Oborevwori inaugurates 12 duplexes, presents cars to permanent secretaries

At least 12 units of four-bedroom duplexes built for permanent secretaries in Delta State, and newly constructed internal roads with drainage facilities at their quarters in Asaba, were on Thursday inaugurated by the state Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

The governor also presented 12 brand-new official vehicles to Permanent Secretaries, describing the twin projects as another milestone in his administration’s deliberate efforts to provide an enabling environment for senior civil servants to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Speaking during the ceremony, Oborevwori said the development was in keeping with his administration’s commitment to ensuring that deserving public servants were adequately supported in line with the demands and responsibilities of their offices.

He said: “Today’s ceremony is another milestone in our journey towards enhancing public sector efficiency. Since the inception of this administration on 29 May 2023, we have worked to ensure that deserving public servants are properly and adequately supported in line with the functionality of their offices.”

The governor recalled that his administration had also constructed eight additional duplexes at the Commissioners’ Quarters, noting that several completed projects across the state were yet to be commissioned because of the sheer volume of projects executed by the administration.

He said the additional accommodation would enable more Permanent Secretaries to live in official residences befitting their status and responsibilities.

According to him, Permanent Secretaries, as administrative heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, are critical to the smooth running of government, as they oversee daily operations, ensure compliance with civil service rules and regulations, and provide professional advice to commissioners on the implementation of government policies.

“It is therefore imperative that Permanent Secretaries are provided with the enabling environment to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently,” he said.

Oborevwori said the internal roads and drainage systems within the quarters had also been completed, describing the development as a major intervention in addressing the longstanding challenges of erosion and flooding in the area.

He explained that the roads, drainage and building projects were completed within a short period, adding that the construction of the duplexes was awarded in October 2025.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work, saying the intervention had transformed the quarters from an area previously affected by severe erosion and flooding into a more attractive and habitable environment.

“The roads and drainage systems in the quarters were in a complete state of disrepair. They were severely eroded and prone to heavy flooding. With the completion of this work, the residents now have long-term relief, while the aesthetics of the quarters have also been significantly improved,” he said.

The governor said the projects further demonstrated his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of civil servants, adding that the government had, since its inception, implemented several initiatives aimed at improving their working and living conditions.

He disclosed that seven Permanent Secretaries had earlier been provided with official vehicles, while 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were being presented with brand-new vehicles today.

He added that 302 public servants had benefited from the Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme, while 119 others had benefited from the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme.

The governor also disclosed that the administration had provided farming support to civil servants interested in agriculture, saying the initiative was designed to create additional sources of income for beneficiaries and contribute to food security.

On capacity building, Oborevwori said his administration had remained committed to the training and retraining of public servants, particularly senior officers.

He disclosed that 450 senior management staff had been supported to participate in a comprehensive seven-week training programme as part of efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and prepare officers for higher responsibilities.

The governor also highlighted the administration’s commitment to merit-based appointments and career progression in the civil service, noting that all 25 local government areas in the state now have Permanent Secretaries following the recent appointment and swearing-in of 12 new Permanent Secretaries.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, recalling that Delta State was among the first to implement the new national minimum wage in full.

He urged civil servants to reciprocate the government’s welfare initiatives with greater dedication, professionalism, integrity, transparency and accountability.

The governor called on beneficiaries of the new residences and vehicles to ensure proper maintenance, security and cleanliness of the facilities.

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Earlier, Commissioner for Housing, Hon Godknows Angele, said the project comprised 12 units of four-bedroom duplexes, complete with solar power and water facilities.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for prioritising the welfare of civil servants and providing the Ministry of Housing with the support required to deliver the project.

In her welcome remarks, the State Head of Service, Dr Minnie Oseji, described the new residential accommodation as a testament to the purposeful leadership of the Oborevwori administration and a symbol of its commitment to the welfare, dignity and productivity of senior public servants.

She described the commissioning of the duplexes and presentation of official vehicles as a significant change in the welfare narrative of Permanent Secretaries, adding that the provision of official vehicles would enhance the mobility and operational efficiency of the beneficiaries.

The Head of Service expressed appreciation to the governor for his commitment to good governance, citing recent interventions in training programmes, digitalisation of government processes and funding of Public Service Week activities.