The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. (Comrade) Warri Ovoke Friday, has presented a proposed budget of N15,564,000,000 for the 2026 fiscal year to the legislative arm for consideration and approval.
Presenting the appropriation bill at the council’s legislative chamber, the chairman said the 2026 budget was designed to sustain development and improve the living standards of residents across the local government area. He noted that the proposal builds on achievements recorded in previous years, with a clear focus on projects that directly impact the people.
According to him, the budget places priority on social welfare, healthcare support, and grassroots development, describing it as a people-oriented financial plan aimed at delivering measurable results.
He commended members of the legislative arm for their continued support since the inception of the current administration. The chairman also highlighted the council’s financial obligations, including a monthly wage bill of about N86 million for local government staff and N227 million for 1,221 primary school teachers. He noted that Isoko South remains one of the largest employers of primary school teachers in Delta State.
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“This administration has continued to fulfil its mandates, and our efforts have earned Isoko South recognition as one of the leading local governments in healthcare awareness and support in Delta State,” he said.
Providing a breakdown of the proposal, Warri Ovoke Friday explained that the N15.56 billion budget represents a 1.6 per cent increase over the 2025 approved budget. He stated that the budget would be funded through statutory allocations from the federation account, state government contributions, Value Added Tax, and internally generated revenue.
He projected that N8.6 billion would come from the federation account, while N5.8 billion is expected from the state government. VAT is estimated at N1 billion, with internally generated revenue put at N164 million.
On expenditure, the chairman said N4.96 billion has been earmarked for recurrent spending, including personnel costs, while N7.02 billion is allocated for capital projects. Overhead costs are projected at N3.31 billion.
He expressed confidence that the legislative council would give the proposal speedy consideration to enable timely implementation.
In his remarks, the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Bright Olokor, commended the chairman’s leadership style, describing it as inclusive and responsive. He praised the administration for releasing constituency funds to councillors, noting that the gesture ranks among the highest in the state.
Olokor assured that the lawmakers would carefully review the budget in the interest of the people and expressed optimism that the 2026 appropriation would surpass the performance of the previous year. He also appealed for the construction of an access road to the legislative chamber and the provision of a bus to aid oversight functions. Both requests received immediate approval from the council chairman.
Other officials present at the budget presentation included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Theresa Ikrike; the Secretary to the Local Government, Zino Osuofa; members of the executive council; legislators; and heads of departments.
