Youths of Akugbene Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Monday, embarked on a peaceful protest over the purported cancellation of the contract for the State-owned Model Technical College project at Akugbene Community.
In a news report circulating in the social media space, yesterday, with the headline: “Delta State Governor Sheriff Cancelled Akugbene Technical College, queries the award”, the protesters kicked against the purported decision of the governor, asserting that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should rather work for the completion of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, a youth leader, Eparukumoh Edward Ebi, called on Governor Oborevwori to mobilize the contracting firm, Wana Enterprises Nigeria, who had long disappeared from site, to return to complete the job.
He said: “We understand that former governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa awarded eight Technical Colleges across the state during his tenure. To fulfill his campaign promises to the people of Akugbene Community, the then governor sited one of the eight approved Technical Colleges in Akugbene Community.
“The job was actually ongoing but after sometime nobody understood what was happening, as the contractor was no longer seen on site. As I speak with you, the site is covered with weeds.
“So, we tried to find out the situation of the project and from the information we gathered, the governor is not interested in funding the project anymore, or rather the governor has cancelled the project and which has infuriated the youths, hence, this protest.
“We are appalled that despite the love and support the leaders of Akugbene Community gave to the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori-led government, it’s unfortunate to hear that the governor is not willing to continue with the project in our Community.
“We once again appeal to His Excellency the governor to mobilize the contractor to site to complete the project if the rumours are fake. You know, the aim of this school is to equip the rural populace with practical skills through technical trainings to boost the local industry”.
Another youth leader, Comrade Kelly Gilor, in his remark said the project had become a nightmare to the entire Community for long with its seeming abandonment by the contractor.
He said: “This project has become a nightmare to the entire Community. We appeal to the governor to complete it as there is no single higher institution in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency.
“Bomadi Local Government Area is a strategic and significant place that connects Burutu, Patani and Ughelli South Local Government Areas, and which also connects Bayelsa State”. Let me also use this medium to passionately appeal to our dear listening governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sherrif Oborevwori to complete the Gbarogolo/Esanma bridge and Esanma/Akugbene road these projects are very important to us.
