Delta Exco Approves N4bn Empowerment Fund for 15,000 Indigent Deltans
By Spotnews Communications
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved N4 billion for the empowerment of 15,000 indigent residents across the state to support small businesses, promote entrepreneurship and cushion the effects of economic hardship.
The beneficiaries will be drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state under an initiative designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen the purchasing power of vulnerable residents.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba. He was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.
Aniagwu said the programme would be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks, adding that the governor had directed that transparent eligibility criteria guide the selection of beneficiaries.
He explained that priority would be given to indigent residents who already operate small businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs seeking start-up capital and vulnerable persons requiring financial assistance to improve their living conditions.
According to him, the intervention is part of the state government's efforts to ensure that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Deltans.
In another development, the council approved compensation for land acquired in the central senatorial district for agricultural purposes.
Aniagwu said the decision followed discussions at previous economic summits, where the need to make land available for large-scale farming and agricultural investments was identified as a priority.
He added that the initiative was aimed at attracting commercial farmers from within and outside Nigeria, while creating opportunities for local farmers to expand their operations, boost food production and generate employment.
On preparations for the 2027 fiscal year, the council approved the Economic and Fiscal Updates, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Paper to guide the preparation of the state's next budget.
The commissioner said the documents would provide the economic assumptions, revenue projections and policy direction needed for realistic budget planning. He noted that anticipated stability in the naira could support government planning, although fluctuations in international crude oil prices remained a potential risk to revenue projections.
The council also directed the Ministry of Health to explore expanding free medical outreach services in riverine communities.
Aniagwu said the directive followed a recent medical outreach organised for communities affected by oil spillage after the governor visited the affected areas and ordered medical assistance.
He described the response to the exercise as encouraging, noting that residents from neighbouring communities also travelled to access the services.
In a related development, the council approved the construction of a clubhouse for civil servants at the State Secretariat in Asaba.
Aniagwu explained that the facility would provide workers with a space to meet, socialise and relax outside official working hours.
He said the various approvals reflected the Oborevwori administration's commitment to social investment, agricultural development, healthcare delivery, workers' welfare and human development alongside its ongoing infrastructure projects.
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