The Delta State Government has approved N10 billion for the construction and furnishing of classrooms in 92 public primary and secondary schools across the state as part of its efforts to address infrastructure deficits and improve the quality of education.
The approval was one of the major decisions taken at Monday’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House Annex, Warri.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the meeting. He was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.
Aniagwu explained that the intervention was aimed at providing a more conducive learning environment for pupils and students through the construction and rehabilitation of essential school facilities.
He said the Executive Council approved contracts for infrastructural development in selected primary and secondary schools under the first phase of the programme, adding that the initiative reflected the administration’s resolve to extend educational development projects to communities across the state.
In addition to the classroom projects, the government also approved the provision of more than 4,500 units of school furniture to address shortages of desks and chairs in public schools.
According to Aniagwu, the provision of the furniture would improve the learning environment and enhance the comfort of both teachers and students in the benefiting schools.
He further disclosed that the government was strengthening consultations with community representatives and other stakeholders across the local government areas to identify the specific needs of schools and ensure effective coordination of interventions.
He said relevant ministries and agencies had been directed to sustain engagement with stakeholders in their respective areas to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of approved projects.
The Commissioner noted that the approvals were in line with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, particularly its commitment to expanding development opportunities and ensuring that communities across Delta State benefit from government programmes.
On the decision to hold the State Executive Council meeting in Warri instead of Asaba, Aniagwu said it was part of the administration’s approach to bringing governance closer to the people.
He explained that the Governor had deliberately upgraded the Government House Annex in Warri to make it suitable for major government activities, including Executive Council meetings.
According to him, taking government activities to different parts of the state would promote inclusiveness, strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging and demonstrate that decisions affecting the people could be taken beyond the state capital.
