Delta State House of Assembly Engages State Officials in Budget Defense Sessions

ASABA/Nigeria: The Standing Committees of the Delta State House of Assembly commenced their oversight responsibilities on Monday by hosting various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government. These entities appeared before the relevant committees to justify their budget allocations for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year.

Officials including the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Samuel Oligida, Commissioner for Youths Development, Isaac Agbateyiniro, and the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, were among the initial representatives of the state government to present before the lawmakers during the budget defense sessions.

Led by Hon. Benson Obire representing Warri South Two Constituency, the House Committee on Delta State Capital Development Agency directed Chief Patrick Ukah to prioritize infrastructural development and the beautification of the State capital and its surrounding areas during its session with Agency officials.

Hon. Obire commended the Agency’s efforts in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the State’s Capital territory. He urged a stronger focus on improving road connectivity within the coverage areas of the capital.

“DG, I want to particularly thank you for your proposed plans for DSCTDA in the 2024 fiscal year. We partner with you to ensure that vision becomes fruitful,” expressed Hon. Obire. “You should begin to work out plans to ensure improved linkage of roads within the Capital Territory. Asaba, as it were, has no reason to experience bad roads.”

Chief Patrick Ukah, the Director-General of the Agency, highlighted that the Agency aims to allocate a Capital Expenditure of N8 Billion for the 2024 fiscal year, emphasizing its dedication to enhancing development in the capital city territory. He detailed plans to utilize Six Billion Naira for ongoing road rehabilitation and proposed an allocation of One point Eight Billion for new road infrastructure in Asaba.

The former Secretary to the State Government also assured plans to elevate Asaba to its rightful position as the State capital.

Before the Committee on Trade and Investment, led by Hon. Collins Egbetamah representing Udu constituency, Commissioner Samuel Oligida disclosed a proposed budget envelope of N5.2 Billion for the Ministry in the 2024 fiscal year. Oligida detailed allocations, emphasizing N2.8 Billion for the commercial sector, N2.2 Billion for the industrial sector, N116.5 Million for the administrative sector, and N10 Million for cooperatives in the capital budget expenditure.

The Commissioner reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to completing ongoing projects and commencing new ones in the 2024 fiscal year. He emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to realizing the State government’s MORE agenda by facilitating rapid industrial and commercial growth.

Regarding the 2023 budget performance, Oligida revealed, “As at November 30 this year, the amount received for the execution of Capital Projects within the Ministry of Trade and Investment is about N1.1 Billion, representing 27.4 per cent budget performance.”

The Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, assured collaborative efforts with the Ministry to achieve significant milestones in the sector on behalf of the state government.

Commissioner Isaac Agbateyiniro led Ministry officials to defend its proposed budget before the Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports Development, chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe representing Patani constituency. Agbateyiniro disclosed a proposed allocation of One point Nine Billion Naira for Capital and non-regular overheads. He emphasized plans to expand Youth engagement programs, establish Youth Development Centers, the Graduate Entrepreneurship Employment Scheme, and bolster security at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Isselu-Uku, Aniocha North local government area.

“It is my appeal that serious consideration be given to the proposed budget to enable the ministry to achieve its objective for the year 2024 because the future of our state is in the hands of the youths, hence priority attention should be given to their needs,” stated Agbateyiniro.

Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Sinibe commended the Ministry for its meaningful engagement of youths and other development initiatives. He urged sustained collaboration between the Ministry and the House Committee for progress.

In a related development, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Youths and Sports Development expressed discontent over the neglect of sports facilities in the state by the Delta State Sports Commission. Hon. Emmanuel Sinibe, the Committee’s Chairman, voiced this concern during the Commission’s defense of the 2024 budget.

“There is no need to hide the truth, this committee is not happy with you because you are not doing well,” expressed Hon. Sinibe. “We want a change of character and attitude within this commission. Our relationship with you is not cordial. In the year 2024, we are going to scale up our oversight function because the relationship between the committee and the commission is not cordial. Prepare for us, we are coming. Just go back and pray.”

The Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Christopher Anazie, emphasized the Commission’s dedication to ensuring sustainable development in the State’s sports sector. He provided a detailed breakdown of the commission’s 2024 budget proposal, highlighting efforts to maintain the State’s leading position in sports development.