Subsidy Removal: Delta Govt Approves N10bn Palliatives

The Delta State Executive Council (SEC), has approved the sum of N10 billion as social investment to fund palliatives for the less privileged, people living with disabilities, widows, women, youths and the aged Deltans in the society.

This was part of decisions reached at the maiden State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday in Asaba. 

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the state commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the governor would forward it to the State House of Assembly for approval for the provision of palliatives.

He said they gave approval for the construction of several roads in furtherance of the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Governor Oborevwori’s administration, adding that every senatorial district was covered and the roads were critical to the uplifting of the economic status of the people. 

The state SEC also approved the payment of the 2023 counterpart fund for the Universal Basic Education Programme and for the organisation/hosting of the 7th Edition of the National Youth Games in the state.

On his part, commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen said they also approved the sum of N167 billion as 2023 supplementary budget. 

He said they also granted approval for N40 billion credit facility offer to the 25 local government councils in the state to defray substantial part of outstanding retirement benefits to local government pensioners. 

Earlier in his welcome remark, Governor Oborevwori congratulated the commissioners on their appointments and urged them to work assiduously in the interest of the growth and development of the state. 

He urged the commissioners to avail themselves copies of their swearing-in ceremony address and his inauguration speech, adding that they both offer the pathway of the policy thrust of his administration.