By Sunday Apah

The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved a proposed budget of N936 billion for the 2025 fiscal year during a meeting held on Monday, presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

In a briefing with reporters, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, revealed that the budget is structured with N587.4 billion allocated to capital expenditure, accounting for 62.75 percent of the total budget, while N348.7 billion, or 37.25 percent, is designated for recurrent expenditure.

Joined by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, and Commissioners for Works and Riverine Infrastructure, Mr. Charles Aniagwu and Hon. Ebikeme Clark, respectively, Ekedayen noted that the budget is based on an exchange rate of N1,300 per dollar.

He stated, “The proposed budget totals N936,078,818,719, comprising N587,361,060,084 for capital investment and N348,717,758,635 for recurrent expenses. This budget underscores our commitment to pivotal sectors by balancing our capital and recurrent allocations.”

“This proposal represents a 29.12% increase over the current year’s budget, reflecting our determination to foster the development of the state.

“Our priorities focus on agriculture, micro and small enterprises support, youth empowerment, tourism, entertainment, poverty alleviation through social safety nets, physical infrastructure, healthcare, and education.”

He added that while this budget overview provides valuable insight, it remains subject to review and will be officially presented to the State House of Assembly for further consideration.

Emphasizing transparency and accountability, Ekedayen also noted that the 2025 budget will be fully funded without borrowing. “A substantial portion of our funding will originate from allocations by the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), complemented by our internally generated revenue, which we expect will reach at least N140 billion in 2025.”

Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, remarked that the EXCO has approved a variety of impactful initiatives aimed at benefiting local communities. “As we approach the two-year milestone of this administration, the Council has stressed the importance of forward-thinking strategies.”

He indicated that all Ministry heads, Commissioners, and Permanent Secretaries are tasked with rigorously overseeing their respective projects, maintaining a mandate for high-quality work. “There is zero tolerance for subpar or incomplete projects.”

The Council also confirmed several important appointments, including HRM Dr. Greg N. Oputa as the Obi of Aboh in Ndokwa East and Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, as the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

In terms of infrastructure, the EXCO approved various projects, including the rehabilitation of the Ugwhrughelli/Ehidi road and the construction of Chief Lyn Ivie Akporiche Street in Ughelli North LGA, as well as Amechi Aguisi Street in Asaba. Other projects include the construction of oil road/old Okpe road in Jeddo Okpe Local Government, Ejeba Road Extension/Jelink Road, and Olomoro Road in Isoko South.

Commissioner for Works, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, shared that the EXCO directed evaluations of contractors with projects that have exceeded one year without progress. Furthermore, he mentioned the approval of several new roads, including the reconstruction of Uzere Asaba-Ase Bridge and accompanying roadways in Ndokwa East and Isoko South.

Additionally approved were six internal roads in Isoko South, including the Alisimie-Owa-Nta road in Ika North East, as well as internal roads and drainage at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North. Roads providing access to the Airforce base at Osubi Airport and Opete Road by Plantation City to Opete Waterside in Udu Local Government Area were also authorized. “These approvals align with Governor Oborevwori’s vision to enhance business opportunities within local communities,” Aniagwu stated.

Hon. Ebikeme Clark, Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, affirmed that EXCO ratified the Governor’s initiative to construct a Model Secondary School in Oporoza and a road leading to the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko, both situated in the Warri South-West Local Government Area.

He remarked, “The Nigerian Maritime University is a federal institution, but the Governor recognized the need to build the access road linking its temporary site to the permanent campus. The residents of riverine areas are grateful to the Governor and believe that he will continue to support their needs.”

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering exclusively with investors who prioritize the broader interests of the state during a meeting on Thursday with Mr. Arun Goswami, Chairman of Metwest Steel Limited, and Mr. Osaro Adusomnwan, the company’s Managing Director, at the Government House in Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of collaboration with investors who demonstrate a genuine commitment to contributing to the state, rather than those solely seeking personal gain.

He pointed out that his administration is not interested in partnerships with individuals who merely wish to exploit government resources without providing reciprocal benefits.

“Last month, I visited your factory and the Delta Free Trade Zone in Kwale to assess the current situation,” he stated.

“There are numerous individuals eager to invest, but they often look for what they can extract from the government without giving back. We are not prepared to engage with such investors.”

He outlined the need for a public-private partnership where both the government and the private sector can collaborate effectively.

“We need to evaluate what is on ground and determine if the state government can proceed. I assure you, we are open to continuing this dialogue,” he added.

Regarding the company’s requests related to the Free Trade Zone, the governor expressed his willingness to consider them. “If we commit our equity, we need a clear timeline for the factory’s successful launch at the Kwale Industrial Park.

“Some investors provide timelines they do not adhere to, so we require a realistic schedule. We are prepared to invest our equity once we have that information,” he explained, promising to address all other concerns raised.

The governor praised the company’s interest in Delta State, highlighting that such investments are crucial for creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

Earlier, Mr. Goswami outlined that the proposed project would be situated in Kwale within the Delta State Free Trade Zone, noting the substantial investment being made.

“He assured the governor that with the necessary support, the plant could be operational within eight months, generating 500 direct jobs in the initial phase and potentially 7,000 over six years, in addition to creating indirect employment opportunities.

He expressed hope for favorable consideration of the project by the state government, emphasizing that it would significantly enhance Delta’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and contribute to the state’s vision of becoming an energy-based industrial hub.