We’ve paid N14.5bn for pension obligations —Oborevwori
…Our budget ‘ll reflect communities’ needs -Delta govt
By Ochuko Akuopha
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, yesterday, said his administration has paid over N14.5 billion in view of various pension obligations.
This came as the state government has emphasized it’s resolve to ensure that it’s 2025 budget reflects the need of communities across the state.
Oborevwori, during an interactive meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies in Asaba, said his administration was committed to the prompt and sustainable payment of pensions and other emoluments of its employees.
He said: “I have made a lot of efforts to see that we partner in order to move our state forward. I want everyone to be happy as we are working.
“When I came in I called the Head of Service and we made sure that the cry about promotion arrears was ended. We paid about N5.5 billion in four tranches to settle the issue of promotion arrears.
“I asked the Accountant- General what to do to ensure that we pay workers before the end of the month preferably, on the 26th of every month. Since I came, we have never paid workers salaries on the 1st. I pay before the end of every month.
“On the issue of training, I have always approved any memo on training because I encourage training. I have also approved monies for the funding of ‘the public officers’ loan scheme.”
Our budget ‘ll reflect communities’ needs —Delta govt
In another development, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sunny Ekedayen, in Asaba during a Citizens Engagement on the 2025 budget, announced plans for inclusive growth and environmental sustainability as part of preparations for the budget.
He outlined key priorities for the upcoming budget, focusing on job creation, infrastructure development and social welfare improvement.
The commissioner assured participants that the 2025 budget would also prioritise sectors such as agriculture, electricity, sustained infrastructural development and other areas
Ekedayen emphasized the critical role of citizen participation in shaping the state’s economic agenda and noted that the input from traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders would ensure that the budget reflects the real needs of Deltans.
He said: “This engagement ensures our budget priorities reflect the needs of our communities,” reiterating that the state government was commitment to transparency and inclusive governance.
The commissioner explained that at the beginning of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, the state’s debt stood at N465.3 billion, adding that by June 2024, it had been reduced to N303.4 billion representing a 25.3 percent reduction.
Highlighting the state’s revenue performance, he stated that Delta generated N523.6 billion in the first half of 2024, representing 144.4 percent of the state’s budgeted revenue.
Discussions at the meeting touched on critical areas such as security, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agriculture, waste management, and road infrastructure.
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