Oborevwori’s Reforms pump N5bn Boost for Delta Grassroots Economy— Aniagwu
By Gabriel Hansel Aghogho
The Delta State Government says its economic reforms and grassroots empowerment programmes are expected to inject about N5 billion into local economies across the state and improve residents’ purchasing power.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Asaba, saying the initiative targeted low-income earners and operators of small businesses.
Aniagwu explained that councillors had been directed to empower 200 people in each ward. With about 500 wards across the state, he said the programme could reach at least 100,000 beneficiaries.
He added that political and community leaders were providing additional support. In Ika North-East, for instance, leaders contributed at least N5 million per federal ward, bringing the additional intervention to about N70 million.
According to the commissioner, increasing purchasing power in rural communities would help small businesses grow and make such areas more attractive to investors who traditionally concentrate on locations with stronger consumer demand.
Aniagwu also linked the state’s improved ability to fund government obligations to broader economic reforms, noting that contractors could now be mobilised with up to 40 per cent, while workers’ salaries are paid between the 22nd and 25th of each month. He also said pensioners no longer need to queue at Government House to receive their payments.
He further pointed to improved stability in academic activities at Delta-owned universities as another indication of better financial management.
On the 13th-month salary, Aniagwu commended the Delta State House of Assembly for its swift consideration of the bill, saying the measure would make the payment a statutory benefit for civil servants once assented to by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The state had earlier announced plans to give the payment permanent legal backing.
He said the various interventions were intended to put more money in circulation, support households and businesses, and create conditions that could encourage investment across Delta State.
