Oborevwori Unveils Fresh Measures to Boost Deltans’ Purchasing Power

The Delta State Government has unveiled a fresh economic intervention strategy aimed at improving the purchasing power of residents and cushioning the impact of economic hardship across the state.

The measures include massive school renovation, proposed 13th-month salary for civil servants, expanded empowerment programmes, road construction, healthcare investments and efforts to attract investors into local production.

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

Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed the administration to intensify programmes capable of stimulating economic activity at the grassroots and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reached ordinary households.

According to him, the government’s improved financial position had created room for major capital investments while enabling the state to deliberately deploy resources in ways that stimulate local economic activity.

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

School Renovation to Create Local Economic Opportunities
Aniagwu said the planned massive renovation of schools across Delta State was not only an investment in education but also part of the administration’s strategy for stimulating local economies.
He explained that contractors, artisans, suppliers, traders and other businesses within host communities would benefit from the projects.

The commissioner said materials including cement and roofing sheets would largely be sourced locally, allowing government spending to circulate within communities and generate a multiplier effect through increased earnings and household expenditure.

Delta Plans 13th-Month Salary for Workers
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government was working to institutionalise the proposed payment of a 13th-month salary to civil servants through legislation.

He said the initiative was designed to increase workers’ disposable income and stimulate economic activity rather than constitute indiscriminate distribution of government funds.

“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.

More Deltans to Benefit From Empowerment Programmes
Aniagwu further revealed that Governor Oborevwori had directed relevant government agencies to commence the process of identifying beneficiaries for various empowerment initiatives.
The agencies include the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Youth Development and Ministry of Science and Technology.

He said the programmes would provide business support, skills acquisition and other forms of empowerment aimed at helping beneficiaries become economically productive.

Road Projects to Drive Grassroots Economic Growth
According to Aniagwu, the administration’s extensive investment in road construction is another component of its economic stimulation strategy.
He said roads connecting communities and opening up economic corridors would reduce transportation difficulties, improve the movement of goods and services and create a more favourable environment for businesses.

The commissioner said improved connectivity would particularly benefit farmers, traders and small businesses by reducing the difficulties associated with transporting goods from production centres to markets.

Delta Targets Local Production of Poultry Feed
Aniagwu said the state was also pursuing investment opportunities identified through its economic and investment summit.

He disclosed that efforts were being made to attract investors into the production of poultry feed and other agricultural inputs within the state.
According to him, local production would reduce the volume of money leaving Delta to procure such materials from other parts of Nigeria while creating jobs and expanding opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and investors.

Revenue Gains to Fund Development, Not Wasteful Spending
The commissioner stressed that the state’s improved revenue position and liquidity would not be deployed for indiscriminate spending.

Instead, he said the government would continue to channel resources into projects and programmes capable of generating sustainable economic growth.
He listed education, healthcare, roads, housing and empowerment among the key sectors receiving government attention.

Aniagwu also cited the construction of additional residential quarters for medical personnel, particularly doctors, as part of efforts to address brain drain and improve healthcare delivery.
He said providing decent accommodation for critical medical personnel would help the state retain skilled professionals and strengthen public healthcare services.

Oborevwori Government Moves to Cushion Impact of Economic Reforms
Aniagwu acknowledged the economic difficulties associated with the removal of fuel subsidy and other reforms at the federal level but said the Delta Government was committed to mitigating their impact on residents.
He noted that while some of the reforms might have been necessary, their implementation had created unintended consequences and “grey areas” requiring intervention.

“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.

Aniagwu Urges Deltans to Remain Hopeful
The commissioner urged Deltans not to allow current economic difficulties to determine their expectations of the future.

He said the administration’s programmes were designed to strengthen household incomes, expand economic opportunities and make residents more financially resilient.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would remain focused on governance and projects capable of delivering tangible benefits to the people rather than politically motivated cash distribution.

He urged Deltans to support the programmes, saying the government’s objective was to ensure that the state’s economic growth translated into improved purchasing power and a better standard of living for its residents.