Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration has launched what appears to be one of its broadest rounds of public infrastructure approvals this year, with the Delta State Executive Council unveiling fresh investments in education, healthcare, roads and civil service welfare.
At the heart of Monday's Exco meeting was a decision to commence a statewide overhaul of public schools, alongside approvals for major road projects, staff housing and the termination of stalled contracts to fast-track project delivery.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Oborevwori directed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to immediately carry out a comprehensive audit of schools across all 25 local government areas.
Rather than adopt a blanket approach, Aniagwu said each school would be assessed to determine whether it requires rehabilitation or complete reconstruction before work begins in the coming weeks.
The education intervention formed part of a wider package designed to strengthen public infrastructure while improving conditions for workers across critical sectors.
In the civil service, Exco approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries, extending an earlier welfare programme that provided official residences and vehicles for senior officials.
Aniagwu also disclosed that the government is preparing legislation to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants, describing it as a reward for workers' dedication to the state.
The housing approvals extended beyond the civil service.
The Council approved additional residential quarters for members of the Delta State House of Assembly in preparation for the legislature's expansion from 29 to 38 constituencies, while the Ministry of Housing has been directed to begin arrangements for the incoming lawmakers.
Healthcare workers also received a significant boost, with approval granted for 92 residential units at Osubi Specialist Hospital, including accommodation for resident doctors and house officers to improve working conditions at the facility.
On infrastructure, Exco approved the reconstruction of the 9.35-kilometre Ezhionum–Ogume Road at a cost exceeding N7 billion, alongside approvals for the Uba Egbelemeji–Ugbenikoko Road in Warri North, the Mosogar Community Road Junction–Okwueka Road and the Old Oviorie–Agbarho–Eku Road.
To address flooding around the Specialist Hospital in Asaba, the Council approved the completion of a long-delayed storm drainage project, while internal roads within Warri Central Hospital will also be reconstructed to improve access for patients, healthcare workers and visitors.
In a move aimed at enforcing accountability, the government terminated several contracts considered poorly executed after recommendations from the State Tenders Board.
The affected projects include the Okerenkoko Township Road, Adjei Street and School Road in Warri South, and the permanent office complex of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC).
According to Aniagwu, the affected projects will now undergo fresh procurement processes so they can be re-awarded to contractors with the capacity to deliver, as the administration seeks to prevent public funds from remaining trapped in abandoned projects.