Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has inaugurated 12 units of four-bedroom duplexes and newly constructed internal roads and drainage facilities at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Asaba, alongside the presentation of 12 brand-new official vehicles to Permanent Secretaries.
The governor said the projects were part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to improve the welfare, dignity, efficiency and productivity of senior civil servants by providing them with an enabling environment to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
At the ceremony, Oborevwori described the development as another milestone in his administration’s drive to strengthen the public service and ensure that deserving public servants receive the support required by the demands of their offices.
“Today’s ceremony is another milestone in our journey towards enhancing public sector efficiency. Since the inception of this administration on May 29, 2023, we have worked to ensure that deserving public servants are properly and adequately supported in line with the functionality of their offices,” he said.
The governor recalled that his administration had also constructed eight additional duplexes at the Commissioners’ Quarters, noting that the large volume of projects executed across the state had made it impossible to commission all completed projects immediately.
He said the new residences would enable more Permanent Secretaries to live in official accommodation befitting their status and responsibilities.
According to Oborevwori, Permanent Secretaries, as administrative heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, play a critical role in the smooth running of government by overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with civil service rules and regulations, and providing professional advice on policy implementation.
“It is therefore imperative that Permanent Secretaries are provided with the enabling environment to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently,” he said.
The governor said the completed internal roads and drainage systems had also provided a lasting solution to the erosion and flooding challenges that had plagued the quarters for years.
He disclosed that construction of the duplexes was awarded in October 2025, expressing satisfaction with the quality and speed of work.
Oborevwori said the intervention had transformed the quarters from an area severely affected by erosion and flooding into a more attractive, functional 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 further highlighted several welfare initiatives implemented by his administration, including the Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme, which has benefited 302 public servants, and the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme, which has benefited 119 workers.
He disclosed that seven Permanent Secretaries had earlier received official vehicles, while the 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were being presented with brand-new vehicles.
Oborevwori also said civil servants interested in agriculture had received farming support to enable them generate additional income and contribute to food security.
On capacity building, the governor disclosed that 450 senior management staff had been supported to undergo a comprehensive seven-week training programme aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and preparing them for higher responsibilities.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit-based appointments and career progression, 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.
Reiterating his commitment to workers’ welfare, Oborevwori recalled that Delta State was among the first states to fully implement the new national minimum wage.
He urged civil servants to reciprocate the government’s welfare interventions with greater dedication, professionalism, integrity, transparency and accountability.
The governor also charged beneficiaries of the new residences and official vehicles to ensure proper maintenance, security and cleanliness of the facilities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Godknows Angele, said the project comprised 12 four-bedroom duplexes equipped with solar power and water facilities.
He commended the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare and providing the Ministry of Housing with the necessary support to deliver the project.
In her welcome remarks, the State Head of Service, Dr. Minnie Oseji, described the new accommodation and official vehicles as a significant boost to the welfare and operational efficiency of Permanent Secretaries.
She said the projects demonstrated the purposeful leadership of the Oborevwori administration and its commitment to improving the dignity and productivity of senior public servants.
Oseji also commended the governor for his continued support for training programmes, digitalisation of government processes and funding of Public Service Week activities.
