Oborevwori Moves to Ease Hardship, Boost Purchasing Powe

The measures include infrastructure projects, workers’ welfare, empowerment programmes and investments aimed at creating jobs and supporting businesses across the state.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference in Asaba.

Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed the government to expand programmes that would stimulate economic activity and ensure residents benefit directly from ongoing economic reforms.

“The governor has directed that we intensify efforts at rolling out programmes that will indeed improve the purchasing power of our people,” Aniagwu said.

He said the planned renovation of schools across Delta would provide business opportunities for contractors, artisans, suppliers and traders. Materials such as cement and roofing sheets would also be sourced locally where possible to ensure government spending benefits the communities.

Aniagwu also disclosed that the state was working to make the proposed 13th-month salary for civil servants part of the law.

He said the initiative would put additional money in the hands of workers, allowing them to spend more and contribute to economic activity.

“Once this fund gets to the hands of the civil servants, that civil servant is also enabled to spend money in certain directions. That way, government would have been able to take the benefit of the reforms from the macro level to the micro level,” he said.

The commissioner said government agencies had been directed to identify beneficiaries for various empowerment programmes covering business support, skills development and other forms of assistance.

He added that the state’s road projects were also designed to support economic growth by improving transportation and making it easier to move people, goods and services.

According to him, Delta is also exploring investments in the production of poultry feed and other agricultural inputs. He said local production would reduce the money leaving the state to purchase such products elsewhere while creating jobs and business opportunities.

Aniagwu said the government was also investing in education, healthcare and housing. He specifically mentioned the construction of accommodation for medical personnel as part of efforts to retain doctors and other critical health workers in the state.

On the impact of fuel subsidy removal and other federal reforms, Aniagwu acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents but said the state government was working to reduce their effect at the grassroots.

“We are convinced that efforts are also being made to address those grey areas, just as we are doing in Delta, so that the benefit of this removal can move beyond the macro level and come to the micro level,” he said.

As the 2027 elections approach, Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would remain focused on projects and programmes that deliver lasting benefits rather than politically motivated cash distribution.

He said the government’s broader objective was to ensure that economic growth in Delta translates into better purchasing power, more opportunities and improved living standards for residents.