Youths of Akugbene Community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, embarked on a peaceful protest over the purported cancellation of the contract for the State-owned Model Technical College project in the community.
In a statement tagged “Delta State Gov Sheriff cancelled Akugbene Technical College, queries the award”, the protesters, on Monday, kicked against the purported decision of the governor, asserting that Gov. 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 Gov. Oborevwori to mobilize the contracting firm, Wanna 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 give 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”.
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