By Sunday Apah

On Wednesday, the Delta State Government granted approval for the establishment of a College of Medical Sciences at the Delta State University of Science and Technology (DSUST) in Ozoro, located in the Isoko North Local Government Area.

During a briefing with reporters in Asaba, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, announced that this decision was made during a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House.

Accompanied by several other commissioners, including Reuben Izeze (Works for Highways and Urban Roads), Charles Aniagwu (Works for Rural and Riverine Roads), Professor Nyerovwo Tonukari (Higher Education), and Chief Press Secretary Sir Festus Ahon, Osuoza highlighted additional approvals made during the meeting. These included compensation payments for land acquired for the DSUST campus in Orerokpe.

He stated, “The Executive Council has also approved the construction of internal roads at the Headquarters of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Ibusa, as well as the development of Aziken Avenue in the DDPA Low Cost Housing Estate, Boji-Boji, Agbor, within Ika South Local Government Area.”

Further approvals encompassed the construction of phase one of the Utagba-Uno/Ndemili Road and the Eweshi – Utagba-Uno Road, both situated in Ndokwa West Local Government Area. Additionally, projects were greenlit for the main access road to the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effurun, along with the construction of Sokoh Estate Road and Okito Street off Airport Road in Uwvie Local Government Area. The council also approved the development of internal roads in Kiagbodo phase one and the rehabilitation of the Odimodi/Okonto/Ogulaha Road in Burutu Local Government Area.

The construction of Odoziobodo/Aninta Street, located off Ezenei Avenue in Oshimili South Local Government Area, has been approved, along with the rehabilitation of Ekakpamre/Ekrokpe/Usiefrun and Orhuwhorun Road in Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas. Additionally, the construction of Bezi Road, off College Road in Aladja within Udu Local Government Area, has also received approval.

Further projects include the construction of Uduophori Secondary Commercial School Road in Patani Local Government Area, Ofuegbe Street in Amai, Ukwuani Local Government Area, and the internal roads at Koko Beach, as well as the Ogbogudu community road in Egbema, Warri North Local Government Area.

Osuoza announced that the Executive Council has approved counterpart funding for the Delta State AUDA/NEPAD initiative, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of smallholder farmers in productive land restoration amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19 in Nigeria.

He also noted the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Prince Samuel Akpomieme Fuludu, as the Pere of Ngbelebri-Mein Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area. Additionally, His Royal Majesty, Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi I, was appointed as the new Odiologbo of Irri Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area, according to the Information Commissioner.

Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, emphasized that Governor Oborevwori has a comprehensive understanding of the state’s needs, leading to the approval of projects across all three Senatorial Districts as part of his administration’s MORE Agenda, which aims to provide opportunities for everyone. He highlighted that 11 new road projects have been approved for his ministry.

Regarding the deteriorating sections of the Benin-Asaba highway at Ezenei Junction, Asaba, Aniagwu expressed the governor’s urgent interest in repairing the road, acknowledging the significant difficulties it has caused commuters. He mentioned that the contractor appointed by the Federal Government is actively working on the repairs and urged the public to remain patient.

In his comments, Comrade Reuben Izeze, Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), confirmed that construction is ongoing on previously approved road projects throughout the state. He reiterated that the new approvals align with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda for meaningful development statewide.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has reaffirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s strong dedication to implementing people-centered projects that benefit citizens and residents alike.

Izeze made these remarks to reporters following an inspection of various ongoing projects in Warri and Ughelli on Monday.

Among the sites visited were improvements and flood control measures surrounding Warri Central Hospital Road, Edo Guest House Road in Ekpan, and several troubled sections of roads in Ughelli.

During his inspection at Warri Central Hospital Road, the Commissioner instructed contractors to replace 8mm rods with the specified 10mm rods as outlined in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).

He emphasized that the Oborevwori administration maintains a strict zero tolerance policy for substandard work and plans to conduct an unannounced follow-up visit to ensure compliance.

On the Edo Guest House Road, Izeze commended the contractor for effective flood management improvements that have alleviated long-standing issues for residents.

