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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Oborevwori presents N714.4bn 2024 budget for Delta

    Oborevwori presents N714.4bn 2024 budget for Delta

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Wednesday presented a budget of N714.4 billion for 2024 to the State House of Assembly for approval.

    Presenting the budget tagged ”Budget of Hope and Optimism”, Oborevwori said it was made up of N316.6 billion recurrent expenditure and N397.9 billion capital expenditure.

    ” I wish to announce a budget proposal of N714.4 billion  for the services of Delta Government in 2024.

    ”This amount comprises the sum of N316.6  billion or 44 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N397.9 billion or 56 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure,” he said.

    Oborevwori said that the  budget showed a decrease of N94.9 billion or 12 per cent, compared with the 2023 budget of N809.4 billion.

    ”The slight decrease is due to the fact we have planned the 2024 budget around fiscal discipline, which means that the budget will be funded largely from within and the State would spend only what it can earn within the period.

    ”The main sources of funds for the 2024 budget as proposed would be mainly from the internally generated revenue, statutory allocation, mineral derivation, value added tax and other capital receipts.

    “The proposed recurrent expenditure estimates for 2024 of N316.6 billion is made up of personnel costs of N150 billion which is 21 per cent of the proposed Recurrent Budget.

    ”Also, 39 per cent of the total proposed 2024 budget and overhead costs of N106.6 billion is 15 per cent of the Recurrent Budget estimates or 35 per cent of the aggregate budget proposal for 2024,” he said.

    Oborevwori added: ”The personnel cost of N150 billion anticipates the domestication of a likely salary increase by the Federal Government sometime in 2024, while the overhead cost mirrors the inflationary trend in the country.”
    He said that the government had set up a framework of action with a view to advancing the state through massive infrastructure renewal, human capital development, and appropriate social investment programmes.

    ”This budget is emphatic on keeping our expenditure within revenue limits, reducing our debt profile, and ensuring that we do not build new inflationary pressures through extra budgetary funding.

    ”This presents a challenge to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to embrace the timeless principles of strategic planning, fiscal discipline, excellent service delivery, and the judicious allocation of resources to projects and programmes based on their socio-economic value,” Oborevwori said.

    In his remarks, the Speaker, Me Dennis Guwor commended the governor for his achievements in his first 100 days in office, saying that the people were expecting more projects, programmes and investment that would transform the state.

    “Although the dream is a tall order, with concerted effort and cooperation between the legislature and the executive including other stakeholders, it is achievable,” he said.

    He assured that the cordial and harmonious working relationship between the legislature and the executive would be sustained to drive development in all sectors of the state.

  • Oborevwori salutes Atiku at 77

    Oborevwori salutes Atiku at 77

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has congratulated former Vice-President and Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as he clocks 77.

    The governor’s felicitation is contained in a statement by Sir Festus Ahon, his Chief Press Secretary, on Saturday in Asaba.

    He commended Atiku for his political and economic endeavours that had contributed to the nation’s prosperity and togetherness.

    Oborevwori lauded the Wazirin Adamawa’s unwavering commitment to greater development in Nigeria, describing it as admirable and  deserving of praise.

    He said that Atiku’s involvement in defending and advancing democracy in Nigeria, as well as his astute and persistent advice on national matters, was remarkable, with significant impact.

    Oborevwori described Atiku as a detribalised Nigerian and a unifier whose kindness had improved many lives by bridging socioeconomic class, party boundaries, gender, ethnicity, and religion.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, I congratulate our great leader and former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, as he celebrates his 77th birth anniversary.

    “You have amply demonstrated what you preach by creating opportunities for people to make a living through your massive investments,” he said.

    The investments, according to him,  include those in education, agriculture, media, hospitality, water and oil and gas.

    The governor said these had continued to add to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and poverty reduction in the country.

    “As a generous benefactor and exceptional statesman, you dominated Nigeria’s political scene like a behemoth by garnering widespread support throughout the nation.

    “As our beloved former Vice President clocks 77 years, it is my prayer and that of all people of Deltas and Nigerians that God continue to strengthen you in your devotion to ensuring better peace, good governance, and long-lasting democracy in Nigeria and beyond,” Oborevwori said.

