By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
The administration of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is intensifying efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship through a combination of workers’ welfare initiatives, infrastructure development, empowerment schemes and strategic investments.
State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed the measures during a press briefing in Asaba on Thursday.
Aniagwu said the governor had directed relevant agencies to expand programmes that would stimulate economic activity and ensure that residents directly benefit from the state’s improved financial position.
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A major component of the strategy is the proposed institutionalisation of a 13th-month salary for civil servants.
According to Aniagwu, the government is working to establish the initiative through legislation, with the objective of putting additional disposable income into the hands of workers.
He said increased disposable income would subsequently stimulate spending within local communities.
The commissioner stressed that the measure was part of a deliberate strategy rather than indiscriminate government spending.
School Renovation to Drive Local Economy
Aniagwu identified the planned massive renovation of schools across Delta as another avenue through which government spending would stimulate the local economy.
He said contractors, artisans, suppliers and traders would benefit from the projects.
The commissioner explained that sourcing construction materials locally, including cement and roofing sheets, would allow government expenditure to circulate within communities.
He said this would create a multiplier effect by increasing earnings and household consumption.
Government Targets Youths, Women and Businesses
The state government is also preparing fresh empowerment interventions.
Aniagwu said agencies responsible for job creation, women affairs, youth development, community and social development, as well as science and technology, had been directed to begin identifying beneficiaries.
The programmes are expected to provide business support, technical skills and other forms of assistance to enable beneficiaries to become economically productive.
Roads to Support Commerce
The commissioner said Delta’s ongoing road projects were equally central to the government’s economic strategy.
He explained that improved roads would open economic corridors, reduce transportation challenges and facilitate the movement of agricultural products, goods and services.
The government is also pursuing investment opportunities identified through the state’s economic and investment summit.
Aniagwu disclosed that efforts were being made to attract investment in poultry feed and other agricultural inputs.
He said local production would help reduce capital flight from the state and create opportunities for farmers, investors and other businesses.
Health Workers Also Targeted
The government’s economic and social interventions, Aniagwu said, extend to the health sector.
He cited the construction of residential quarters for medical personnel, particularly doctors, as part of efforts to improve staff retention and address brain drain.
He said decent accommodation could encourage critical medical personnel to remain in the state and contribute to improved healthcare delivery.
Aniagwu acknowledged that federal economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, had created significant challenges for households.
However, he said the state government was determined to address some of the resulting difficulties and ensure that economic reforms translated into benefits at the grassroots.
He urged Deltans to remain hopeful, stressing that government investments were intended to strengthen the economic resilience of residents.