In a bid to improve access to quality education in Delta State’s riverine, oil-producing communities, the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art secondary school in Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area.
The newly built school, equipped with 12 classrooms, boarding facilities for male and female students, an administrative block, two fully equipped science laboratories, a dining hall, and an assembly hall, is set to replace the old institution and transform education in the region.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief John Nani, Chairman of DESOPADEC, hailed the project as a milestone in the state’s efforts to uplift the oil-bearing riverine communities. He emphasised the commitment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to enhancing educational opportunities in the region.
“This is a world-class school with boarding facilities built by DESOPADEC. It will serve students from various communities around Ogulagha, ensuring they no longer have to travel long distances across the river to access quality education,” Nani stated.
He urged the community to maintain the facility and avoid any acts of vandalism. “Treat the buildings as your own, the way you would care for your personal homes,” he advised.
Chief Spencer Okpoye, the DESOPADEC board member representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality, also expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project, describing it as a “dream come true” for the people of Ogulagha. He lauded the positive impact of Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda on the oil-producing communities.
His Majesty Ebenanaowei Timiyan Torububou I, the paramount ruler of Ogulagha Kingdom, represented by Chief Prefugha Karawei, thanked Governor Oborevwori for completing the project, which began in 2013 under the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. He assured the Governor of the kingdom’s unwavering support until 2027.
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The traditional ruler also used the occasion to call for further development projects, employment opportunities for the kingdom’s youth, and more political appointments for its people.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in his address, praised DESOPADEC for delivering on its mandate, noting that the successful completion of the school was evidence of the commission’s commitment to improving infrastructure and economic opportunities in oil-producing communities.
“It gives me great pleasure to commission this school, a project that commenced in 2013. I visited this site in May, and I had hoped to include it in the list of projects to be commissioned during my first year in office. However, I observed that some essential facilities were yet to be completed,” the Governor explained.
“Today, I am proud to be here for its commissioning. I applaud DESOPADEC for staying the course,” he added. He assured the local communities that his administration would ensure the execution of all DESOPADEC projects outlined in the annual budget.
The Governor further highlighted his government’s dedication to education, stating, “The increasing number of schools in Delta State is a clear indication of our people’s love for education. This new school will ensure that children in the riverine communities receive the quality secondary education they deserve.”
In a related announcement, Governor Oborevwori revealed that plans were underway for a new school in Opuroza, under the purview of the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure. He assured the public that the scope for the project would be finalised within the next month.
The Governor also disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the construction of the 12.1 km Odimodi-Oputu-Ogulagha road, with 30 percent of the project’s mobilisation already secured. He described the road as crucial to the economic growth of the kingdom.
Governor Oborevwori called for calm and peace in the riverine areas, stressing that development could only thrive in a peaceful environment. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the needs of the Ogulagha people and assured all Deltans that his administration’s MORE Agenda was on track.
