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Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the release of N6.7 billion as the state’s counterpart funding for access of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grant for educational development in the state. 

The EXCO, at a pre-Sallah holiday meeting at the Government House Asaba, also approved many new and old roads projects across the three senatorial districts of the state for construction and rehabilitation, valued at many billions of naira, pursuant to improving infrastructure base of the Oborevwori administration’s economic programmes and activities.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, briefing newsmen on the resolutions at the meeting, said that the release of the N6.7 billion Universal Basic Education counterpart funding would “enable the state to draw matching grants for the construction, renovation, and equipping of public schools”.

He underscored the fact that the Oborevwori government was giving the nod for the important counterpart fund release without recourse to borrowing, which he noted has stood Governor Oborevwori as being outstandingly solvent in the country.

Aniagwu, who was in company with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, stressed that EXCO was deliberately expanding investments in road infrastructure to accelerate economic activities and improve the quality of life of Delta State citizens.

The double-barrel launch on road and education development was in tandem with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which places premium on renewal of infrastructure and improved human capital development.

Aniagwu said: “There were a lot of considerations at today’s EXCO meeting, ranging from road construction to improvements in our education sector. There are some communities today where we had the opportunity to approve the appointment of traditional rulers.”

The commissioner listed the projects approved by EXCO as including “Reconstruction of failed sections of the Uzere-Asaba-Ase Road; Aboh-Akarai concrete road with a 100-meter bridge across the Okiri River in Ndokwa East; Eku-Osubi Road; and, Okpanam-Ugbolu Road.

“For the sake of fluctuations, we have reviewed upwards some contracts awarded during the last administration. These include the Ejeme-Aniogor-Obidugbo-Ekuku-Agbor Road Phase 1; Ajuebor and Uwaezueka Streets in Boji-Boji Owa; Amai-Aragba Road with 40 percent mobilisation; and, Idheze Internal Roads Phases 1 and 2.

“Other roads approved are the Ovrode-Aradhe Road Phase 1; Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu Access Road in Okpolo-Enhwe; Atuma-Iga Internal Roads; the construction of Arho Road by Heroes of Faith, Ughelli; and, the repudiation and re-award of Imohwe Street, Ekiugbo, to connect Oteri and Iwremaro Town Phase 1.

“Moreover, the rehabilitation/asphalt overlay of Olu Palace Road/Ugbori/Ekurede-Itsekiri Road, and the construction of Orugboh Roads in Warri South, were approved.

“Additional approvals include the rehabilitation/asphalt overlay of the Ekpan/Oviorie/Ovu-Inland/Okpara-Inland/Isiokolo/Kokori Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area; the Bulu-Angiama Road in Patani Local Government Area; Overflow Avenue in Amukpe; Torugbene Internal Roads, and an upward review of the new Tankers’ Park at NigerCat, Ekpan. Also approved are the Mereje-Ekokor-Erogbo Road Phase 1, the construction of the Delta State House of Assembly’s Cooperative Estate Road, Okpanam, and Chief Wellington Oyibo Community Road in Mosogar.

“EXCO also approved the supply and installation of workshop tools and equipment at Omadino Technical College and Model Technical College, Oghara-Efe; the construction of an administrative block, hostels, dining and kitchen, mechanical and welding workshops at the new Model Technical College, Akugbene; a review of the contract sum for the new Model Technical College, Irri; the construction of a 12-terrace building at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters, Asaba; and the concessioning of the Issele-Uku Garment Facility/Skill Acquisition Centre.”

According to Aniagwu, in line with the administration’s plan to improve primary and secondary education across the state, Governor Oborevwori has directed the respective ministries to immediately undertake assessment of the infrastructure and furniture needs of schools.

“The EXCO approved the extension of electricity supply and installation of six transformers at Orugbo, Ode-Itsekiri, Ajigba, Inorin, Usele, and Ugbodede communities, all in Warri South Local Government Area.”

The State EXCO also approved the appointment of traditional rulers for several traditional entities, including HRM Obi Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka Ugboma as the Obi of Issele-Azagba Kingdom within the state capital territory; Obi Michael Ogochukwu Osemedua Isichei as the Obi of Ubulu-Okiti; HRM Obi Cletus Nkeakam Ochei as the Obi of Ukwu-Oba Kingdom; HRM Okorocha Emoghene Osuokpa I as the 39th Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom; HRM Patrick Okpomor Agre as the Ovie of Igbide Kingdom; and HRM Michael Avwerotakpo Eyareya (Eyareya II) as the Orovworere of Effurun-Otor Kingdom.