To further achieve its twin desires of spreading the dividends of democracy to all nooks and crannies of the state as well as achieving a Stronger Delta, the Delta State Government yesterday handed over the newly completed Odokun Secondary School to Oboghoro Community in Warri-North Local Government Area of the state.
The handover was done by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Mr Patrick Ukah who was represented by the Director, Inspectorate Department of the Ministry, Mr Earnest Ossai.
Ukah said that the approval for the recognitionwas given following a meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) and directed that the school commence operations from the 2020/21 academic session.
“Accordingly, relevant government agencies have been notified of the approval to enable them effect necessary measures towards the deployment of appropriate personnel and placement of students into the new school with immediate effect” he said.
The Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner urged the host community to put all necessary machinery in motion towards actualizing of the vision of the State Government by ‘taking ownership’ of the facility.
“The Government counts most sincerely on your avowed support and continued contributions towards the overall development of the new school, including your commitment for the immediate and efficient takeoff and management of the new school.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, the member representing Warri North LGA in Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) Hon. Fred Martin commended the former Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Hon Godwin Ebosa for midwifing the project and for his personal commitments towards the provision of other supporting amenities.
The Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) for Warri North LGA, Caroline Mesharun, in appreciating the government for the project, promised to work with other stakeholders to attain the desired progress and educational development of the community.
While thanking the state government for making Odokun Secondary School a reality, the Principal, Mr. Mattu Mogbegjule-Oritse, appealed for the employment of more teachers into the school, just as he decried the abandonment of riverine communities by the Federal Government.
The President-General of the community, Mr Fidelis Tuoyo who was represented by Mr Charles Edema, assured of the community’s commitment to own the school, and also be hospitable to the teachers and other personnel who will work in the school.
Among dignitaries who witnessed the handover were the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye and the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Chika Ossai.