The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, Hon. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu in a press interview has commended the federal government for its bold policies that had created the enabling economic environment for Delta State to thrive.
The event took place today at State Information Hall, Prof. Chike Edozien State Secretariat, Asaba and was premised on the prevailing adverse condition of the economy, government policies and interventions as well as prospects it holds for the citizenry.
The Honourable Commissioner in his opening remarks noted that Delta State had done commendably well even in the prevailing harsh economic realities and attributed the state’s successes to federal government bold policies, enabling economic environment and opportunities created for the state to thrive.
Aniagwu cited massive infrastructural projects of roads, bridges and flyovers evenly situated across the state, accounting for the improved revenues received by the state government, especially with Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) rising to N204billion from N75billion in the previous years. He also noted that workers welfare is at the front burner as reflective in the 13th month salary bill already passed into law, and the recent cash endowment for the less privileged at the grassroots by the Governor to Local Government Chairmen and Ward Councilors.
Aniagwu, who clocked 54 last week, addressed concerns raised over the sustainability of fuel subsidy removal that triggered a hike in fuel price since 2023, the new tax regime of 2025 by the Tinubu administration and the impact on the people. He admitted that subsidy removal came with its associated challenges, but justified it with the increased index of FAAC allocations to states and LGAs, which is cascaded to the people at the grassroots through the Local Government Council.
The two-time Information Commissioner stated that Delta State is intentional in giving back what it receives from Federal Government as palliatives intended to improving businesses and purchasing power of the people at the grassroots, thereby improving their ability to pay tax.
“The more we give, the more revenue we’re also going to get (from their businesses through tax), and the more people are going to live a better life” Aniagwu stated, adding that the State Government is being intentional in giving back monies from state allocation to the people to boost local businesses and empower the people to pay tax and give back to the government, which is a complete cycle that justifies sustainability. “Oborevwoi’s government is giving back intentionally, so what when the people survives, the government survives by receiving tax which completes the cycle” He added.
The Commissioner cited massive infrastructural overhaul schools as a result of vandalism, and said the government in currently working of production and distribution of furniture across school in Delta State.
Anigwu held a strong brief for the federal government, as he commended the bold economic policies of President Bola Tinubu which are drivers of Delta State economic development. In a father-son analogy, Aniagwu underscored why the Federal Government should be commended for Delta State’s achievements, adding that a son who made first class in the university does not ascribe the success to intelligence but primarily to the father who paid the school fees, creating the enabling environment to go to school.
He highlighted the bold steps the federal government has taken that has directly impacted on Delta State to thrive economically which include the second Niger bridge access road interchange at Issele-Azagba nearing completion, ongoing maintenance of the first Niger bridge, Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which students of the four universities in Delta State are beneficiaries, increased FAAC allocation to state and local governments amongst others.
Aniagwu noted that in previous administrations, the challenges have been that of availability and affordability, but now reduced to affordability by President Tinubu’s administration. He however admitted that federal government reforms triggered some challenges initially but now has impacted positively as Delta State Government is taking actions to cascade the solvency for the benefits of the people. “Today, there is no longer long queue at the fueling stations, no black market prices for petroleum products, and no longer indefinite ASUU strike. The reality of the moment is that most challenges in past administrations of federal government are now success story of the present administration:” Aniagwu stated, adding that it was to address these challenges the government is pulling off intentionality in its interventions to address the remaining issue of affordability.
On the recent N5billion cash endowment by the State Governor, with N10million allotted to each Ward Councilors, and how the disbursement would be implemented, Aniagwu stated that the Councilors are closer to the people at the grassroots and have a better knowledge of the less-privilege in their communities, making them a suitable mechanism for the cash implementation. He added that the State Government would set up monitoring committee for successful implementation.
In attendance were the functional Permanent Secretary of State Ministry of Information, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media and gentlemen of the Press.
