedy completion of the road.

    Also speaking, Chief Robert Onome, President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, said the stride of Okowa in the state is worth giving support for.

    “Governor Okowa has shown with his first term the need to give him support for second term.

    “The development he has put in place in Delta has proved the worth of him.

    “For recognising our communities in his government, we will work assiduously to ensure he gets maximum votes.

    “We have all it takes to deliver,” he said.

    The campaign was well attended by chiefs, elders, leaders and youths of the three communities.

    Augoye was ably accompanied by the mobilisation Team Augoye for Okowa 2019 at the campaign.

    Political Adviser to the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori; Deputy Chairman, Okpe LGA, and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okowa and once Okpe LGA chairman, Chief Efe Uko also attended the campaign.

     

  • Delta Govt. requires N11.5bn to complete 3 projects in Asaba – Commissioner

    The Delta Government on Monday said that it would require N11.5 billion to complete three ongoing storm water routing projects in Asaba.

    The State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, disclosed this on Monday at the 2018 Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the State Ministry of Information.

    He said the state government, in its determination to address flooding in the capital, had engaged experts and undertook the study of the entire Asaba area.

    The commissioner said that at the end of the study, eight storm water channels were outlined with their corresponding costs of which three were identified to be strategic in the interim.

    He expressed optimism that the perennial flooding in the area would be a thing of the past after the completion of the projects.

    He said the government had already started the execution of the three major storm water routing projects in Asaba.

    ‘‘The first is the continuation and completion of the construction of the 2.44-kilometre length storm water control measures in Direct Labour Road (DLA) /Jesus Saves corridor in Asaba awarded on May 15, 2017 to CCECC at the cost of N1.7 billion.

    ‘‘The second is the construction of 4.33-kilometre length the storm water discharge channel along Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS)/ Umejei Adudu Way to Amilimocha River, Asaba, awarded to Setraco at the cost of N5.2 billion.

    ‘‘The third is the construction of 3.5-kilometres network channels storm water drainage along Amb. Ralph Uweche Way to Anwai River, Asaba, awarded to CCECC on Jan. 25 this year at the cost of N4.6 billon.’’

    He said that the projects were at various levels of completion, adding that the DLA/Jesus Saves project was 80 per cent completed, while the other two would be completed in 12 months’ time.

    The commissioner said that on completion of the storm water drainage project, flooding from the DLA, Jesus Saves, DBS Road, Maryam Babangida Way, Okpanam Road and other adjoining streets would be effectively evacuated.

    Augoye, however, said his ministry was facing challenges of funding, difficult terrains and unpredictable weather conditions which had had made road construction difficult in the state.