Delta Exco Approves N4bn Empowerment Grant For 15,000 Indigents
THE Delta State Executive Council has approved N4 billion to empower 15,000 indigent residents across the state, with the intervention aimed at supporting small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and easing economic hardship.
The beneficiaries will be drawn from the state’s 25 local government areas under a programme 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 at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff 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 beneficiaries be selected using clear eligibility criteria.
He said priority would be given to indigent residents who already operate small businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to establish micro-enterprises and vulnerable persons requiring financial assistance to improve their circumstances.
According to the commissioner, the grant is expected to help existing businesses overcome economic challenges, provide start-up capital for new ventures and enable beneficiaries to meet pressing needs.
He explained that the initiative forms 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.
Aniagwu also announced that the Executive Council had approved compensation for land acquired in the central senatorial district for agricultural purposes.
He said the decision followed discussions at previous economic summits, where the need to make land available for large-scale farming and agricultural investment was identified as a priority.
According to him, the government is taking deliberate steps to attract commercial farmers from within and outside Nigeria while creating opportunities for local farmers to expand their operations.
He added that making the state’s agricultural land bank more accessible to investors could stimulate agricultural production, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
In preparation 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.
Aniagwu 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 could affect revenue expectations from the Federation Account.
The council also directed the Ministry of Health to explore expanding free medical outreach services in riverine communities.
The directive followed a recent medical outreach in communities affected by oil spillage, organised after Governor Oborevwori visited the affected areas and ordered the provision of medical assistance.
Aniagwu said the exercise recorded an encouraging response, with residents from other areas also travelling to access the services after hearing about the programme.
He said the governor had consequently asked the ministry to consider making the outreach programmes more regular to improve access to healthcare in riverine communities.
In another decision aimed at improving workers’ welfare, the council approved the construction of a clubhouse for civil servants at the State Secretariat in Asaba.
Aniagwu clarified that the facility would provide civil servants with a place to meet, socialise and relax outside working hours.
He said the approvals reflected the state government’s continued focus on social investment, agriculture, public service welfare and human development alongside its infrastructure programme.
