Traditional rulers in various kingdoms, community leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), artisans, professionals and public officers have been enjoined to work together with the Delta State government to ensure that the state budget reflects the needs and priorities of communities.
Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen made the call at the stakeholders’ meeting with citizens on the 2025 Budget in Asaba, the state capital.
While addressing the gathering, Ekedayen said: “…you have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities our state has; understand the importance of investing in our communities, supporting critical services to those in need…let us ensure that our commonwealth which is usually not enough, is used prudently.”
He stated that the 2025 Budget will be targeted at building on the current gains of the state government by completing the ongoing projects and add new ones in the critical areas of need and providing a conducive environment for investors and development partners.
“Connecting our communities, building of new residential clusters and communities, renewal of our urban centres with roads network and recreation facilities for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Delta,” the commissioner stated.
He expressed the hope that the people will see reforms in the electricity sector as the state is making efforts to ensure that investors are attracted to build independent power plants in the state.
In the 2025 Budget, Ekedayen further said that Delta State will strengthen the micro and small-scale enterprises to create employment and support MSE recovery through capital grants and loans, as well as expanding the capacity of the health institutions to cater for the needs of more Delta citizens.
Moreover, on economic planning, the commissioner stated that the 2025 Budget will also enhance food production and food security through the establishment of Special Agric Processing (SAP) zone, in collaboration with Kwale and Koko Export Processing Zones.
During the interactive session, a traditional ruler, Major-General Felix Mujakpero (retd), stated that the state government should, as a matter of policy, inculcate maintenance of its facilities in the 2025 Budget as the omission of this aspect has contributed to quick dilapidation of government structures in the State.
Other members opined that the 2025 Budget should focus more on capital expenditure that will begin meaningful development to the state, even as they stated that the issue of security should be tackled headlong because without security in the various communities, the citizens cannot go about their business.
Present at the event include the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Barry Gbe, Permanent Secretaries, Civil Servants; the Pere of Akugbene-Mein, Pere Luke; the Obi of Ubulu-Uno, Obi Henry Afamefune Agbogidi; the Ovie of Oghara, Noble Eshemitan, Orefe II.
Also at the meeting are Civil Society Organisations, members of professional bodies, president-generals of various communities in Delta State, Permanent Secretaries from MDAs, civil servants, among others.
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