By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Government has made significant progress in implementing the new minimum wage, instructing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, to engage in discussions with the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding its rollout across the state.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, during a press briefing following the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting chaired by Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House in Asaba.
Dr. Osuoza emphasized that the discussions between the government and labor representatives would focus on the necessary adjustments related to the new wage.
Additionally, the EXCO approved a payment of N3.55 billion to serve as counterpart funding for the 2024 Universal Basic Education Programme in the state. The council also appointed Obi Sunday Ubaka Ogboli as the Obi of Issele-Mkpitime in the Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Furthermore, the Information Commissioner revealed that the EXCO sanctioned several infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of Ohoror-Bomadi Road, the construction of Olomoro-Igbide Road, and the second phase of the Emevor-Ivrogbo-Orogun Road. Other approved projects include Otekpo Road in Ellu, Idumu-Etiti Street with a spur to Market Road in Owere-Olubo, and the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of several roads throughout the state, including those in Uvwie Local Government Area and Sapele Local Government Area.
Several projects have received approval, including the development of internal roads and drainage systems in Kurutie, the second phase of the Obitobon-Elolo-Ajaokurogbo-Orubu Road in Ogidigben, and the upgrade of internal roads in Kurutie. Additionally, the Old Sapele Road to Amukpe, extending to the Ikwewu Community with a branch to Ayemidejor Close in Amukpe, as well as Okeye and Iyke Oputa Street in Aboh, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, and the Issele-Azagba-Otulu road in Aniocha North and South Local Government Areas, have also been approved.
The Commissioner noted that Governor Oborevwori expressed concern over the widespread hardships faced by citizens and has instructed the Commissioner for Agriculture and the Chief Job Creation Officer to develop initiatives aimed at alleviating these challenges, particularly for the youth throughout the state.
During a press briefing, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), emphasized that these approvals reflect Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to meaningful development, impacting 23 out of the 25 local government areas in the state.
Regarding the approval for the reclamation of gully erosion sites along the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass Road, Comrade Reuben Izeze, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), stated that the initiative will allow the government to restore areas affected by erosion, ensuring the longevity of the newly constructed road.
In another update from the post-Exco briefing, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Commissioner for Health, announced that the state Exco has approved the acquisition of two Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning machines, designated for the Central Hospital in Warri and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara.
Dr. Onojaeme highlighted the importance of this medical equipment, which is essential for diagnosing various diseases and internal injuries, emphasizing that the CT scans will serve the health needs of all residents in Delta State.
