The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the institutionalisation of the 13th-month salary for civil servants, a landmark decision that will make the annual payment a permanent statutory benefit once backed by legislation.
The approval, granted at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, formed part of a series of far-reaching decisions aimed at strengthening workers’ welfare, improving education and modernising public transportation across the state.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said EXCO approved a memo presented by Governor Oborevwori seeking to make the 13th-month salary a permanent entitlement for civil servants.
He explained that the decision would pave the way for an Executive Bill to be transmitted to the Delta State House of Assembly for legislative approval.
According to Aniagwu, the move is designed to ensure that the payment of the 13th-month salary is no longer dependent on the discretion of any administration but becomes a legal right for workers.
He noted that once the bill is passed into law, civil servants in Delta State would continue to enjoy the benefit irrespective of changes in government.
In the education sector, Aniagwu disclosed that EXCO approved, in principle, the recruitment of additional teachers for public secondary schools following concerns over shortages, particularly in science-related subjects.
He said the Ministry of Secondary Education had been directed to immediately prepare a memo indicating the number of teachers required to bridge the manpower gap and improve learning outcomes across the state’s public schools.
The commissioner also announced the approval for the procurement and installation of equipment for the Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area, while plans were equally approved to equip the Technical College in Irri upon completion.
According to him, the approvals underscore the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to revitalising technical education and equipping young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Also addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, announced sweeping reforms in the transportation sector, including the approval for the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, acquisition of electric vehicles and construction of an ultra-modern mega bus terminal in Asaba.
Agofure said the approvals followed a comprehensive transportation study conducted across major cities, including Warri, Asaba, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele, Abraka and Oleh.
According to him, the study showed that more than 19,000 people move around the state daily, with about 80 per cent relying on public transportation, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the mass transit system.
He explained that the 50 CNG buses would serve as the backbone of the state’s MORE Mass Transit Scheme, providing safe, affordable and efficient transportation for residents, while the planned deployment of electric vehicles reflects the government’s commitment to cleaner and environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Agofure further revealed that the mega bus terminal in Asaba would serve as the operational hub for the state’s mass transit system and eliminate the numerous roadside and informal motor parks around the Koka Junction axis.
He said land for the project had already been acquired, while arrangements were underway for construction to commence.
The commissioner added that a similar modern bus terminal would also be developed in Warri after receiving approval from the Federal Government through the intervention of Governor Oborevwori.
Aniagwu also disclosed that EXCO approved the appointment of HRM Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, Athuaro I, as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.
He said the decisions reached at the meeting reflected the Oborevwori administration’s determination to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen education, modernise transportation, expand healthcare delivery and enhance overall public service across Delta State.
