ASABA/Nigeria: Thursday witnessed the Delta State House of Assembly’s rigorous scrutiny of the proposed 2024 Appropriation Bill, marked by an intensive engagement with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government.
This ongoing process, a pivotal part of the Assembly’s oversight functions, saw Standing Committees summoning representatives to defend their budget proposals, aiming to expedite the passing of the crucial Appropriation Bill before the year-end.
The Assembly’s Committee on Education, emphasizing the imperative for sustained progress in the state’s education sector, convened with the heads of all tertiary institutions across Delta State. Notable among these institutions were the universities located in Abraka, Agbor, Ozoro, and Anwai-Asaba, as well as the polytechnics at Otefe-Oghara, Ogwashi Uku, and Burutu. Additionally, meetings were held with the Colleges of Education in Warri and Mosogaras and the School of Health Technology in Ufuoma, Ughelli North local government area.
Charles Emetulu, Chairman of the Committee representing Ndokwa West Constituency, emphasized the substantial budgetary allocation by the state government towards meeting the burgeoning educational needs. He pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure robust infrastructure and academic excellence across the state’s tertiary institutions.
Furthermore, the House Committee on Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Area Development Agency, led by Hon Emeka Osamota, dedicated extensive hours to scrutinize the proposed budget estimate for the Agency. Osamota reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to revitalizing Warri, echoing the state governor’s ambition to build a new city. He underscored the critical role of the Agency in realizing this vision and advocated for an augmented budget allocation, deeming the current provision inadequate.
Osamota pledged to advocate for a substantial increase in the budget proposal, aligning it with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s aspirations for the region. Highlighting the insufficient allocation, Osamota assured stakeholders of their relentless pursuit to secure a more fitting budget for the Agency.
The Director-General of the Agency, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, outlined a proposed N8 billion budget for 2024, earmarked for infrastructure development, including roads, stormwater channels, erosion control, and ongoing project payments. He expressed gratitude for the Assembly’s support and called for collaboration from other stakeholders.
In another committee session, the Committee on Power and Energy, chaired by Hon Frank Esenwah, emphasized the urgency of improved power supply in Delta State. Esenwah stressed energy’s pivotal role in development, assuring the Assembly’s backing for sectoral productivity enhancements in 2024.
The Committee urged ministry officials to conduct thorough needs assessments before embarking on projects within the state.
Commissioner Jerry Ehiwario highlighted the ministry’s intentions to transform the energy landscape in 2024 and appealed for adequate budgetary provisions to facilitate substantial improvements.
Ehiwario expressed gratitude for the Assembly’s support, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Delta State’s populace through improved energy services.
