By Nosa Akenzua
The minister of Niger Delta Affairs, (MNDA), Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has expressed the federal government’s unflinching commitment to redress the inequalities pervasive in the Niger Delta region by improving the quality of lives of the people.
This was made known by Akpabio, represented by the director economic empowerment (EED) in the ministry, Mr. Philip Ndiomu, during the inauguration and handing over of a block of six classrooms at Uwheru Town, Ughelli North local government area of Delta state to the state government on Wednesday
He said that the construction of a block of six classrooms was one of the Quick Win Intervention Project in 2017 which served as a palliative approach with the goal of improving the quality of lives of the people of Niger Delta Region.
In his words, “the construction of block of classrooms in the Nine (9) states of the region is geared towards making it accessible to the communities especially the rural areas”.
He revealed that all aspect of the projects construction were awarded to the indigenous and local contractors noting that the construction process has benefitted the community through the created employment opportunities for the youths of the host and neighbouring communities.
The minister stressed that the processes involved in handling over the six block of classrooms to the state government for sustainable operation and smooth running prolonged the commissioning process and commended the government of Delta state under the leadership of Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa.
He added that “The facility consists of Headmaster’s office and Teacher’s offices. It is furnished and equipped.”
In his response, the representative of Delta state government, Dr Steve Igheghe commended federal government and the ministry for the laudable project. He disclosed that the state government would give all necessary assistance to sustain the project by assigning teachers to the community before resumption in September.
The president general, Uwheru Community, Chief Hon. Igbedi Macpherson, applauded the federal government for acknowledging Uwheru Kingdom in the gesture, noting that education was the backbone of every society.
In his words “this newly constructed six classrooms will provide immediate relief to children in some of the hardest to reach areas in the local government.”