A group of Ijaw youths have appealed to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to initiate moves to complete the Akugbene Technical College Project in Bomadi Local Government Area, with a view to making it operational.
The youths made the appeal in their reaction to the rumour making the rounds that the Technical College project had been cancelled.
To this end, the youth, embarked on a peaceful protest to press home their appeal.
The protesters kicked against the rumour, adding that Gov Oborevwori is an education-friendly governor, who knows how educationally disadvantaged Bomadi and the riverine communities in the state are, and would, therefore, not be part of any plan to kill the project and the dream of it’s founding fathers.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, a youth leader, Eparukumoh Edward Ebi, appealed to Governor Oborevwori to mobilize the contracting firm, Wana Enterprises Nigeria, who had long allegedly disappeared from site, to return to complete the project.
He said: “We understand that former governor Dr.IfeanyiOkowa awarded eight Technical Colleges projects across the state during his tenure.
‘And to fulfil 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 knew what happened, as the contractor was no longer seen on site. As I speak with you, the site is covered with weeds.”
He added, “So, as we tried to find out the situation of the project the rumour came that the project had been cancelled.
He, therefore, appealed to Gov Oborevwori to consider the love and support Bomadi and Akugbene people gave, and are still giving to his administration and direct that work on the project should resume without further delay. 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.”
He added “Bomadi Local Government Area is a strategic and significant place that connects Burutu, Patani and Ughelli South Local Government Areas.
It also connects Bayelsa State”.
He also passionately appeals to Governor Oborevwori to complete the Gbarogolo/Esanma bridge and Esanma/Akugbene road in view of their socioeconomic importance to the area and State.