  • Oborevwori’s victory: My perfect birthday gift from God – CPS

    Oborevwori’s victory: My perfect birthday gift from God – CPS

    Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Sir Fetus Ahon, has said the Court of Appeal judgement which validated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as winner of the March 18, gubernatorial election in the state confirmed the judiciary still remained the hope of the common man.

    Speaking with newsmen on Friday night, Ahon described the judgement which coincided with his (Ahon) birthday anniversary as a perfect gift from God.

    He said: “This victory and of course all the court victories that have been recorded by our Governor is a clear testament to the fact that he is a man carefully chosen by God to Govern and take our state to the next level.

    “This Court of Appeal affirmation of the mandate freely given to him by Deltans is a victory for all Deltans and all lovers of democracy not just a victory for the PDP family alone. That it shows and confirm that the judiciary still remains the hope of the common man.

    “The Governor is a man of the people who has already started fulfilling his campaign promise that he will be a governor for all Deltans. He is determined to build on the achievements of his predecessor to move the state forward.

    “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a man with a large heart and compassion. l call on all those of opposition parties to give him their unflinching support in his quest to make the state a model for others to follow.

    “For me, this appeal court victory that came on the same day of my birthday anniversary is not only a birthday gift, but a perfect gift from God.”

  • Oborevwori committed to building lasting legacies for Deltans – Izeze

    Oborevwori committed to building lasting legacies for Deltans – Izeze

    Delta State Government, Tuesday, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was committed to delivering lasting legacy projects for the people of the state.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Comrade Reuben Izeze disclosed this during inspection of ongoing projects in Effurun and Warri areas of the state.

    The projects inspected include: reconstruction of Uti Road Effurun; Edo Guest House Road Ekpan both in Uvwie Local Government Area and Upper and Lower Erejuwa Road in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

    On the Uti Road, Izeze said the road had failed over time because there was no stone base and side drains on the road and told the contractor to scarify the entire road to introduce stone base before wearing and binder course

    He commended the contractor, Messrs Roadwell Limited for introducing boulders on some sections of the road even when they were not provided for in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ).

    The Commissioner said the road which was awarded in 2018 would be reviewed to enable the contractor complete the job on time.

    “On the 29th of May 2023, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori covenanted with Deltans when he subscribed to the oath of office and stated unequivocally that Effurun and Warri will be given a facelift.

    “This road is a 2018 project, I have lived in Effurun in the last 30 years and this Uti Road has never worked and the reason is simple, no drains and no stone base on the road.

    “Gov. Oborevwori is very concerned on delivering lasting legacy for Deltans and you all are aware that Governor Oborevwori is the first Governor to bring Julius Berger to Delta State.

    “He is committed to delivering lasting legacy projects and value will be exacted from every kobo we spend and there will be no shortcut.

    “By the grace of God, Governor Oborevwori has made me team lead and I have a very powerful and reliable team of engineers in the ministry and by the grace of God nobody will shortchange Delta under our watch.

    “We will have value for our money and we will never deliver projects that are substandard. We have seen the project and will report back to the ‘Quality Governor’ on the need to review the project because we can’t build roads without a drainage to a discharge channel,” he said.

    On the Edo Guest House Road, the Commissioner appealed to residents of the area to bear with the government adding that the contractor would finish the project in no distant time.

    At the Upper and Lower Erejuwa Road, Comrade Izeze directed the Ministry’s engineers to redesign the culvert on the road. He also appealed to residents to stop using the drains as refuse dump.

    He said Governor Oborevwori was determined to re-enact the success recorded by the late Governor Ogbemudia’s administration in the old Bendel State by delivering projects that would stand the test of time.

    Also speaking, Director Urban Roads, Engr Solomon Akpotowho said the Uti Road construction entails expansion of the 2.7km road from DSC Expressroad to PTI Road by 3.8meters.

    He said the Upper and Lower Erejuwa Road was being expanded from 7.1m to 12.1m, adding that the project was expected to be completed in February 2014 as part the Governor’s one year in office.

    The Commissioner accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Engr. Fred Edafioghor had earlier inspected the DSC roundabout, venue for the ground-breaking for the recently awarded flyovers and road expansion in the twin cities of Effurun and Warri.

  • Oborevwori identifies threats to ease of doing business in Nigeria

    Oborevwori identifies threats to ease of doing business in Nigeria

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, identified harsh and hostile operating environment, poor basic infrastructure, insecurity and policy flip flops as disincentive to both local and foreign investments in Nigeria.

