The Delta State Executive Council has approved an Executive Bill to make the payment of a 13th-month salary a permanent statutory benefit for civil servants, subject to the approval of the Delta State House of Assembly. The council also approved the recruitment of additional secondary school teachers and the upgrading of technical colleges as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare and strengthen the state’s education system.
The decisions were announced on Friday following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Asaba.
Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the approvals underscored the administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, expanding access to quality education, and enhancing public service delivery across Delta State.
Aniagwu disclosed that the council approved a memorandum presented by Governor Oborevwori seeking to make the payment of the 13th-month salary a permanent legal entitlement for civil servants.
He explained that the Executive Bill would now be transmitted to the Delta State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
According to him, once enacted, the law would ensure that payment of the 13th-month salary no longer depends on the discretion of any administration but becomes a guaranteed entitlement for eligible workers.
“Once the bill is passed into law, workers in the state will continue to enjoy the benefit beyond the tenure of the present administration,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner further revealed that the council reviewed the shortage of teachers in public secondary schools, particularly in science subjects, and expressed concern over its implications for the quality of education.
He said the Ministry of Secondary Education had been directed to prepare a memorandum indicating the number of teachers required for immediate recruitment.
Aniagwu added that the council had approved, in principle, the recruitment of additional teachers to address staffing shortages in public secondary schools across the state.
On technical education, he said the council approved the procurement and installation of equipment for the Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area.
He added that approval had also been granted to equip the Technical College in Irri once ongoing construction work is completed.
According to Aniagwu, the approvals reflect the Oborevworiadministration’s commitment to revitalising technical education and equipping young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The commissioner also announced that the council approved several initiatives relating to the health and transport sectors, including the creation of new transport routes across the state.
In addition, he confirmed the approval of the appointment of Dr. Goodnews Goodman Agbi, Athuaro I, as the Ovie of OyedeKingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.
“The decisions reflect our administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, expanding quality education, strengthening healthcare delivery, and enhancing public services across Delta,” Aniagwu said.
