By Martha Ajagbawa
Presently, in Delta State, there is a lot of shenanigans going on, coupled with misplaced priorities regarding some fundamental projects. The MORE Agenda of the Oborevwori administration, three years down the line, seems ineffective and inconsequential.
Many Deltans were taken aback when the Governor announced the construction of 25 police divisional headquarters—one in each local government area (LGA) of the state—not too long ago, thereby appearing to usurp a function traditionally handled by the Federal Government. Perhaps there is more than meets the eye regarding construction projects in Delta State. Those who know, understand. Although the total cost of the construction has not yet been officially disclosed, it is estimated at between N 1.5 billion and N2 billion per station, amounting to approximately N37.5 billion to N50 billion overall.
Conversely, about 200 primary schools across Bomadi, Udu, and Aniocha South need roofs, desks, toilets, and other essential facilities, at an average cost of N50 million each.
Ten cassava-processing cottage industries, at N1 billion each, could employ about 5,000 youths and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers. Teacher training colleges also need rehabilitation to produce the manpower required for a 21st-century curriculum. Therefore, choosing to build police stations instead of classrooms is not just a misplaced priority; it is a statement of what this administration values.