    Governor Oborevwori also remarked that the nation’s tax to GDP ratio was low because of harsh operating business environment and called for the removal of institutional bottlenecks to the ease of doing business in the country.

    He stated this in his keynote address at the 2023 Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) retreat with theme: “Creating a resilient economy through diversification of the nation’s reserve base” held at the Events Centre, Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori frowned at the non commital of the CBN to be responsive to the clarity and correctional demands made to it by FAAC, in relation to the management of the Federation Account.

    He also called on the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to quickly verify the data earlier submitted by the three tiers of government.

    According to the Governor, Nigeria’s tax to GDP ratio is comparatively low, about 10-12%, which makes the country vulnerable to disruptions in the global economy.

    “A strong, resilient, and competitive economy, requires a flourishing private sector. But there are problems. Structurally, the private sector is largely weak, unorganised, and challenged.

    “The operating environment is harsh and hostile to the ease of doing business. Poor basic infrastructure such as electricity, water, transportation, security, are strong disincentives to investments, local or foreign.

    “Also, frequent policy flip flops and an inefficient bureaucracy are anything but helpful to the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” he stated.

    While commending members of FAAC for their commitment and dedication to duty and for the correction of wrong computations and refunds to oil producing states of the Federation, the Governor added that much work still needs to be done on the payments of 13% derivation, since the coming into force of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    “Since the implementation of the PIA, a lot of concerns have been raised by stakeholders of this sector in respect of the new roles of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as it affects inflows of revenue into the Federation Account. It is my hope that this retreat will address these concerns and lay them to rest permanently.

    “Tax is the dividend of a thriving private sector. For us to reap the benefits, we need to, as a matter of exigency, remove the institutional bottlenecks that make the cost of doing business in Nigeria unbearably high.

    “It is only after we have done this that we can realistically expect to widen the tax base and diversify the economy. It is inevitable that where the cost of doing business is frustratingly high, tax evasion and tax avoidance will be pervasive.

    “In conclusion, it is my considered view that the issue of economic diversification must move beyond rhetoric.

    “Concrete, measurable steps need to be taken now to facilitate non-oil exports, expand the revenue base, and make economic diversification a reality.

    “Here in Delta State, for instance, we have created a Trade and Export Unit to drive the process. Let me also stress that in seeking to facilitate the growth of non-oil exports as canvassed, there is a compelling need to ensure that the oil and gas sector is consistently operating at its optimum,” Oborevwori said.

    Earlier in his welcome remark, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Olawale Edun, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Okokon Ekanem, appreciated Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for accepting to host the retreat.

    He said in six months of the Bola Tinubu administration, the nation had witnessed important reforms such as Petroleum subsidy removal, fiscal and monetary policy reforms aimed at removing multiple taxation, streamlining and simplifying tax administration as well as achieving single foreign exchange market.

    He said the reforms have gained commendations not only by experts in Nigeria but by the international development partners such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank among others.

    “We believe these reforms are what Nigerians need at this point and we are on course to achieving the objectives of these reforms.

    “The Federation Account is witnessing improved revenue inflows since the removal of subsidy from the average of N650 billion monthly to over N1 trillion in the last four months.

    “Government has long realised that Petroleum subsidy is unsustainable giving that erodes revenues that should have been used to fund viable expenditures that are critical to the well-being of the populace.

    “As we continue implement our policies, we will remain mindful of the needs and welfare of Nigerians.

    “We all know that achieving tax revenue to GDP target of 22 per cent and tax to GDP of 18 per cent by 2026 are part of the terminal objectives of this administration.

    “However in doing that, we appreciate the need not to overburden the tax payers by introducing so many new taxes. What is necessary to be done is to broaden the tax base, simplify and streamline tax administration for ease of collection,” Edun stated.

    The retreat is being attended by Commissioners of Finance, Accountants-General of States, NNPCL, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Customs and other revenue generation organs of government.

  • Oborevwori salutes ex-President Jonathan at 66

    Oborevwori salutes ex-President Jonathan at 66

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as he clocks 66 years.

    In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori lauded the former Nigerian leader for his indubitable accomplishments in peace and international mediations.

    According to him, Jonathan’s growing stature in global diplomacy and the promotion of democracy and peace throughout Africa is both significant and inspiring for him and Nigeria.

    He said that the former president’s excellent and praiseworthy role as the ECOWAS peace envoy in Mali had persisted.

