Delta Government says it has approved over N4 billion to empower 15,000 indigent people, operators of Nano and micro businesses in all 25 local government areas of the state, beginning in early November.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on some of the decisions at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori on Friday in Asaba.
He said the council approved the disbursement of N250,000 each to the 15,000 beneficiaries as a social intervention by the state government to enable them to grow their businesses, increase purchasing power, and support family upkeep.
He explained that the fund would cover other logistics to ensure the right people were empowered to improve their livelihoods and economic well-being by raising their purchasing power.
Aniagwu, alongside the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said the social intervention initiative would cover the state's 25 local government areas.
“Beneficiaries are expected to include people who already operate nano and micro-businesses, those seeking to establish businesses and other eligible persons from low-income backgrounds.
“The programme is intended to help beneficiaries improve their livelihoods, strengthen their businesses and become more economically independent.”
Aniagwu said government has also taken steps to strengthen agriculture and encourage more people to invest in large-scale and mechanised farming to boost food production and create jobs.
According to him, the state government has acquired large expanse of land in Delta Central to ease the challenges faced by willing investors.
He said government has also approved compensation relating to land acquired for agricultural purposes in the state as a fallout of the recently held State Economic Summit.
“The decision is intended to encourage farmers, attract more investment into agriculture and make land available for people willing to engage in farming on a larger scale.
“The government believes that making land more accessible will help expand agricultural production and support the state’s economic development.”
The commissioner also said the state council reviewed preparations for the 2027 budget.
He said that the government is reviewing the Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Framework that would guide its spending plans and revenue projections.
“The budget process will take account of prevailing economic conditions, including the exchange rate, international oil prices and expected revenue from the Federation Account,” he said.
Aniagwu said that there were indications of greater stability in the value of the naira, which he attributed to the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The government is also considering the possibility that international oil prices and other factors can affect revenue projections for 2027.
“In spite of these uncertainties, the state government remains hopeful that improved exchange-rate stability will make budget planning easier,” he said.
He said government has also approved extension of the flyovers at Uromi Junction, Agbor and that of Otorwodo junction, Ughelli, adding the extension would improve traffic movement along the corridors and provide better access to adjoining areas.
According to him, government has approved continuation of medical outreach in communities affected by recent oil spill, following reports of health concerns among residents.
On further empowerment for the civil servants, Aniagwu said government approved the reconstruction of the Delta State Civil Service Club House within the state secretariat complex.
Aniagwu said the facility is intended to provide civil servants with a place to relax, interact and socialise outside their official duties.
He said the state government approved several road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, including works in Warri and other communities.
“Among the major projects announced were the reconstruction of the Warri Refinery road corridor, and other community roads including the Ugbolu-Illah road among others, aimed at improving access and linking key industrial and commercial areas.
The commissioner also announced approvals for projects in educational institutions, including an ultra-modern lecture theatre at Delta State University, Abraka.
He said the council approved the reconstruction and rehabilitation of offices for the Delta State Electricity Regulatory Commission (DSERC) and the State’s Rural Development Agency.
“The reforms in the electricity sector have created opportunities for state governments to play a greater role in the industry.
“Delta State is preparing to take advantage of these opportunities as its regulatory structures became operational.
“The government expects the reforms to support improvements in electricity supply and create room for greater participation by the state,” he said.
The commissioner said the approvals reflected the government’s continued commitment to infrastructure development and improving residents' lives.
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