Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of  Delta has approved the release of N6.7 billion as the state’s counterpart funding to access the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grant for educational development.

The governor also approved the construction of a series of road and rehabilitation projects aimed at connecting communities, improving infrastructure and boosting economic activities across the state.

The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the approvals were made on Thursday by the State Executive Council, which was presided over by Mr Oborevwori at the government house in Asaba.

He noted that the approvals were part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance road connectivity in urban and rural communities while also strengthening the basic education sector.

Mr Aniagwu said the road projects cut across the three senatorial districts and include both new constructions and major rehabilitations, with a focus on economic viability, accessibility, and long-term durability.

The commissioner, flanked by the chief press secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon, said Exco also approved significant investments in road infrastructure to accelerate economic activities and improve the quality of life.

He stated that the payment of the Universal Basic Education counterpart funding will enable the state to draw matching grants for the construction, renovation, and equipping of public schools.

Mr Aniagwu added that the governor had directed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to carry out investigations into the buildings and furniture needed to improve the sector.

He emphasised that the dual focus on roads and education aligns with Mr Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which prioritises infrastructural renewal and human capital development.

Mr Aniagwu listed the approved road projects to include the 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 per cent mobilisation, and Idheze Internal Roads Phases 1 and 2.

“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.

“We also approved the appointment of 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,” he said.

(NAN)