ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Executive Council has approved a comprehensive slate of infrastructure and education projects, including an upward review of the Amai–Aragba Road contract with a 40 percent mobilisation fee, citing the rising cost of construction materials as justification.
At its Thursday meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba, the council announced major investments across the three senatorial districts aimed at improving road connectivity, boosting economic activities, and strengthening public education in the state.
“For the sake of fluctuations, we have reviewed upwards some contracts awarded during the last administration,” said the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu. “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.”
Among the major decisions, the council also approved the release of N6.7 billion as the state’s counterpart funding to access the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grant, enabling the construction, renovation, and equipping of public schools across the state.
Aniagwu, flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, told reporters that the approved road projects span urban and rural areas and are designed with long-term economic viability and accessibility in mind.
“Exco approved significant investments in road infrastructure to accelerate economic activities and improve the quality of life,” Aniagwu said. “The N6.7 billion Universal Basic Education counterpart funding will enable the state to draw matching grants to enhance our schools.”
He noted that the administration’s renewed focus on infrastructure and education aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which emphasizes infrastructural renewal and human capital development.
“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 royal fathers,” he added.
Approved road projects include the reconstruction of failed sections of the Uzere–Asaba-Ase Road, the Aboh–Akarai concrete road with a 100m bridge across the Okiri River in Ndokwa East, the Eku–Osubi Road, and the Okpanam–Ugbolu Road.
Others include the Ovrode–Aradhe Road Phase 1, Amaka/Ogodogo/Ivu Access Road in Okpolo-Enhwe, Atuma-Iga Internal Roads, Arho Road by Heroes of Faith in Ughelli, and the repudiation and re-award of Imohwe Street, Ekiugbo to link Oteri and Iwremaro Town Phase 1.
Additional projects approved are the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Olu Palace Road/Ugbori/Ekurede-Itsekiri Road, Orugboh Roads in Warri South, and the Ekpan/Oviorie/Ovu-Inland/Okpara-Inland/Isiokolo/Kokori Road in Ethiope East LGA.
Also receiving approval are the Bulu-Angiama Road in Patani LGA, Overflow Avenue in Amukpe, Torugbene Internal Roads, and the upward review of the new tankers’ park at Niger Cat, Ekpan. Other projects include the Mereje–Ekokor–Erogbo Road Phase 1, the Delta State House of Assembly’s Cooperative Estate Road, Okpanam, and Chief Wellington Oyibo Community Road in Mosogar.
Aniagwu disclosed that the council also approved the supply and installation of workshop tools and equipment at Omadino Technical College and Model Technical College, Oghara-Efe. Infrastructure developments at the new Model Technical College, Akugbene, and a reviewed contract sum for the Model Technical College, Irri, were also approved.
Further approvals include 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 state government also approved the extension of electricity supply and installation of six transformers at Orugbo, Ode-Itsekiri, Ajigba, Inorin, Usele, and Ugbodede communities in Warri South Local Government Area.
On traditional institutions, the Exco approved the appointment of several royal fathers 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 that Governor Oborevwori has mandated the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to assess the infrastructure and furniture needs in public schools, in a bid to upgrade learning environments and teaching quality across the state.