    The Governor stressed that Jonathan’s selfless behaviour and calm demeanour, coupled with his leadership by example, contributed to the improvement of elections and the institutionalisation of democracy in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate our leader and statesman, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, as he celebrates his 66th birth anniversary.

    “It gives me great pleasure to honour you, Your Excellency, for your outstanding contribution to the growth of democracy in both our beloved nation and Africa at large.

    “As President of Nigeria, you oversaw an administration that respected the rule of law and protected the right to free expression.

    “As our beloved former President clocks 66 years old today, it is my prayer and that of all Deltans and Nigerians that God continue to strengthen him in his devotion to ensuring better peace, good governance, and long-lasting democracy in Africa.

    “It is also our prayer that Almighty God grants him excellent health and long life so that he can continue to serve humanity to the fullest,” he said.

  • Serve with humility – Oborevwori tells political officeholders

    Serve with humility – Oborevwori tells political officeholders

    Sheriff Oborevwori the governor of Delta state has urged political officeholders to keep serving the people with utmost  humility.

    Oborevwori made the call on Sunday at the thanksgiving service in honour of Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emeka Nwaobi, at St. Paul’s Catholic Cathedral Church, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor described Nwaobi as a good man, while urging him to continue serving God with humility and to use his position to bring the people of Aniocha North together for the good of the local government area.

    “As were coming here this morning, we passed through the Ogwashi-Uku Stadium, where we came for PDP governorship primaries in 2006.

    “I passed through that as a delegate then and today I passed through it as Governor of Delta State. It is only God that can do a thing like that and it is good to give thanks to Him for whatever happens because if Okowa had become governor in 2007, perhaps I wouldn’t have been governor today,” he said.

    Giving his remark, Nwaobi thanked Governor Oborevwori and the party leadership for finding him worthy to serve as Majority Leader of the House

    He pledged his unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the Speaker and members of the House and urged his Aniocha North constituents, particularly Issele-Uku kingdom, to continue supporting PDP for more dividends of democracy.

    The thanksgiving service was attended by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme; immediate past governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and his wife Edith; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, and his wife, Timiebi; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze; Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Arthur Akpowowo, and his wife; the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso; and members of the Delta State House of Assembly, among others.

  • Delta govt to use KPIs to measure progress

    Delta govt to use KPIs to measure progress

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has disclosed the strategic imperatives of the MORE agenda of his administration have been distilled into deliverables that can be measured, tracked and reported.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Oborevwori made the disclosure at the 2023 Delta State Executive Council Retreat held at Maryam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba on Friday.

    Oborevwori said his administration was committed to ensuring excellence, process driven and result oriented governance for the people of the State.

    He said the retreat with Theme: “Delivering the M.O.R.E Agenda for Advancing Delta: Strategies Enablers” was necessary to ensure that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government align their programmes and activities with the administration’s policy focus.

    “These key performance indicators will enable us to measure our progress as an administration based on established timelines and benchmarks for success.

    “This will in turn, enable efficiency of government, enhance performance, hold the MDAs accountable, and promote judicious utilization of resources.

    “It is my earnest expectation that this forum will provide the pathway for us to deliver on the promises of the MORE agenda through fiscal responsibility, synergy among the MDAs, robust community engagement, effective public communication, creative execution of programmes, and excellent service delivery,” he said.

    Governor Oborevwori remarked that a key component of his administration’s policy thrust is to ensure a credible feedback mechanism, adding “For us to achieve our stated goals, MDAs must constantly monitor the progress of projects under their jurisdiction and formulate a mechanism for feedback and evaluation.

    He said: “As evidenced from the projects that we have so far completed and embarked upon, this administration is process driven, result-oriented, and excellence-inclined.

    “Indeed, we are poised to ADVANCE the state into an era that will accelerate the realization of its full potentials through the MORE agenda.

    “Towards this end, the Commissioners are expected to sign a Performance Bond at the end of this retreat. This is not meant to scare anybody. It is to serve as a motivation to stay focused on the deliverables that have been established”.

    “As I stated in my inauguration speech, the MORE agenda is designed to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector job creation, strengthen the human capital, build an enabling infrastructure, bolster public financial management, and improve governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery.

    “The issues before us are simple – they are about improving the quality of life of our people, about building bridges of social cohesion, about giving our people hope of a better tomorrow, and about accelerated development.

