Oborevwori Commissions 12 Duplexes, Vehicles for Delta Permanent Secretaries
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Peter Oluch Sonia
ASABA, Delta State — Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has commissioned 12 newly constructed four-bedroom duplexes at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters in Asaba and presented new official vehicles to Permanent Secretaries as part of measures to improve the welfare, mobility and productivity of senior civil servants.
The commissioning of the residential complex, alongside newly rehabilitated internal roads and drainage facilities, marks another major intervention by the Oborevwori administration in the state civil service.
The development had been announced ahead of the commissioning, with the state government confirming that the quarters had been completed and that official vehicles were ready for the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, had described the 12 houses as four-bedroom units equipped with essential facilities and supported by improved road infrastructure.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the projects were designed to create a conducive environment for senior public servants to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
He described Permanent Secretaries as critical components of government administration, noting that they serve as administrative heads of ministries, departments and agencies and provide institutional continuity in governance.
Oborevwori said providing befitting accommodation and official vehicles was part of his administration’s broader commitment to strengthening the public service.
“Today’s ceremony is another milestone in our journey towards enhancing public sector efficiency,” the governor said, stressing that his administration had, since May 29, 2023, worked to ensure that deserving public servants received appropriate support in line with their responsibilities.
According to him, the 12 duplexes were constructed to provide accommodation commensurate with the status of Permanent Secretaries and improve their working conditions.
He recalled that the administration had also provided eight additional duplexes at the Commissioners’ Quarters in Asaba.
The governor said the internal roads and drainage infrastructure at the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters had been rehabilitated because the area had previously suffered severe erosion and flooding.
He explained that the intervention had not only improved accessibility but also enhanced the overall appearance and living conditions within the residential complex.
The governor disclosed that construction of the Permanent Secretaries’ duplexes was awarded in October 2025 and completed within a relatively short period.
Welfare initiatives
Beyond housing and official vehicles, Oborevwori highlighted other welfare and capacity-development programmes introduced for workers in the state.
He said 302 public servants had so far benefited from the Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme, while 119 others had accessed the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme.
The governor also disclosed that seven Permanent Secretaries had previously received official vehicles, while the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were being provided with new vehicles to enhance their official mobility.
He further announced agricultural support for civil servants interested in farming, saying the initiative was designed to help workers generate additional income while contributing to food security.
On capacity building, Oborevwori said 450 senior management staff had participated in a seven-week training programme aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and preparing senior officers for greater responsibilities.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit-based appointments and career progression within the civil service.
According to him, the appointment of Permanent Secretaries across the state had ensured that all 25 local government areas were represented at that level of the civil service.
The governor also recalled that Delta State was among the states that implemented the new national minimum wage.
He urged civil servants to reciprocate the government’s welfare measures with dedication, professionalism, integrity and accountability.
He equally appealed to the beneficiaries of the houses and vehicles to maintain and protect the facilities and government property entrusted to them.
The Commissioner for Housing, Godknows Angele, said the newly completed duplexes were fitted with solar power and water facilities.
Angele commended Oborevwori for prioritising workers’ welfare and supporting the Ministry of Housing in delivering infrastructure targeted at improving the living and working conditions of public servants.
The State Head of Service, Dr Minnie Oseji, also commended the governor, describing the projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the dignity, welfare and productivity of senior civil servants.
Oseji said the provision of official accommodation and vehicles would improve the mobility and operational efficiency of Permanent Secretaries.
She also praised the administration for supporting training programmes, digitalising government processes and funding Public Service Week activities.
The commendations are consistent with earlier reactions from civil-service stakeholders. The Administrative Officers’ Forum in May praised Oborevwori’s appointment of seasoned bureaucrats as Permanent Secretaries, describing the move as one capable of strengthening professionalism and service delivery.
The latest housing intervention also follows an earlier housing programme announced by the state government. In 2025, the Commissioner for Housing disclosed that Oborevwori had approved the construction of the 12 four-bedroom duplexes for Permanent Secretaries, alongside a broader plan targeting more than 400 housing units across Delta.
The commissioning therefore represents the fulfilment of that earlier housing commitment and another step in the administration’s stated effort to improve the welfare and effectiveness of the Delta State public service.
