By Nelson Egware
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, inaugurated Model Secondary School, Ogulagha, Faculty Building and Lecture Halls at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Burutu and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Oborevwori said his administration would continue to ensure even development of all parts of the state including riverine communities.
The Governor appreciated riverine communities for the prevailing peace which had paved way for development of the communities, adding that peace was imperative in the development of any community.
He assured that his administration would continue to work for the progress and development of the state.
He said: "I applaud DESOPADEC for staying the course. The successful completion of this school is a proof that DESOPADEC is fulfilling its mandate of improving the infrastructure and economic fortunes of the oil producing communities.
"It is a worthy addition to the growing number of Secondary schools in Delta State. Our people love education, and this school will ensure that some of the children in the riverine communities will not be denied the benefit of quality secondary education.
"Let me emphasise once again that this administration is committed to the development of every part of the state.
As part of our vision for meaningful development, the Executive Council this week approved the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the 12.1 kilometre Odimodi-Okuntu-Ogulagha Road at a total cost of N5.2b. The contractor is expected to mobilise to site in the shortest possible time.
"The road is strategic to the economy of the communities around here, and when completed will eradicate the sufferings commuters are currently experiencing on the road. I assure all Deltans and residents in the state that the MORE agenda is on course."
At Okerenkoko, Governor Oborevwori described the Nigerian Maritime University as one of a kind specialised institution established to produce graduates with unique skill sets, knowledge, and capacity to revolutionize Nigeria's vast maritime sector.
"It has strong potentials for urbanisation, while providing employment and retail business opportunities in the host community and environs.
"The Lecture Hall we are commissioning today is a good example of what can happen when there is cooperation between the federal and state governments.
"So, I am proud that we can deploy our resources to build this lecture Hall even though it is a federal institution. This is consistent with our promise to provide meaningful development, which is the first pillar of the MORE agenda.
"As I have always said, peace is a prerequisite for meaningful development and I hope that going forward, the peace we are currently enjoying will be sustained so that the community can reap the full benefits of having a university of this nature".
Governor Oborevwori who gave immediate approval for the construction of road to the University's permanent site, said riverine communities were very dear to his adminstration hence he created the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development.
"I can assure you that there will continue to be enhanced peace and security across the state and once there is unity and peace development will surely come," he added.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman of DESOPADEC, Olorogun John Nani, said the completion and inauguration of the project was a clear demonstration of the fact that DESOPADEC was doing a lot for oil producing communities.
Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi commended Governor Oborevwori for demonstrating that riverine communities could be developed like their upland counterparts.
In his remark, immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Barr Kingsley Otuaro traced the establishment and development of the Maritime University to the Niger Delta agitation and commended the Delta State Government for its several interventions in the University.
In his speech, Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Emmanuel Adigio, lauded the governor for lending a hand of intervention to the institution through the construction of a faculty complex in the university.
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