Delta State Government has commenced preparatory work for the formulation of a new Medium-Term Development Plan, covering 2024-2027, for the state.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sunny Ekadeyan, disclosed this in his remarks at an orientation workshop for Focal Persons at Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) held in Asaba.
Ekadeyen said the state achieved 80 per cent of its Medium-Term Development Plan for 2020-2023 and commended professionals from different cadres of the State Civil Service for their contributions to the effective realisation of the development plan.
Represented by the Director of Budget, Mr Thompson Olije, the commissioner expressed gratitude for answering the clarion call, adding that the task ahead would be of immense benefit, not only to Delta State but also to the entire nation.
“It is indeed an honour and a privilege to address this gathering of eloquent professionals from different cadres of the Civil Service who are dedicated to providing a plan for driving the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“I can also recollect that the last edition was for 2020-2023 and, going through it, I discovered that at least 80 per cent of the plan was achieved and this goes to show the dynamism of the civil servants as go-getters.
“As people in governance, we cannot overemphasize the importance of this medium-term development plan. It is the framework needed to drive the MORE Agenda of the present government. “This is critical, given our ever-increasing needs in terms of health, education, potable water, roads and other socio-economic amenities, for sustainable development. “I urge all of you to put in your best so that the Governor Oborevwori administration can effortlessly implement its MORE agenda even as I have complete faith in your professional expertise and experience in executing this task successfully,” Ekadeyan said.
Workshop Consultant, Prof Eric Eboh, said the purpose of the workshop was to enlighten focal persons from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the generation, collation, organising, drafting and submission of inputs into Delta State Medium Term Plan 2024-2027. He said proper crafting of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2027 was critical to the achievement of the MORE agenda and urged all to work towards achieving the aim of the meeting.
Prof Eboh, pioneer Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer in the state, said the development plan of any state or country was one of the most important documents and congratulated all the focal persons on being nominated to represent their MDAs. “In Nigeria, the current Medium-Term Development 2021-2025 is being realigned to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“In Delta State, the oil sector accounts for 48 per cent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the non-oil sector accounts for 52 per cent.” Eboh argued that the oil sector was just a revenue earner for the state and did not employ many people. He called for an improvement of the non-oil sector which employs more Deltans.
Earlier, the Director of Planning in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Head of the Drafting Task Team, Mrs Azuka Monyei, said the Medium-Term Development Plan was a very important document every country, state and local government should have, adding that the plan shows the road map on how the nation and state could plan for the welfare of its citizens, especially in the current perilous times.
…Tasks Indigenous Filmmakers
Members of the Delta Indigenous Film-makers (DIF) have been called upon to apply their creative energy and skill in projecting the policies and programmes of the state government.
This call was made recently by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, when he received on a courtesy visit, the chairman and members of the Delta Indigenous Filmmakers in Asaba.
Osuoza welcomed the offer of collaboration from the filmmakers, especially in the areas of the production of public educational jingles and documentaries to project the developmental effort of the state government.
“From time to time we can collaborate to produce jingles or documentaries. My office is open for collaboration that will be mutually beneficial.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta Indigenous Filmmakers, Mr Franklyn Nwoko, lamented what he termed the misrepresentation of his members whom he described as professionals in the Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood. He expressed the desire of the body to partner with the information ministry in showcasing the policies and programmes of the state government.
According to him. “It is important that indigenous filmmakers in Delta State are recognized and have visibility, and the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.”
