Delta Government Unveils Empowerment Scheme as Exco Approves Agricultural Land Compensation, 2027 Budget Framework
The Delta State Government has approved ₦4 billion for the empowerment of 15,000 indigent residents across the state’s 25 local government areas, as part of efforts to support small businesses, promote entrepreneurship and cushion the effects of economic hardship.
The approval was granted by the State Executive Council (Exco) at a meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed the decision while briefing journalists after the meeting. He was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.
Aniagwu said the empowerment programme would be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks.
He explained that the initiative was designed to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable residents by providing financial assistance to existing small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and other indigent persons in need of support.
According to the commissioner, Governor Oborevwori has directed that the selection of beneficiaries should be based on clearly defined eligibility criteria to ensure that the intervention reaches the intended recipients.
He said the funds would help existing businesses overcome financial challenges, provide start-up capital for people seeking to establish micro-enterprises and support vulnerable residents in meeting pressing needs.
Aniagwu added that the programme formed part of the state government’s efforts to translate ongoing economic reforms into practical benefits for ordinary Deltans.
Exco Approves Compensation for Agricultural Land
In another major decision, the State Executive Council approved compensation for land acquired in the Delta 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 explained that the government was working to create an enabling environment for commercial farmers from within and outside Nigeria to invest in the state’s agricultural sector.
The initiative is also expected to provide local farmers with opportunities to expand their operations, increase agricultural production and contribute to employment generation.
According to him, making the state’s agricultural land bank more accessible to investors could stimulate economic activities and create additional opportunities across the state.
The commissioner noted that agricultural investment remained an important component of the government’s broader economic development agenda.
Delta Exco Approves 2027 Budget Planning Documents
The council also approved the Economic and Fiscal Updates, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Paper to guide preparations for the 2027 fiscal year.
Aniagwu said the documents would provide the economic assumptions, revenue projections and policy direction required for the preparation of a realistic state budget.
He explained that anticipated stability in the naira could support government planning, while fluctuations in international crude oil prices remained a potential factor affecting revenue projections from the Federation Account.
The approved documents are expected to serve as a framework for determining the state’s fiscal priorities and aligning projected revenue with planned expenditure in the coming financial year.
Oborevwori Considers More Free Medical Outreach in Riverine Communities
The State Executive Council also directed the Ministry of Health to explore the expansion of free medical outreach services in riverine communities.
Aniagwu said the directive followed a recent medical outreach organised for communities affected by oil spillage after Governor Oborevwori visited the affected areas and ordered the provision of medical assistance.
According to the commissioner, the response to the outreach was encouraging, with residents travelling from neighbouring communities to access the services after hearing about the exercise.
He said the governor had consequently asked the Ministry of Health to consider making such interventions more regular to improve access to healthcare, particularly for residents of riverine areas.
The proposed expansion is expected to help address healthcare access challenges in communities where geographical barriers may make it difficult for residents to obtain medical attention.
Council Approves Clubhouse for Delta Civil Servants
In a separate decision concerning workers’ welfare, the State Executive Council approved the construction of a clubhouse for civil servants at the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba.
Aniagwu clarified that the proposed facility would provide public servants with a place to meet, socialise and relax outside official working hours.
The project forms part of the council’s decisions relating to the welfare of government employees and the provision of facilities within the state civil service environment.
Multiple Interventions Across Key Sectors
The latest approvals cover social investment, agriculture, fiscal planning, healthcare and workers’ welfare.
While the ₦4 billion empowerment programme is expected to support 15,000 indigent residents, the agricultural land compensation approval is aimed at facilitating investment in farming and expanding economic opportunities.
The council’s approval of the 2027 budget planning documents will also guide the state’s next budget cycle, while the proposed expansion of free medical outreaches seeks to improve access to healthcare in riverine communities.
The planned civil servants’ clubhouse, meanwhile, addresses recreational and social needs within the state workforce.
The decisions were announced following the State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Asaba, with implementation timelines and beneficiary selection for the empowerment programme expected to be guided by the state government’s subsequent arrangements.
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