Oborevwori Unveils Measures To Boost Deltans’ Purchasing Power
By PAULINA NZERUBE
DELTA State Government has announced fresh measures to ease economic hardship and improve residents’ purchasing power.
The initiatives cover infrastructure, workers’ welfare, empowerment and strategic investments.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference in Asaba.
He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed the administration to expand programmes that would stimulate economic activity at the grassroots.
According to Aniagwu, the goal is to ensure that the gains from economic reforms reach households directly.
Infrastructure as Economic Stimulus
Aniagwu said the planned renovation of schools across Delta would create opportunities for contractors, artisans, suppliers and traders.
He explained that government projects would also support local businesses by sourcing materials such as cement and roofing sheets from within the state where possible.
As a result, government spending would circulate within communities and generate wider economic activity.
The commissioner also linked the administration’s road projects to its economic strategy.
He said improved roads would reduce transport difficulties, ease the movement of goods and services and open up new economic corridors.
13th-Month Salary Plan
The government is also working to institutionalise the proposed 13th-month salary for civil servants through legislation.
Aniagwu said the initiative would increase workers’ disposable income rather than amount to indiscriminate cash distribution.
He explained that additional income in the hands of civil servants would translate into increased spending and stimulate businesses at the grassroots.
Empowerment Programmes Expanded
Meanwhile, government agencies have started identifying beneficiaries for various empowerment programmes.
The agencies include the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Youth Development, and Ministry of Science and Technology.
Aniagwu said the programmes would provide business support, skills and other opportunities to help beneficiaries become economically productive.
Investment & Job Creation
The commissioner said Delta was also pursuing investments that emerged from its economic and investment summit.
He specifically cited plans to attract investors into poultry feed and other agricultural inputs.
Such investments, he said, could reduce the amount of money Deltans spend sourcing materials from outside the state while creating jobs for farmers and other businesses.
The government is also investing in education, healthcare, roads, housing and other sectors.
Aniagwu said additional residential quarters for medical personnel, especially doctors, would help improve staff retention and reduce the impact of brain drain on healthcare delivery.
From Reforms to Household Relief
Aniagwu acknowledged the economic difficulties that followed the removal of the fuel subsidy and other federal reforms.
He said some reforms might have been necessary but could also create unintended consequences that require intervention.
For Delta, he said, the focus remains on moving economic benefits from the macro level to individual households.
He urged residents not to allow current difficulties to shape their expectations of the future.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Aniagwu said the administration would remain focused on governance and projects that produce tangible benefits.
He said the government would prioritise sustainable economic interventions rather than politically motivated cash distribution.
Aniagwu urged Deltans to support the programmes, stressing that economic growth should translate into stronger purchasing power and improved living standards for residents.
