By Helen Okechukwu, JKNewsMedia Reporter
DELTA STATE Governor Sheriff Oborevwori affirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering development in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
This will be done through the establishment of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) Resource Centre at Isiokolo.
During a courtesy visit by the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, HRM Michael Omeru, and his entourage at Government House, Asaba, the Governor emphasized that the new centre would significantly contribute to the area’s growth.
The governor lauded the Agbon Kingdom for its generous donation of 123.2 hectares of land to FUPRE. He highlighted the importance of education in his administration’s agenda, which prioritizes meaningful development.
He also presented the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the university’s management, noting that it was issued without cost to support the university’s expansion.
He also underscored that this initiative aligns with his M.O.R.E Agenda, which places a high value on education and regional development.
He recalled his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly, where the significance of establishing universities was recognized.
The governor pointed out that the decision to waive N111.5 million for the C of O and a ground rent of N18.4 million was made to facilitate the university’s growth, particularly in an oil-producing region like Ethiope East.
He assured that the state government would provide further assistance, including the construction of internal roads and buildings, as requested by the university.
The Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, HRM Michael Omeru, praised the Governor’s achievements, particularly in education and development.
He explained that the kingdom donated the land to FUPRE to support the university’s expansion, which would accelerate the area’s growth.
The monarch appealed for further support from the state government, including infrastructure development such as roads, classrooms, an administrative building, and a hostel block.
On Implementation of New Minimum Wage
In a related development, the Delta State Government has initiated talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on implementing the new minimum wage in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, have been directed to negotiate with the NLC on the wage adjustments.
The State Executive Council (Exco) has also approved N3.55 billion as counterpart funding for the 2024 Universal Basic Education Programme.
Additionally, the Exco sanctioned various infrastructural projects across the state, including road construction, gully erosion reclamation, and the purchase of CT scanning machines for two major hospitals.
These approvals reflect Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to advancing meaningful development across Delta State.
