DESOPADEC Builds Ultra-Modern School For Ogulagha Community

By Elohor Foghola

To improve access to quality education in the Riverine oil-bearing communities in Delta State, the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC has built an ultra-modern secondary school in Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The ultra-modern school which has 12 classrooms, male and female boarding facilities, an administrative block, two well equipped science laboratory, dining hall, an assembly hall among others, would replace the old one.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief John Nani, Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, said the feat was another step in the transformation quest for development of the oil-bearing riverine communities.

He stated that Governor Oborevwori led administration is committed to bringing quality education to the riverine area. ‘This is a world class school with boarding facility built by DESOPADEC, it can take learners from different communites around Ogulagha, students will no longer travel long distance daily across the river to access quality education,’’ he said.

He charged the community to use the facility responsibly and shun all forms of vandalism. ‘’treat the buildings as your own the way you would maintain your personal houses.’’

The Member representing the ljaw ethnic nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC, Chief Spencer Okpoye also speaking, said the realization of the project was a dream come true for the people of Ogulagha kingdom, saying that the people in the oil-bearing communities are impacted by the MORE agenda of Governor Oborevwori.

In his address the paramount ruler of Ogulagha kingdom, His majesty Ebenanaowei Timiyan Torububou I, who was represented by Chief Prefugha Karawei, commended the Governor for commissioning the project which started in 2013 under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration, assuring him of the continual support of the Ogulagha kingdom till 2027.
The traditional ruler also commended DESOPADEC for siting the project in Ogulagha.

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He however appealed to the Governor for more developmental projects, employment for its youths and high profile political appointment for the people of Ogulagha kingdom.

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Governor of Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori
commended DESOPADEC for the great feat saying ‘the successful commissioning of the school is a proof that DESOPADEC is fulfilling its mandate on improving the infrastructure and economic fortunes of the oil producing communities
‘’it is my pleasure to be here to commission this school, a project that commenced in 2013, I was here in May this year and this was one of the projects I wanted to commission as part of my one year in office but I observed that some facilities need to be in place.’’

‘’ Today we are here commissioning it. I applaud DESOPADEC for steering the course’’. He assured the host communities that his administration would guarantee that all DESOPADEC projects in the annual budget would be executed

Speaking further he said ‘The growing number of schools in Delta state is a testament that our people love education. This school will ensure that our children in the riverine communities would not be denied the benefits of quality secondary school education.’

‘’Our commitment to developing the Riverine communities gave birth to the creation of the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructure, in view of that, I have also directed the Commissioner for Riverine infrastructure to scope another school in Opuroza, I can assure you that in the next one month the scope of that school would be ready,’’ he said.

He maintained that his administration is dedicated to the development of the entire state, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the construction of the 12.1 km Odimodi, Oputu, Ogulagha road with a 30 percent mobilization. He further stated that the road is strategically important to the kingdom’s economy.

He called for calm in the Riverine areas, saying development can thrive only in a peaceful environment. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the demands of the people of Ogulagha kingdom, while assuring Deltans that the MORE Agenda is on course.

The high point of the event was the formal inauguration of the school by Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State