By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Executive Council on Thursday approved series of extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and stimulating economic growth throughout the state.
The council also approved the allocation of ₦6.7 billion as the state’s counterpart funding to access the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grant, which is intended for educational advancement.
These decisions were publicly announced after a State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba.
The approvals are part of the ongoing efforts by the administration to improve road connectivity in both urban and rural areas, while also bolstering the education sector.
Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, informed reporters that the road projects span the state’s three senatorial districts and encompass both new constructions and significant rehabilitations, focusing on economic viability, accessibility, and long-lasting quality.
Accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Aniagwu emphasized that the council’s approved investments in road infrastructure aim to accelerate economic progress and enhance residents’ quality of life.
He stated that the ₦6.7 billion dedicated to the Universal Basic Education counterpart funding will allow the state to secure matching grants for the construction, renovation, and equipping of public educational institutions.
Aniagwu highlighted that the dual emphasis on infrastructure and education aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which prioritizes developmental initiatives in infrastructure and human capital.
“Today’s Exco meeting involved discussions on various matters, ranging from road development to enhancements in our educational framework. We also had the opportunity to appoint new traditional rulers for several communities,” Aniagwu noted.
He listed the approved projects, including the reconstruction of compromised sections of the Uzere–Asaba-Ase Road, the Aboh–Akarai concrete road featuring a 100m bridge over the Okiri River in Ndokwa East, the Eku–Osubi Road, and the Okpanam–Ugbolu Road.
“A review has led to increased contract amounts for certain projects awarded during the previous administration. Among these are the Ejeme-Aniogor–Obidugbo–Ekuku-Agbor Road Phase 1 and the Ajuebor and Uwaezueka Streets in Boji-Boji Owa. We also initiated construction on the Amai–Aragba Road, which received a 40 percent mobilization fee, and the Idheze Internal Roads Phases 1 and 2.”
“Additional projects approved include the Ovrode–Aradhe Road Phase 1, the Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu Access Road in Okpolo-Enhwe, Atuma-Iga Internal Roads, and the construction of Arho Road by Heroes of Faith in Ughelli. We also repurposed and re-awarded the Imohwe Street project in Ekiugbo to connect Oteri and Iwremaro Town Phase 1. Further approvals were given for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Olu Palace Road/Ugbori/Ekurede-Itsekiri Road and the construction of Orugboh Roads in Warri South.”
In addition, Aniagwu mentioned, “The council also approved the provision and installation of workshop tools and equipment at Omadino Technical College and Model Technical College in Oghara-Efe; the erection of an administrative block, hostels, a dining hall, and workshops at the newly established Model Technical College in Akugbene; and the revision of the contract sum for the construction of the new Model Technical College in Irri.”
“Exco has also sanctioned the construction of a 12-terrace building at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Asaba and the concessioning of the Issele-Uku Garment Facility/Skill Acquisition Centre.”
“The extension of electricity supply and installation of six transformers in the Orugbo, Ode-Itsekiri, Ajigba, Inorin, Usele, and Ugbodede communities, all situated in the Warri South Local Government Area, has also been approved.”
“We further appointed several traditional rulers, including 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 Obi Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka Ugboma as the Obi of Issele-Azagba 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.”
Aniagwu concluded by stating that Governor Oborevwori has directed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to assess the necessary infrastructure and furnishings to enhance education at both the primary and secondary levels in the state.
