The host communities of the abandoned Sapele Polytechnic, Deghele-Iriabome in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, have appealed to the state government to reopen the institution after 15 years of abandonment.

The polytechnic, which was established in 2010 by former Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, had its construction commence in 2012 but was left uncompleted.

Chief Lucky Onoghete, the Duke of Elume District in Okpe kingdom, emphasized the benefits of reopening the school, stating, “Reopening the school will revitalise the socio-economic fortunes of the Deghele-Iriabome twin communities and extend beyond.” He urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to undertake a site visit and evaluate the scope of the projects being implemented on site.

Stanley Eta Eshanomi, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Mobilisation, noted that the communities had submitted several letters to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, requesting the continuation of the project, but to no avail. “We are delighted that our elder brother has emerged now as the governor of the state and we implore him to heed our plea,” he said.

Eshanomi further emphasized the need for a state government-owned higher institution in the Okpe-Sapele-Uvwie federal constituency. “We urge the governor to visit the project site and assess the situation firsthand, subsequently informing his constituents of the optimal plan for the abandoned school,” he added.

Victor Okweji, the Community Liaison Officer for the project, highlighted the project’s potential to generate employment opportunities for the local community. “We have been mobilising our people to clear the site and are appealing to the governor to revive the moribund project,” he said.

However, when contacted, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, stated that the polytechnic was not included in the handover documents provided to him at the ministry.