ASABA: The Delta State Government has unveiled plans to recruit additional teachers for public secondary schools while taking steps to permanently guarantee the payment of the 13th-month salary for civil servants through legislation.
The decisions were reached during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen the education sector and enhance public service delivery across the state.
Speaking after the meeting in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the state government would transmit an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to give legal backing to the annual payment of the 13th-month salary.
According to him, the proposed legislation is intended to make the additional salary a statutory benefit rather than a discretionary gesture by any administration.
Aniagwu explained that once the bill is passed into law, civil servants would continue to enjoy the benefit beyond the tenure of the current administration, ensuring greater financial security and stability for workers.
He noted that Governor Oborevwori’s administration is determined to protect workers’ welfare by making the 13th-month salary a permanent feature of the state’s employment policy.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Executive Council approved, in principle, the recruitment of additional teachers to address shortages in public secondary schools, particularly in science-related subjects.
He said the Ministry of Secondary Education has been directed to prepare a comprehensive memo indicating the number of teachers required to fill existing vacancies across the state.
According to Aniagwu, the recruitment exercise is expected to improve the quality of teaching and learning while addressing the growing shortage of qualified educators in public schools.
As part of efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education, the state government also approved the procurement and installation of modern equipment for the Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area.
The Executive Council further approved plans to equip the Technical College in Irri once construction of the facility is completed.
Aniagwu said the investments reflect the administration’s commitment to producing skilled manpower capable of meeting the demands of modern industries and promoting entrepreneurship among young people.
The council also approved several initiatives affecting the health and transport sectors, including the introduction of additional transport routes to improve mobility across the state.
In another decision, EXCO approved the appointment of HRM Goodnews Goodman Agbi I (Athuaro I) as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.
Aniagwu said the resolutions reached at the meeting demonstrate Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, expanding access to quality education, strengthening healthcare services and delivering people-focused governance.
He added that the administration remains focused on implementing policies that will improve the lives of residents while driving sustainable development across Delta State.
