By Latimore Oghenesivbe
Delta State government on Wednesday debunked fake news trending on social media over the alleged relocation of Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro to Orerokpe in Delta Central Senatorial District, saying that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O Oborevwori will not and can never do anything to impair the development of Isoko Nation or any other ethnic nationality in the state.
The government position was contained in a statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr Michael Ifeanyi Osuoza and made available to newsmen in Asaba.
Osuoza said the misleading publications and the unfortunate sponsored protects that followed on Wednesday morning at Ozoro, was the handiwork of some unprogressive elements who intentionally misinformed the good people of Isoko Nation that the state governor had relocated the Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro to Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area of the state.
He urged Deltans and community leaders in the state to always maintain peace, eschew violence and avoid giving wrong narratives about happenings and events in the state, adding that as a detribalized governor for all Deltans, Elder Oborevwori is committed to the overall development of the state, and that includes Isoko Nation.
Osuazo further disclosed that Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro recently got a major boost through the deliberate and result oriented efforts of governor Oborevwori, wherein the National Universities Commission, NUC, had to approve three additional Faculties, namely; Pharmacy, Basic Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, saying that the leadership of Isoko Development Union clearly standards and appreciate the governor’s efforts for the overall development of the state.
The State Commissioner for Information, said “It has come to the attention of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, and the Delta State Government that a protest, purportedly sponsored and coordinated by certain anti-progressive elements, was organized in Isokoland ostensibly to express discontent over the erroneous narrative that the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, was going to be relocated elsewhere.
“This narrative is not only dangerously misleading, it is also deviously manipulated misinformation and negative propaganda, fueled by known political detractors to achieve selfish political gains.
“The Delta State Government is deeply saddened and disappointed that such a display of public discontent was allowed to take place, even after a very fruitful, cordial, and hugely successful meeting with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the leaders of the recognized umbrella body of Isoko nation, the Isoko Development Union, IDU, led by its President, Professor Chris Akpotu, where they were informed of the very positive initiatives and progressive strides towards strengthening and consolidating the academic and educational standard of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
“The sponsored protest is uncalled for after the successful meeting with His Excellency, the Governor.
“For the avoidance of doubts and to set the records straight, the Delta State University of Science and Technology is NOT being relocated and HAS NOT BEEN RELOCATED.
“Again, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, confirmed to the delegation of leaders and traditional rulers from Isoko nation, that the National Universities Commission (NUC), has approved the establishment of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences for the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
“This is indeed a tremendous academic achievement and masterstroke of immense proportion, for a specialized Institution of Higher learning like the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro which is wholly conceived, designed, and structured specifically to train and produce graduate students in the area of Science and Technology.
“We want to assure the good people of Isoko nation that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O Oborevwori would not do anything directly or remotely and for very obvious and personal reasons, to undermine the Isoko people, especially in the area of education.
“Deltans are therefore called upon to be wary of elements who don’t mean well but hell-bent on spinning half-truths and deceptive information just to cause confusion and disaffection against the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his well-laid-out MORE Agenda,.”
In the same vein, the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Professor Jacob Oboreh, in a statement on Wednesday, said the University authority will not take any decision that would undermine the rapid development of DSUST main campus in Ozoro, saying that establishment of a campus in Orerokpe was part of the overall plan to develop the University.
According to Oboreh, 12 new programmes in the existing faculties will be created immediately in the area of science and technology, adding that the relocated programmes will not in any way be a setback to the University.
He assured the good people of Isoko Nation, particularly Ozoro community that DSUST will soon become the envy of all, and that the newly approved Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, shall further enhance the standard and status of the University.
The Vice Chancellor expressed DSUST’s readiness to operate the Faculty of Management Sciences at Orerokpe in Delta Central Senatorial District of the state.
