Ogheneruona Tejiri, Warri
Delta State Government has approved N10 billion for the construction and furnishing of classrooms in 92 public primary and secondary schools across the state as part of efforts to improve the learning environment and strengthen the education sector.
This was disclosed by Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information while addressing journalists at the end of the Delta State Executive Council meeting presided over by Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State in Government House Annex in Warri, he said that the approval was one of the major decisions reached at the meeting.
Mr. Aniagwu who was flanked by Festus Ahon, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said that the intervention was designed to address infrastructure gaps in public schools and provide pupils and students with more conducive learning environments.
According to Mr. Aniagwu, “government recognised the need to improve the physical condition of schools. As you know that access to quality education is closely linked to the availability of adequate classroom facilities and essential learning infrastructure.
“The Executive Council approved contracts for the infrastructural development of selected primary and secondary schools under Phase One of the programme.
“The initiative formed part of the Oborevwori administration’s determination to ensure that public schools across the state receive attention, irrespective of their location.
“Beyond the classroom construction programme, government also approved the provision of more than 4,500 units of school furniture to address the shortage of desks and chairs in public schools.”
Mr. Aniagwu said that furniture would improve the comfort of teachers and learners in the affected schools, adding that government was strengthening its engagement with community representatives and other stakeholders across the local government areas to identify the specific needs of schools and ensure that interventions were properly coordinated.
He said that the relevant ministries and agencies had been directed to maintain regular communication with stakeholders in their respective areas to facilitate effective implementation and monitoring of approved projects.
Mr. Aniagwu said the approvals reflected Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to the M-O-R-E Agenda, particularly its emphasis on creating opportunities and extending the benefits of development to communities across the state.
The Commissioner also explained that holding the Executive Council meeting in Warri, rather than Asaba, was consistent with the administration’s policy of bringing government closer to the people.
He said that the Governor had deliberately improved on the Government House Annex to make it suitable for important government activities, including Executive Council meetings.
The Commissioner said that the arrangement would enable residents in different parts of the state to feel a greater sense of inclusion in governance and understand that decisions affecting their lives were not confined to the state capital.
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