Speaking specifically about Warri Central Hospital Road, he noted, “During our inspection, we discovered that the contractor attempted to cut corners by using 8mm reinforcement rods instead of the 10mm specified in the Bill of Quantities.

We detected this discrepancy using our vernier caliper, and it had already been brought to their attention by the site engineer.

Izeze continued, “My personal visit today was to assure that those rods are replaced, and I intend to return without prior notice to verify that this has been addressed. Our primary goal is to ensure that Deltans receive value for their investment. Governor Oborevwori has consistently insisted that no project should be certified unless it meets the agreed-upon standards.”

While inspecting Edo Street in Ughelli, Izeze expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving a road project designed to alleviate traffic congestion at the Otovwodo junction.

He stated, “The stone base has been completed, and we are now awaiting stabilization before the concrete pavement begins. We will return to ensure that contractors meet the required specifications.”

Reflecting on the improvements at Edo Guest House Road, Izeze noted the significant change in residents’ sentiments. “In the past, this road faced flooding, which caused community frustrations.

Today, the same residents express their gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for addressing this critical issue. This is the essence of governance—fulfilling the people’s needs.”

He asserted, “The well-being and security of citizens are fundamental to governance, as outlined in our Constitution. I can state confidently that the Oborevwori administration is fully committed to delivering projects that prioritize the community’s needs.”

Izeze concluded his inspections by recognizing Obakpor Engineering for their swift response to repairs on the failing ECN Road and urged residents of Okogbe Road in Ughelli to maintain their environment by desilting drains and avoiding waste disposal into newly constructed drainage systems.

“The community must take responsibility for sanitation. While the government provides infrastructure, residents have a civic duty to protect it. I want to assure the Governor that his second term is secure as long as the community works to support government efforts.”

By Sunday Apah

The Delta State Government has pledged to tackle the issues resulting from the collapse of a wooden bridge that connects the Uzere community in the Isoko South Local Government Area to Asaba-Ase in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

During an inspection of the damaged bridge, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), reaffirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to improving connectivity through the construction of bridges and roads.

“Upon learning about the bridge’s collapse, Governor Oborevwori directed me to assess the damage firsthand,” stated Aniagwu.

“We need to determine immediate solutions before undertaking complete reconstruction so that residents of Isoko South and Ndokwa East can resume travel through this route.”

He noted the bridge’s importance, explaining that for years, it facilitated transportation between Asaba-Ase and Uzere. “Given that Delta is a coastal state, we are continually working on bridge projects across the region,” he added.

Accompanied by Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, the Commissioner for Lands, Surveys, and Urban Development, and Sir Festus Ahon, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Aniagwu also inspected various road projects in Isoko North and Isoko South, urging contractors to prioritize timely and high-quality work.

At the Emevor-Orogun road project phase two, he commended Emo Rock Concept for their efficient and quality workmanship, stating that the contractor’s past performance on phase one warranted their continued involvement.

The team also visited the severely neglected 5.7 km Igbide-Olomoro road, which was handed over to a contractor for reconstruction. Aniagwu expressed that the road had long been a concern for residents and highlighted the thorough evaluation of their request for repairs.

“We recognized the need for improvement on this existing road, as it has deteriorated significantly, complicating travel for local residents,” he explained.

“We are determined to ensure this project is awarded to a capable contractor who can execute the work to the highest standards.”

He emphasized the importance of keeping project costs stable from awarding through completion, noting the potential for fluctuating prices.

“By providing mobilization support to contractors, we expect them to fully commit to their projects,” he said.

Aniagwu assured that while they encourage speed, the quality of work remains paramount. “We will consistently monitor contractors to ensure both speed and quality are maintained throughout the project.”

Chief Emamusi Obiodeh expressed gratitude to the Governor for promptly addressing the reconstruction of the Igbide-Olomoro road, a concern for the community for over two decades.

“We appreciate the Governor’s swift response to our needs, marking a significant step forward for the people of Igbide and the entire Isoko community. We are committed to supporting the contractor to ensure the successful completion of this much-needed project, he said.