The Delta State Government has approved over ₦34 billion for the construction of state-of-the-art divisional police headquarters in each of the state’s 25 local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.
The approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Briefing journalists in Asaba on the outcome of the meeting, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the project would also include the establishment of police special protection units across the state.
Aniagwu explained that the move was aimed at boosting security architecture and ensuring the safety of residents, businesses, and communities.
According to him, the government decided to construct divisional police headquarters in all local government areas ahead of the Federal Government’s favourable disposition to the creation of state police.
“The establishment of divisional police headquarters and special protection units across the state is part of deliberate steps to strengthen security and improve rapid response to threats,” Aniagwu said.
Beyond security investments, the Commissioner disclosed that the council approved projects valued at over ₦400 billion for road construction, infrastructure development, and social intervention programmes across the state.
He said the projects were designed to improve transportation networks, stimulate economic activities, enhance security, and strengthen connectivity among communities.
“Delta State Executive Council approved projects worth over ₦400 billion for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of roads and other critical infrastructure across the state,” he stated.
Delta CARES 2nd phase
Aniagwu also announced that ₦1.5 billion was approved for the second phase of the Delta CARES Social Investment Programme.
The programme seeks to empower vulnerable residents, artisans, farmers, and small business owners affected by the economic consequences of COVID-19.
Among the major road projects approved is the rehabilitation of the Aghalokpe–SPDC–Adagbrassa–Aragba Road and adjoining streets in Okpe Local Government Area, as well as the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okotomewo/Oviri Court/Adeje Road.
In the state capital, council approved the construction of Asagba Palace Road off Nnebisi Road, GBC Murphy Avenue with a spur to Chief Ugwuja Close/Nze Francis Road off Benin–Asaba Road, and the construction of Chris Abudeyi Street and Ogbeeshi Monochie Street.
Other projects include the reconstruction of failed sections of major roads in Asaba and its environs as well as the cutting of the hill at Asaba Airport to improve access and safety.
In the Warri axis, projects approved include the reconstruction of the Warri Internal Ring Road Phase Two in Warri South and Uvwie, rehabilitation of the first three kilometres of the Trans-Warri Ode-Itsekiri Road and access roads in Ubeji, as well as the construction of Orient Drive off the NPA Expressway and Orient Way off Niger Cat Road in Ekpan.
The council also approved the rehabilitation of Enerhen Police Station Road and Aladja Avenue Road, resurfacing of River Road in Ekpan, and the construction of Old Okoko Road from Koko Garage to the Lagos Expressway in Warri North.
In Udu Local Government Area, the government approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Otu-Jeremi/Udu Road from the Warri–Port Harcourt Expressway at ECN Junction to the DSC Expressway, erosion control works along Ekakpamre/Ekrokpe–Usiefrun/Orhuwhorun roads, and the construction of roads at the Udu Harbour Market.
Other LGAs also benefitted
Council equally approved some projects for other parts of the state including Ughelli, Patani, Ethiope East and West, Ika North-East and Ika South, Isoko North and South, as well as Ndokwa East and West.
In the riverine areas, the council approved the construction of Macaulay and Mitubiri Roads in Bomadi, internal roads in Odimodi and Ogulagha communities in Burutu, and the construction of the Torugbene–Ojobo Road with a spur to Ojobo Town.
The council further approved the completion of the Senate and Administrative Building at Delta State University, Abraka.
The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, disclosed that approval was also granted for the construction of male and female hostels in each of the nine tertiary institutions owned by the state to address rising student population.
Meanwhile, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), said the council approved the construction of five judges’ quarters in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area, as well as prototype judges’ quarters with auxiliary facilities in Asaba.
He added that the council also approved the renovation of 16 customary courts and 26 magistrate courts across the state to improve the justice delivery system.
The State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, assured that the ministry would prepare the Bills of Quantities for the approved building projects to ensure their timely execution.
