Ofunama Jetty Completed: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi Commends Gov. Okpebholo, Calls for Urgent Construction of Udo–Ofunama Road
Ofunama Jetty Completed: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi Commends Gov. Okpebholo, Calls for Urgent Construction of Udo–Ofunama Road
The completion of the Ofunama Concrete Jetty by the Edo State Government has been described as a welcome relief and a strategic step toward unlocking the maritime and economic potential of the Ofunama and greater Egbema region. However, development advocate and public affairs analyst, Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, has appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to take one more critical step that will determine the value and long-term impact of the project.
In a statement released to the press, Dr. Agbedeyi expressed deep appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for delivering the jetty—an infrastructural facility long awaited by the riverine community. He noted that the jetty will certainly improve water transport, enhance safety for travellers, and support commercial activities. But he stressed that without the construction of the Udo–Ofunama Road, the completed jetty would not achieve its full socio-economic purpose.
“A Jetty Without a Road Is an Unfinished Promise” — Dr. Agbedeyi
According to Dr. Agbedeyi, the economic lifeline of Ofunama and adjoining riverine settlements depends on seamless connectivity between water transport and land accessibility. While the jetty will ease the landing of goods—especially seafood, garri, fish, palm produce, perishable crops, and other local commodities—the deplorable condition of the Udo–Ofunama Road remains a major barrier to moving these goods into the city.
He explained that fishermen, farmers, traders, and transporters still face heartbreaking losses because products offloaded at the jetty cannot reach major markets. Without a functional and motorable access road, he said, the community’s efforts will remain constrained and the jetty risks becoming “a beautiful infrastructure without economic legs.”
Urgent Call for State Action or NDDC Partnership
Dr. Agbedeyi called on the Governor to urgently liaise with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or adopt the road as a special state-funded infrastructure priority, given its enormous economic significance. He emphasized that the completion of the Udo–Ofunama Road would:
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Boost agriculture and fisheries
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Promote commerce and trade
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Improve emergency response and security
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Reduce poverty and youth unemployment
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Strengthen Edo State’s oil-producing credentials
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Fully unlock Ofunama’s role as a strategic coastal community
He argued that no meaningful development can be achieved if produce continues to perish at the shoreline due to lack of accessible transportation routes.
A Plea for Balanced, Inclusive Development
Dr. Agbedeyi concluded by appealing to the Governor to make history by being the administration that finally connects Ofunama to the rest of the state in a meaningful way.
“Your Excellency has already taken a bold step by completing the concrete jetty. We ask, in the spirit of fairness and inclusive governance, that you complete the circle by rehabilitating and reconstructing the Udo–Ofunama Road. Only then will the Jetty translate into real economic transformation for Ofunama and the entire Egbema axis.”
The people of Ofunama, he added, remain hopeful and confident that Governor Okpebholo—known for his pragmatism and listening leadership—will prioritize this vital project.
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