Delta State Allocates N10 Billion for Social Investment in Palliatives: Infrastructural Developments and Royal Appointments Also Approved

ASABA/Nigeria: In a resolute move to address the needs of its citizens, the Delta State Executive Council has approved an allocation of N10 billion towards a Social Investment fund, specifically aimed at funding essential palliatives for the people of Delta. This decision emerged from the inaugural State Executive Council meeting, presided over by the steadfast Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Exco Chambers within the Government House in Asaba, resulted in an array of significant resolutions.

In a debriefing session with the press following the meeting, Comrade Reuben Izeze, the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), highlighted that the Governor will submit the proposal to the State House of Assembly. This submission aims to seek approval for utilizing the allocated funds to provide palliative support to marginalized segments of society, encompassing the less privileged, individuals with disabilities, widows, women, youths, and the elderly.

Governor Oborevwori’s administration is driven by the M.O.R.E Agenda, a comprehensive strategy for progress. An integral facet of this strategy is the advancement of infrastructure. As an embodiment of this commitment, the Executive Council granted endorsement for the construction of multiple vital roads that span the state’s senatorial districts. These roads are poised to play a pivotal role in uplifting the economic status of the populace.

Among the infrastructure projects given the go-ahead are the reconstruction of Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads in Warri, the rehabilitation of Esisi Road connecting Warri Sapele Road to Estate roundabout with a link to Nana College and Ajamimogha in Warri. The list further includes rehabilitation and asphalt overlay for sections of PTI Road in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Oviri Court-Adagbrasa Road in Okpe Local Government Area, and Ohorhe-Adagbrasa-Ugolo-Okuodiete road with an extension from Adagbrasa to Ughwagba community, impacting Okpe Local Government Area.

Additionally, plans for the construction of roads around Otovwodo junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area and the Nsukwa-Umute-Adonte Road Phase 1 from Nsukwa to Umute in Aniocha South Local Government Area have been endorsed. Remedial work on the bridge approach at Bedesegba along Ohoror-Bomadi Road in Bomadi Local Government Area is also part of the comprehensive infrastructural agenda.

In the pursuit of modernization and sustainability, the Executive Council granted approval for the installation of all-in-one LED solar powered street lights along the NPA – DSC Expressway and surrounding areas in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas. This environmentally conscious initiative aims to enhance the region’s urban landscape.

The Executive Council extended its support to educational and youth initiatives, approving the payment of the 2023 counterpart fund for the Universal Basic Education Programme and sanctioning the organization and hosting of the 7th Edition of the National Youth Games within the state.

In tandem with these developments, several traditional leaders’ appointments were ratified. HRM Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia became Uhurhie-Sadjere II, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom. HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo was affirmed as the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South, HRM Ogheneochuko Morris Eyekpimi – Egbobonyen assumed the role of the Orosuen of Okere Urhobo Kingdom in Warri South, and HRM Obi Emmanuel Chukwuka became the Obi of Umute Kingdom in Aniocha South LGA.

Underlining the financial matters addressed, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, conveyed that the Executive Council sanctioned a supplementary budget of N167 billion for the year 2023. Furthermore, the council approved a credit facility offer of N40 billion to the 25 local government councils in the state. This substantial credit aims to alleviate a significant portion of outstanding retirement benefits for local government pensioners.

Governor Oborevwori extended his congratulations to the appointed Commissioners, urging them to work diligently for the growth and advancement of the state. Emphasizing the collective nature of the council’s decisions, he stressed the need for synergy among all members to effectively realize the administration’s vision.