The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the institutionalisation of the 13th-month salary for civil servants, recruitment of additional teachers for public secondary schools and the upgrading of technical colleges as part of wide-ranging measures aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening education in the state.
The decisions were taken at the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the council approved a memo presented by Governor Oborevwori to make the payment of the 13th-month salary a permanent statutory benefit for civil servants.
Aniagwu, who addressed the media alongside the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, and the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, disclosed that the approval would pave the way for an Executive Bill to be transmitted to the Delta State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
According to him, the move is designed to ensure that the payment of the 13th-month salary ceases to depend on the discretion of any administration and becomes a legal entitlement for workers in the state.
He explained that once the proposed legislation is passed into law, civil servants would continue to enjoy the benefit beyond the tenure of the current administration.
The commissioner also disclosed that EXCO deliberated on the shortage of teachers in public secondary schools, particularly in science-related subjects, expressing concern over its effect on the quality of education.
To address the challenge, the council directed the Ministry of Secondary Education to immediately prepare a memorandum indicating the number of teachers required, noting that the government had, in principle, approved the recruitment of additional teachers to bridge the manpower gap in public schools.
In a further boost to technical and vocational education, Aniagwu announced that EXCO approved the procurement and installation of equipment for the Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area.
He added that approval was also granted to equip the Technical College in Irri upon the completion of ongoing construction works.
According to him, the approvals reflect the Oborevwori administration’s determination to revitalise technical education and equip young people with practical skills needed for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Aniagwu further disclosed that the Executive Council approved several other matters relating to the health and transport sectors, including the introduction of new transport routes across the state to improve mobility.
He also announced 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.
The commissioner said the decisions reached at the meeting underscore the administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, expanding access to quality education, strengthening healthcare delivery and enhancing public service across Delta State.
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