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BY SUNDAY EGEDE
DELTA State Executive Council, yesterday, approved a budget estimate of N936,078,818,719.00k for the 2025 fiscal year representing 29.12 per cent increase over the current 2024 budget being implemented by the state government.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen disclosed this while briefing journalists in Asaba on some of the decisions reached at the Exco meeting presided over by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
He said the proposed budget comprised N587.4 billion, representing 62.75 per cent for capital expenditure, while N348.7 billion, representing 37.25 per cent is for recurrent expenditure.
Ekadeyan, who was supported by Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza and his counterparts in Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu and Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, said the 2025 proposed budget was premised on an exchange rate of N1,300 per dollar.
“We just finished the state EXCO presided over by the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. The major discussion was on the 2024 proposed budget.
“The budget size is N936,078,818,719, broken down into capital and recurrent components of N587,361,060,084 for capital projects, representing 62.75 per cent while the recurrent component is N348,717,758,635 representing 37.25 per cent. “This budget reflects our commitment to key sectors with a balanced approach between recurrent and capital expenditures.
“This 2025 proposal is 29.12 per cent larger than the current year’s budget, demonstrating our dedication to advancing the state’s development.
“Our focus areas remain clear: agriculture; support for micro, small, and medium enterprises; youth empowerment; tourism; entertainment; social safety nets through poverty alleviation; physical infrastructure; healthcare; and education.
“While this provides an overview of the proposed budget, it is still subject to review and will be officially transmitted to the State House of Assembly for further deliberation,” He said.
Ekedayen, who remarked that the Oborevwori administration was anchored on transparency and accountability, added that the 2025 budget will be 100 per cent organically funded without any borrowing.
“A significant portion of the funding will come from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations with our lnternally Generated Revenue (IGR) serving as the secondary source.
“To give a clearer perspective, we anticipate that our lnternally Generated Revenue will reach at least N140 billion.
“For the 2025 project proposals, this combination of federal allocation and lnternally Generated Revenue will be the primary sources of funding,” the Economic Planning Commissioner stated.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza said Exco approved a range of impactful projects that aimed to benefit communities across Delta State.
“With the two-year anniversary on the horizon, the Council emphasized the importance of future-oriented planning.
“Accordingly, all heads of ministries, commissioners, and permanent secretaries have been directed to ensure rigorous oversight of their respective projects, with a strict mandate for high standards. There is absolutely no tolerance for substandard or incomplete work.
“The Council also confirmed key appointments, including the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Greg N. Oputa as the Obi of Aboh in Ndokwa East local government area and Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN) as the Asagba of Asaba in Oshimili South local government area,” he said.
Dr. Osuoza added that several infrastructure projects were also approved, covering critical areas.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu disclosed that Exco directed that contractors, whose projects had lasted for more than one year without mobilising to site, should be determined.
He said EXCO approved several new roads including the reconstruction of Uzere Asaba-Ase Bridge and adjoining Road in Ndokwa East and Isoko South Local Government Areas of the state.
“EXCO also approved six internal roads in Isoko South as well as Aliosimi- Owa-Nta Road in Ika North East, while Internal roads and drainage were also approved at NYSC Orientation Camp at Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
“We also approved the construction of Access Road to Airforce Base at Osubi Airport, Opete Road by Plantation City to Opete Waterside in Udu Local Government Area among others,” Aniagwu added, saying that the approvals were in line with Governor Oborevwori’s desire to open up the communities for business.
On his part, Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark lauded Governor Oborevwori for his efforts in developing riverine communities.
He said EXCO ratified Governor Oborevwor i ’ s approval for the construction of Model Secondary School in Oporoza and Construction of Access road to Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko both in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.
“The Nigerian Maritime University is a Federal Institution but the Governor deemed it fit to construct the road connecting the temporary site to the permanent site of the university.
“The people of riverine areas are happy with the Governor and they believe that with time, he would do more for them,” Hon. Ebikeme Clark stated.
