The commissioner representing Isoko Ethnic Nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Victor Egbo, has accused the Principal of St. Michael’s College, Mrs. Bridget Onojerame, of allegedly receiving a kickback from a contractor to deliver a substandard project.
Egbo, who was at the school on an inspection tour of projects in his mandate area, accused Mrs. Onojerame and the company, Kenoba Construction Company, handling the project of allegedly conniving to use refurbished roofing sheets for the classroom building project.
At St. Michael’s College, where he inspected the school building project, he observed that the roofing materials used were substandard, as 80% of the roofing sheets had been refurbished, leading to a poor-quality installation.
He said that the two had allegedly agreed that the contractor would pay the principal a certain sum of money in exchange for her approval of the use of refurbished roofing sheets for the project.
It was further alleged that the principal was reportedly given the remaining 20% of roofing sheets for her personal use.
The commissioner, who expressed displeasure at the poor quality of jobs during the inspection tour of some projects, noted that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration will not tolerate shoddy jobs by contractors.
He made the allegation on Monday, March 10th, 2025, while inspecting projects being executed in the Isoko-mandated area by the interventionist agency.
Further compounding the situation, Mrs. Onojerame, was accused of disrespecting the commissioner, as well as making threatening remarks and asserting that nothing would be done to her despite her actions.
Outraged by the situation, Chief Egbo reached out to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, to arrange a meeting with all parties involved for questioning.
Inspecting a road project at the Mechanic Village in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South LGA, Egbo expressed disappointment with the contractor’s poor quality of work, noting that the commission will not accept such level of job.
Chief Egbo, while frowning at the job, cited some areas of concern including the entrance of the road which he claimed did not align with the main road, while the edges were unfinished, and no kerbs had been placed.
He added that the road lacked proper leveling, as it had not been rolled, leaving it flat and on the same level as the surrounding ground, instead of the required 4″ to 8″ thickness.
Chief Egbo, however, instructed the contractor handling the project to return to the site immediately and rectify the discrepancies.
Interestingly, Kenoba Construction Company, the contractor responsible for the Mechanic Village road project, is also the contractor for the St. Michael’s College classroom renovation.
Egbo also inspected the first phase of the Urusewe/Iyama road project and expressed satisfaction with the high standard of work being done and commended the contractor.
At Odoro Road, he inspected the installation of a 300kVA transformer, which will supply power to Otio, Uzeva, and Emeta streets.
Chief Egbo also visited the first phase of the ongoing Ithirikpe Street (150m) construction project along Idheze Road, where he praised the contractor for the excellent work completed so far and encouraged them to maintain a high standard.
The inspection continues as Chief Egbo, widely known as “Mr. Project,” looks forward to unveiling more state-of-the-art projects in the future.
