Delta State has approved N4 billion to empower 15,000 indigent residents to support small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and ease economic hardship across the state.
Key Highlights
- Delta approves N4bn to empower 15,000 indigent residents across the 25 LGAs.
- Programme to be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks.
- Council approves compensation for land acquired in Delta Central for agriculture.
- 2027 fiscal strategy paper and budget policy paper approved.
- Health ministry directed to expand free medical outreach in riverine communities.
The beneficiaries will be drawn from the 25 local government areas under an initiative designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen the purchasing power of vulnerable residents.
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 the Government House, Asaba.
Aniagwu said the intervention would be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks, adding that the governor has directed that the selection process be guided by clear eligibility criteria.
According to him, priority will be given to indigent persons who already operate small businesses, those seeking to establish micro-enterprises and vulnerable residents who require financial support to improve their circumstances.
He said the grant is intended to help existing businesses overcome economic challenges, provide start-up capital for aspiring entrepreneurs and enable beneficiaries to meet pressing needs.
The commissioner explained that the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Deltans.
Land compensation for agricultural investment
Beyond the empowerment programme, the council approved compensation for land acquired in the central senatorial district for agricultural purposes.
Aniagwu said the decision follows discussions at the last economic summit held by the state government, where the need to make land available for large-scale farming and agricultural investment were identified as a priority.
He said the government is taking deliberate steps to create an environment that would attract commercial farmers from within and outside Nigeria, while giving local farmers opportunities to expand their operations.
The move, he added, is expected to make the state’s agricultural land more accessible and valuable to investors, with the potential to stimulate production, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
2027 budget documents approved
In preparation for the 2027 fiscal year, the council also 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 required for realistic budget planning.
He noted that anticipated stability in the naira would help government planning, although possible fluctuations in international crude oil prices could affect revenue expectations from the federation account.
Read also:
- Delta Approves 2027 Budget Framework, Raises Oil Production Benchmark to 1.75 Million Barrels Per Day
- Delta Emerges Highest Ranked State In Liquidity Rating, Says Commissioner
- Oborevwori Distributes 50 Fishing Boats, Fishing Nets To Fishermen In 3 LGs
Free medical outreach for riverine communities
The council also directed the Ministry of Health to explore the expansion of free medical outreach services in riverine communities.
The initiative follows a recent medical outreach in communities affected by oil spillage, which was organised after the governor visited the affected areas and directed the state to provide medical assistance.
According to Aniagwu, the response to the exercise is encouraging, with residents travelling from other areas to access the services after hearing about the programme.
He said the governor has therefore asked the ministry to consider making such outreach programmes more regular to improve access to healthcare in riverine communities.
For more news from Delta State, follow us on X.
