Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved the release of N6.7 billion as counterpart funding to access the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grant for educational development.
He also approved the construction and rehabilitation of several road projects across the state, aimed at improving infrastructure, linking communities, and boosting economic activity.
According to the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the approvals were granted during Thursday’s meeting of the State Executive Council, presided over by the governor at Government House, Asaba.
Aniagwu said the measures reflect the administration’s commitment to expanding road networks in both rural and urban areas while enhancing the basic education sector.
He explained that the road projects span the three senatorial districts, involving both new constructions and major rehabilitations, with emphasis on economic value, access, and durability.
Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Aniagwu noted that the Executive Council also endorsed extensive investments in road infrastructure to spur economic growth and improve living standards.
He said the release of the UBEC counterpart funding would enable the state to receive matching grants for the construction, renovation, and equipping of public schools.
Aniagwu added that Governor Oborevwori had directed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to assess the condition of school buildings and furniture to support improvements in both sectors.
He stressed that the joint focus on infrastructure and education aligns with the governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which prioritises human capital development and infrastructure renewal.
The approved road projects include reconstruction of failed sections of the Uzere–Asaba-Ase Road; Aboh–Akarai concrete road with a 100m 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,” Aniagwu said.
“Others 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.”
The Executive Council also confirmed the appointment of several traditional rulers. These include 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.
(NAN)