By Sunday Egede
In its determination to expand the frontiers of sustainable socio-economic growth and development of Delta State, the State Executive Council (Exco), today, approved projects valued at approximately N400 billion spread across the 25 local government areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu disclosed this while briefing journalists on some of the major decisions reached at the state Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.
Mr. Aniagwu said the approval was the largest single approval for projects in the history of the state since its creation, adding that the several major initiatives were aimed at accelerating development across the state, with significant investments in economic empowerment, security, infrastructure, and healthcare. “Principally, our discussions and approvals today cantered on what is universally acknowledged as the primary responsibility of government — the security of lives and property.
“In line with this responsibility, and in anticipation of the Federal Government’s policy direction on state policing, the Council approved the construction of state-of-the-art divisional police headquarters in each of the 25 local government areas of the state,” he said.
According to him, this means that a total of 25 modern divisional headquarters will be built across the state to strengthen policing capacity and enhance response to security challenges.
In addition to this, Mr. Aniagwu said, the Council also approved the establishment of a Special Police Protection Unit to further reinforce the security architecture of the state, pointing out that the combined cost of the security projects is estimated at over ₦34 billion.
“This significant investment underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens.
It is important to note that our state is already regarded as one of the safest places to live in Nigeria,” the Commissioner added.
However, he said, this government believes strongly that security must be continually strengthened, stressing that with Federal Government showing increasing openness to the idea of state policing, the Oborevwori led administration considered it imperative to move ahead proactively by putting the necessary infrastructure in place.
Mr. Aniagwu disclosed that the Ministry of Housing has been given a marching order to commence all necessary processes to ensure the successful execution and timely delivery of the security projects.
“Beyond security, the Council also approved several other development projects cutting across critical sectors. These include major infrastructure projects in the road sector, particularly targeted at improving accessibility and connectivity in our riverine communities.
“Furthermore, Council approved the construction of male and female hostel facilities across all state-owned tertiary institutions. This initiative is designed to improve the welfare and safety of students, while also addressing the longstanding shortage of accommodation in our higher institutions,” he stated.
The Commissioner pointed out that the Council, also, took decisions aimed at strengthening the judiciary, particularly in improving infrastructure and welfare for members of the bench.
“As a government, we hold the judiciary in very high regard as a critical arm of government, and we remain committed to ensuring that it is adequately supported to carry out its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
“One of the key approvals is for the Ministry of Economic Planning to commence the second phase of the D-CARES programme, a strategic intervention designed to support citizens facing economic difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the first phase of the programme, the state government disbursed ₦1.5 billion, which has since been reimbursed by the World Bank in line with the programme’s framework.
“Following the success of the first phase, the Executive Council has now approved the disbursement of another ₦1.5 billion to continue providing support to residents and help address the economic challenges faced by many households,” he said.
Mr. Aniagwu disclosed that the health sector also received attention during the state Exco meeting, adding that approvals were granted for funding to address pending needs in key health facilities and strengthen service delivery across the state.
He reiterated that several road projects in rural communities were also approved to boost connectivity, facilitate economic activities, and improve rural-urban integration, adding that the Council reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies and projects that will improve the welfare of residents and sustain the state’s development trajectory.
Speaking on the proposed hostel facilities, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari said the state government will build male and female hostels in each of the nine state owned tertiary institutions and the Orerokpe Campus of Southern Delta University, adding that each of the hostels will have 120 rooms that would accommodate four students each.
Providing further details on the Exco approval for the judiciary, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), said the Council approved the renovation of 42 courts across the state, explaining that the renovation will cover 16 customary courts and 26 magistrate courts.
He also disclosed that approval was granted for the construction of 10 residential quarters for judges, with five located in Osubi and five in Asaba.
The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, whose ministry will supervise the housing projects, assured that every effort would be made to ensure that Deltans receive value for money on the projects.
To boost electricity supply in rural communities, the Council also approved ₦5 billion for the Rural Electrification Agency.
