BY FESTUS AHON
WITH reports indicating that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has failed to remit revenues generated to the Federation Account (FA) due to subsidy deductions and other obligations, stakeholders have been demanding transparency and accountability in the management of the FA.
At the retreat for members of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) (Post-Mortem) Sub-Committee, held in Asaba on Thursday, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, advocated for an effective management of the FA for sustainable development of the country.
He said the theme of the retreat “Efficient Management of Federation Account’’ was apt and timely as FAAC remained the major source of revenue for the federal, state and local governments to fund development projects.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, Governor Oborevwori lauded FAAC for its role in carrying out in-depth analysis of Revenue Generating Agencies (RGAs) as presented during their monthly meetings and periodic review of performances of the RGAs.
He appreciated RMFAC and the Post Mortem Sub-committee for being instrumental to the refunds being received by the sub-nationals, especially the oil-producing states which had enhanced the capacity of government to deliver legacy projects to the people.
According to him, Delta, as a major oil-producing state, has contributed immensely to the FA, adding that the retreat afforded the state the opportunity to interact with the managers of the account.
“The retreat affords FAAC Post Mortem Sub-committee members to review the past records, especially from January 2021 to December 2023, and ensure all areas of revenues not captured are identified.
“It also avails the Committee the opportunity to look at the areas that need improvement,” he said.
In guiding the Committee for efficient management of FAAC, Governor Oborevwori tasked the FAAC Post-Mortem Sub-Committee to “ensure that all funds generated were paid to the Federation Account promptly and application of right sharing formula.
… Tasks Wealthy Deltans, Organisations On Delta’s Devt
Also on Thursday, Governor Oborevwori called on multinational companies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and well-to-do Deltans both at home and in the diaspora to contribute their quota in fast-tracking sustainable development in all parts of the state.
Governor Oborevwori made the call while inaugurating a block of six classrooms each in four secondary schools at Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state which were renovated by members of Ogwashi-Uku Association, USA Inc.
The four schools that benefited from the association’s gesture are Adaigbo Mixed Secondary School, Comprehensive Secondary School, Saint Rose’s Girls’ Grammar School and Nshiagu College, all in Ogwashi-Uku.
Governor Oborevwori, who commended sons and daughters of Ogwashi-Uku based in the United States of America for their laudable gesture, called on well spirited individuals to follow their footsteps as the government alone could not address the entire development needs of the people.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said several road projects had been initiated by his administration, pointing out that the MORE Agenda of his administration was aimed at advancing development of the state.
He said the state has 489 secondary schools, 51,000 employees, 12,900 local government employees as well as other commitments, hence the need for reliable partnership.
“I am so happy that you are not just building physical infrastructure, you are also equipping them. So, we would like to thank you for this gesture. The reward for hard work is more work. So, we expect that many more would be done in the other areas.
“They should do things that they will be remembered for. This association, Ogwashi-Uku Development Union, USA, will be remembered for something very good.
“Other communities should borrow a leaf from the association as what they have done is something worth emulating.
“As you can see, some critical infrastructures are being executed here in Ogwashi-Uku. You couldn’t have driven past Ibusa all the way to Ogwashi-Uku on that bye-pass, that is a lot of access road, that is an inlet into Ogwashi-Uku. If you don’t do that, how are you going to have access,” he added.
Meanwhile, the governor has charged various communities in the state to protect all government projects in their domains from vandals, even as he solicited the support of all in ensuring that peace reigned in all parts of the state.
… Says Youths Should Embrace Skill Acquisition, Financial Literacy For Self-Development
Governor Oborevwori, on Friday, charged youths in the country to acquire skills and financial literacy that would enable them to become self-employed, instead of searching for elusive white collar jobs.
Governor Oborevwori gave the charge at the Niger Delta Viewpoint Small Medium Enterprises, NDVP-SME Conference 2024 with Theme: ‘Financial Literacy and Skill Acquisition, A Journey To Self-Actualisation’ held in Asaba.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori said acquisition of skills in various fields was a sure avenue for self- development and empowerment, calling on young people to learn from and emulate successful entrepreneurs by starting businesses of their choice.
The Governor said: “The training of our youths and women in self-actualising knowledge and skills to make them economically independent is a most welcome development.
“The time has come to wean our people, especially the youths, from sole dependence on the government for the provision of all human capital development mechanisms, especially through white collar jobs. Government alone cannot employ everybody.
“It has, therefore, become necessary to train our people in various areas where they can become entrepreneurs, grow their businesses and become employers of labour.
“I am happy this programme will train our people in financial literacy. This way, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs can find their way in independently negotiating and accessing funds to grow their businesses, thereby creating opportunities for them to become employers of labour.”
He said the state government had trained thousands of youths – male female alike – in skills acquisition in various fields and empowered them to start their chosen businesses.
Governor Oborevwori said: “we sincerely believe that the state has created a sizable pool of entrepreneurs capable of revolutionising SMEs in the state. But we also know that more needs to be done.
“It is noteworthy that this initiative covers catering, fashion, IT, both soft and hardware, farming, manufacturing and the creative industry.
“This array of skills acquisition is capable of making participants economically self-reliant. I urge all participants to pay serious attention and be well equipped in the knowledge of whatever area they have chosen. The market for your products and services are readily available.”
