DESOPADEC Delivers School Furniture To Ethiope East Communities
DESOPADEC Expands Education Support in Ethiope East
THE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has begun the distribution of classroom furniture to public schools in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, in a move aimed at improving the learning environment in oil-producing communities.
The exercise, which took place on Thursday 12 March 2026, was carried out by the member representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality on the DESOPADEC Board, Sylvester Ovbije.
Ovbije was represented during the distribution by his Personal Assistant, Francis Voke, who said the initiative forms part of the commission’s annual intervention programme designed to support educational development within its mandate areas.
Addressing Furniture Shortage in Schools
According to Voke, the intervention was designed to tackle the shortage of desks and chairs in public schools and provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils and students.
He noted that many schools in rural and oil-producing communities struggle with inadequate classroom furniture, forcing students to learn under uncomfortable conditions.
“The commission remains committed to expanding its educational support programmes in communities within its mandate areas,” he said.
Alignment with Delta’s Development Agenda
The DESOPADEC representative also noted that the commission’s programmes are aligned with the development priorities of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to him, the initiative supports the governor’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on development in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Voke urged residents to continue supporting the state government’s development programmes, noting that sustained collaboration between government and communities would help improve living standards across the state.
Beneficiary Schools Express Gratitude
Several schools that benefited from the distribution expressed appreciation to the commission and the state government for the intervention.
The Head Teacher of Anuagba Primary School, Eku, Emuobonuvie Edafiono, described the gesture as timely and impactful.
“We thank DESOPADEC and our governor for this laudable intervention. The furniture will significantly improve the learning environment for our pupils,” she said.
Similarly, the Headmaster of Eku Baptist Hospital Staff Primary School, Idegho Waniko Alex, explained that the school had previously faced a serious shortage of classroom furniture.
He said the provision of 25 sets of double desks and chairs would ease the burden on both pupils and teachers.
Distribution Across Four Schools
In total, 100 desks and chairs were distributed across four schools in the local government area.
Oro’akpa Primary School in Oro’akpo received 20 units, while Abraka Grammar School was allocated 30. Anuagba Primary School in Eku received 25, and Eku Baptist Hospital Staff Primary School also received 25 sets.
Community leader Augustine Eruotor, an Executive Assistant on Diaspora Matters and an alumnus of Abraka Grammar School, also commended the intervention.
He described the project as a step toward strengthening educational infrastructure and improving learning conditions for students in rural communities.
Stakeholders present during the distribution praised DESOPADEC and the Delta State Government for prioritising education development in oil-producing communities.
