Oborevwori’s Reforms Inject N5bn Into Delta Grassroots Economy — Aniagwu
The Delta State Government says its ongoing economic reforms and empowerment initiatives have injected about N5 billion into the grassroots economy, with the aim of strengthening purchasing power, supporting small businesses and accelerating economic recovery across the state.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Asaba.
Aniagwu said the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was determined to ensure that the benefits of its economic reforms reached ordinary residents, particularly low-income earners and operators of nano and small businesses.
He explained that the directive to councillors across the state to empower 200 persons in each ward was designed to increase the purchasing power of residents and provide support for small businesses.
According to him, with about 500 wards in Delta, the initiative is expected to benefit at least 100,000 people, translating to an estimated N5 billion injection into the grassroots economy.
The commissioner added that political and community leaders had complemented the initiative through additional empowerment interventions.
He cited Ika North-East as an example, saying leaders contributed at least N5 million in each federal ward, resulting in an additional injection of about N70 million into the local economy, apart from the funds provided through the councillors’ empowerment programme.
Aniagwu stressed that improving residents’ purchasing power was essential to attracting and retaining investments, noting that businesses could only thrive where people had the financial capacity to patronise their products and services.
He said investors often preferred urban centres because of their relatively stronger purchasing power, adding that boosting economic activities in rural communities would encourage investment and create more business opportunities outside major towns and cities.
Reforms Improving Government Finances
The commissioner also linked the state’s improved financial capacity to the broader economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He said Delta State was now able to mobilise contractors with up to 40 per cent payments, pay workers’ salaries and emoluments between the 22nd and 25th of every month, and ensure that pensioners no longer had to queue at Government House before receiving their payments.
Aniagwu further highlighted the stability of academic activities in Delta-owned universities, saying improved financial management had contributed to a more stable academic calendar and was helping to provide a better future for students.
He said the developments were outcomes of reforms focused on strengthening the state’s finances while ensuring prudent management of public resources.
13th-Month Salary to Boost Purchasing Power
On the recently passed 13th-month salary bill, Aniagwu commended the Delta State House of Assembly for expediting consideration of the executive bill.
He said the measure, once assented to by the governor, would institutionalise the payment of a 13th-month salary to civil servants in the state.
According to him, the 13th-month salary and other interventions were not merely election-related measures but part of a broader economic strategy to increase disposable income, stimulate consumption, support businesses and reduce pressure on households.
Aniagwu maintained that stronger purchasing power would ultimately help create a more vibrant grassroots economy and make Delta State more attractive to investors.