    “To effectively achieve this target, it demands thought and action from me and all those who have the privilege to serve as elected officials, political appointees, or civil servants.”

    Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki in his keynote speech, on “Innovative approach to building a state that works for the citizens (opportunities, challenges and prospects for advancing the Delta State economy), said the pandemic of three years ago had driven global inflation to an all time high.

    He said since the era of COVID-19 there has been a significant increase in use of technology and Artificial Intelligence in doing things, stressing that the effect on developing countries like Nigeria was frightening and warned that sub-national and local governments must work assiduously to deliver for the people.

    The Edo State Governor said plans where underway to buy back the state’s shares in the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC),  stressing that talks were ongoing between Delta, Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo States to repurchase the shares.

    Welcoming participants earlier, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme thanked the governor for organizing the retreat, saying it would give participants insight into the philosophy and clear vision of the Agenda.

    The Deputy Governor said there was a new Sheriff in town whose agenda was geared towards reshaping the tools of governance for greater efficiency as encapsulated his more agenda and urged participants to do things differently.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu who gave a detailed breakdown of the More Agenda, gave an overview of the thematic areas of the More Agenda and specific areas to cover.

  • Bayelsa 2023: Oborevwori hails Diri’s re-election

    Bayelsa 2023: Oborevwori hails Diri’s re-election

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated his Bayelsa counterpart, Senator Douye Diri on his re-election in Saturday’s Governorship election in the State.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, on Monday, Oborevwori described the re-election of Diri as “the reward for Diri’s humility, hardwork and good governance” and commended the people of Bayelsa for standing by their Governor when it mattered most.

    He stated that the electorate across the eight Local Government Areas of the State spoke loudly and very clearly in their affirmation of their choice of Diri as Governor of the “Glory of all lands”.

    Oborevwori noted that the re-election of Diri had signposted the reality of PDP’s determination to entrench prosperity in the oil rich State, saying “better days await Bayelsans.

    “Let me congratulate my brother, Senator Douye Diri, on his victory in the November 11 Governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    “It is heart-warming to see you re-elected as Governor of Bayelsa against all odds and I am grateful to the electorate in Bayelsa for shunning entreaties of the opposition, who were ostensibly determined to subvert the wishes of the people.

    “Let me also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving on the logistics and conduct of the election”.

    The Governor also congratulated the PDP and the Chairman of the its National Campaign Council for Bayelsa Governorship Election and Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas and other members of the Council for their efforts, which culminated to the victory.

    “I join you and Bayelsans in praying that God grant you wisdom, knowledge and the needed resources to keep your campaign promises of making Bayelsa State indeed the glory of all lands,” he added.

  • Ground breaking for N78bn Effurun/Warri flyovers to happen soon – Oborevwori

    Ground breaking for N78bn Effurun/Warri flyovers to happen soon – Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has disclosed that work would soon commence on the N78billion flyovers, cloverleaf and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri axis of the state.

    Governor Oborevwori said the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, had been fully mobilised with 25 per cent of the total contract sum, adding that the ground breaking event for the projects would be carried out between November and early December, after all preliminary works would have been concluded.

    He disclosed this on Thursday while speaking to journalists during the inspection of the completed Boji-Boji Mixed Market in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.

    He said: “We have mobilised Julius Berger with 25 percent of the total contract sum and they are doing the drawings, soil tests and all the necessary preliminary works now.

    “Very soon, between now and first week of next month (December), we will have the ground breaking ceremony because everything is in top gear and we are going to keep to all our promises.

    “I believe that Deltans are very happy with what we are doing and we are pleased that the state has been very peaceful.”

    He commended the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for initiating the market project which comprises 120 shops and a modern abattoir, and lauded the contractor for doing a good job.

    “The good thing about it is that the contractor has done a very good job.

    “Normally, before we commission any project, we need to inspect it to know whether it is done to specification. So, we are satisfied with this project.

    “I know that the people of Ika North East will be very happy for this project and I thank the immediate past governor for initiating the project which has been completed during my tenure,” he said.

    He reassured that his administration would complete the payment of promotion arrears to workers in the state with the last tranche expected to be paid at the end of November.

    He added that his government had also supported workers in the state with the payment of N10,000 each monthly for three months to cushion the effects of economic hardship on them occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.