By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has taken significant steps to strengthen workers’ welfare and reposition the education sector with the approval of measures to permanently institutionalise the payment of the 13th-month salary for civil servants, recruit additional teachers for public secondary schools and equip technical colleges across the state.
The far-reaching decisions were taken at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the Executive Council approved a memorandum presented by Governor Oborevwori seeking to make the payment of the 13th-month salary a statutory entitlement for workers in the Delta State Civil Service.
Aniagwu, who addressed the press alongside the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, said the decision marks a major milestone in the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and financial security of public servants.
According to him, the approval will pave the way for an Executive Bill to be transmitted to the Delta State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
He explained that once enacted into law, the payment of the 13th-month salary would cease to be a discretionary policy of any government and become a legally guaranteed benefit for civil servants in the state.
“The essence is to ensure that the payment of the 13th-month salary is sustained beyond the life of the present administration and becomes a permanent component of workers’ welfare in Delta State,” Aniagwu said.
The Executive Council also turned its attention to the education sector, where it expressed concern over the shortage of teachers in public secondary schools, particularly in science and technical subjects.
Aniagwu disclosed that the council directed the Ministry of Secondary Education to immediately compile and submit the manpower requirements for public secondary schools, following which the recruitment of additional teachers would commence.
He said the decision was informed by the administration’s determination to improve the quality of teaching and learning by addressing the shortage of qualified personnel in critical subject areas.
In a further boost to technical and vocational education, the Executive Council approved the procurement and installation of modern equipment for the Technical College, Oghareki, in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
The council also approved plans to equip the Technical College, Irri, immediately after the completion of ongoing construction works at the institution.
Aniagwu said the investments are aimed at revitalising technical education and equipping students with practical skills required to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy, while also promoting entrepreneurship and reducing youth unemployment.
The commissioner added that the Executive Council also considered and approved a number of policy matters affecting the health and transport sectors, including the creation of additional transport routes to improve connectivity and ease the movement of commuters across the state.
In another decision, the Executive Council approved the appointment of His Royal Majesty Goodnews Goodman Agbi, Ph.D., Athuaro I, as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.
Aniagwu said the approvals reflect the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to delivering people-centred governance through policies that promote workers’ welfare, improve educational standards, strengthen public institutions and expand access to essential services.
He noted that the decisions are consistent with the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which prioritises sustainable development, improved public service delivery and enhanced quality of life for the people of Delta State.
