By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, announced on Thursday that the establishment of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Resource Centre in Isiokolo will significantly enhance development within the Ethiope East Local Government Area.
During a courtesy visit from the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, HRM Michael Omeru, CON, Ogurimerime, Ukori I, along with Agbon chiefs and FUPRE officials at Government House in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori praised Agbon Kingdom for its generous donation of 123.2 hectares of land to the university.
He emphasized the vital role of quality education in fostering community well-being.
While presenting the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the land to the university’s management, the Governor highlighted that the C of O was issued at no cost, aligning with his administration’s commitment to meaningful development under the M.O.R.E Agenda.
“Delta State is recognized as a hub for higher education, a status that has been established over time. As Speaker of the State House of Assembly, I supported the creation of three universities because I understand the transformative power of education,” he stated.
“The acquisition of wealth means little without education. Upon learning of the kingdom’s land donation and their request for a fee waiver on the C of O, we acted promptly. We approved a waiver totaling N111.5 million and a ground rent of N18.4 million, allowing you to obtain the C of O at no cost.”
FUPRE is a specialized university that we greatly need in our community. Ethiope East, being an oil-producing local government, stands to benefit significantly from its establishment, as it will help stimulate local development. The research center is expected to bring substantial advancements to the region.
Additionally, in response to your request for internal roads and building facilities, we will provide assistance at the appropriate time. Your request has been duly noted.
Regarding FUPRE’s previous request for road improvements, I can confirm that the contract will soon be awarded, as the necessary groundwork has already been completed.
Earlier, HRM Michael Omeru, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, praised the governor for his remarkable achievements under the MORE Agenda and for his steadfast support of the approved Research Centre at Isiokolo.
He visited the Government House in Asaba to update the governor on the progress made by the kingdom to ensure the successful launch of the university’s Research Centre.
The Agbon monarch shared that his kingdom has generously donated a substantial area of land, measuring 123.2 hectares, to FUPRE. They have also applied for a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in favor of the university.
He emphasized that the establishment of the Research Centre at Isiokolo would greatly enhance the governor’s vision for accelerated growth and development within the state.
Therefore, he appealed to the State Government for assistance in providing essential infrastructure, including the construction of internal roads on the donated land, two blocks of 12 classrooms each, an administrative building, and a 100-room hostel.
The monarch expressed confidence that the successful establishment of the FUPRE Research Centre in Isiokolo will significantly improve both the educational and economic prospects of the community.
He emphasized that this initiative will foster the development of Isiokolo as the local government headquarters and benefit the state overall, as it will provide meaningful employment opportunities for our many young people and support the growth of related businesses in the area.
During the visit, the Agbon monarch was joined by several dignitaries, including Engr. Bello Isah, the Chairman of the FUPRE Governing Council, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe, the Chairman of Ethiope Local Government, Chief Brodericks Arigbodi, along with other traditional chiefs of the Agbon Kingdom and the university’s management team.
