ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has reiterated its determination to implement social protection programmes free from political interference, with a mandate to directly benefit the most vulnerable in communities across the state.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, gave the assurance in Asaba on Wednesday at a forum on social protection themed “Accelerating Inclusive Social Protection in Delta State: Building Stronger Systems for Poverty Reduction and Resilience”, organized by the ActNaija Consortium in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Planning.
Aniagwu commended the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, and social protection advocate, Rev. David Ugolo, for their tireless efforts in championing inclusiveness and poverty reduction in the state. He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed that social interventions must never be subjected to political manipulation.
“The governor has made it clear that poverty is no respecter of political affiliation. This is why we involve traditional institutions, religious leaders, town unions, youth and women’s groups in the implementation process, to ensure that interventions reach the vulnerable without bias,” Aniagwu said.
He explained that the state government’s focus goes beyond cash transfers to sustainable empowerment initiatives, particularly the construction of rural access roads to connect farming communities to markets. He added that indigenous contractors are prioritized to boost local economies and generate jobs.
Highlighting the administration’s multi-pronged approach, Aniagwu listed the MORE Business Programme, Rural Youth Skills Acquisition (RYSA) scheme, and the Widows Empowerment Programme as major interventions aimed at reducing economic pressures and providing disadvantaged groups with lasting livelihoods.
The Commissioner cautioned against indiscriminate cash handouts, warning that such practices could worsen inflation and undermine productivity. “Empowerment must be tied to productivity,” he insisted, stressing that the Oborevwori administration’s model attaches value to every intervention by supporting those engaged in enterprise while equipping new entrants with relevant skills.
Aniagwu also condemned the culture of political patronage where appointees earn salaries without defined responsibilities, noting that such practices discourage genuine industry. He called on stakeholders to support the government’s vision of social protection that promotes resilience, self-reliance, and dignity of labour.
Expressing optimism, he assured that the forum would not end as a “talk shop” but would produce practical strategies to strengthen social protection systems and improve the wellbeing of Deltans.
