Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu (middle); Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr. Smart Ufoh (2nd left); Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Onogba (2nd right); Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Egwunyenga (left); and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technical Education, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okwunze, during the inspection of the Model Technical College, Oghareki, on Monday.
By Kayode Olopade
Delta State Government has disclosed that the newly constructed Model Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area, will be ready for inauguration by Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori within the next few weeks.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made this known during an inspection of the facility alongside the Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr. Smart Ufoh, and the Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. Chris Onogba.
Aniagwu said the inspection was undertaken to assess the project's readiness ahead of its commissioning, noting that some minor defects and unfinished aspects were observed and would be corrected before the governor's visit.
According to him, the contractor and relevant ministries have been directed to address all identified issues within two weeks to ensure the institution meets the high standards set by the Oborevwori administration.
"We came here today to see the extent of readiness ahead of His Excellency's inauguration of this project. In the course of our inspection, we discovered certain things that need to be corrected and some areas that require attention.
"We have therefore given both the officials of the ministry and the contractor marching orders to complete everything necessary for the governor to commission the project few weeks from now," Aniagwu said.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facility, describing it as a world-class institution capable of competing with universities in some states.
"You can see that the facility behind us can pass for a university in some states. That is the standard Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is building across Delta State. The Model Technical College in Omadino has already been commissioned, while the one in Irri is nearing completion," he added.
Aniagwu said the administration remained committed to expanding educational opportunities and equipping young people with technical and vocational skills needed for self-reliance and economic development.
The commissioner also assured that adequate security measures had been incorporated into the project, including perimeter fencing, security wire installations, controlled access through a main gate, and hostel facilities for students.
He emphasized that beyond government efforts, host communities must take ownership of the institution and protect it from vandalism and other criminal activities.
"If anybody comes here to vandalize equipment, that person is not just robbing government but robbing the community and future generations of opportunities. The responsibility of safeguarding this facility rests with all stakeholders," he stated.
Aniagwu further explained that maintenance mechanisms had been put in place, including retention and guarantee periods during which contractors would be responsible for correcting any defects discovered after handover.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr. Smart Ufoh, commended Governor Oborevwori for prioritizing technical education and investing heavily in the sector.
Ufoh said the administration's commitment to technical education was evident in the establishment of modern technical colleges across the state, aimed at equipping youths with employable skills.
He disclosed that officials of the Ministry of Technical Education would return to the facility immediately to ensure all identified issues were rectified before commissioning.
"His Excellency is a lover of education and has decided to give technical education top priority in order to enhance skills acquisition among our youths. We have inspected the facilities and equipment and identified areas that require attention. Within the two-week period allotted to us, we will ensure everything is completed and ready for commissioning," he said.
On staffing, Ufoh assured that plans were already underway to recruit and deploy more teachers to guarantee a smooth take-off of academic activities at the institution.
Drawing from the experience of the recently commissioned Model Technical College in Omadino, he said the government had already developed strategies to ensure adequate manpower for the new school.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. Chris Onogba, described the project as a major milestone for the local government and a strategic investment in youth empowerment.
He noted that the institution would help reduce unemployment and crime by providing young people with practical skills and opportunities for self-development.
"This project is very dear to us because it is targeted at empowering our young people. When youths are trained and equipped with skills, they become productive and self-reliant. The overall effect is a reduction in crime and criminality in our communities," Onogba said.
He thanked Governor Oborevwori for locating the institution in Ethiope West and pledged the support of the council, traditional institutions, youths and residents in protecting the facility.
The council chairman assured that the local government would engage critical stakeholders, including youths, women and community leaders, to create awareness on the importance of safeguarding the institution.
"We have already taken ownership of this project and will do everything possible to protect it. Security is a shared responsibility, and we will continue to engage our people so that everyone sees this institution as their own. We must protect it with the last drop of our blood because if it fails, we all lose," he said.
The Model Technical College, Oghareki, is one of several technical education projects being executed by the Oborevwori administration under its M.O.R.E. Agenda to expand access to quality technical and vocational education across Delta State.
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