Delta plans N4bn business grants for 15,000 residents

File photo: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Government has approved a N4bn empowerment programme, with 15,000 residents expected to receive N250,000 each to support small businesses and help aspiring entrepreneurs start their own businesses.

The state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on the decisions taken at a State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.

Aniagwu said the programme would be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks, with beneficiaries to be drawn from the state’s 25 local government areas.

The grants will amount to N3.75bn, while the remaining N250m will cover administrative, training and other implementation costs.

He said the governor had directed that clear eligibility criteria be established to ensure that the support reached vulnerable residents, including small business owners facing financial difficulties and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking start-up capital.

In another development, the council approved compensation for land acquired in the central senatorial district for agricultural purposes as part of efforts to attract commercial farmers and expand agricultural production.

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Aniagwu said the initiative was expected to attract investors from within and outside Nigeria, create jobs and give local farmers opportunities to expand their operations.

The council also approved the Economic and Fiscal Updates, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Paper to guide the preparation of the state’s 2027 budget.

Aniagwu said the documents would provide economic assumptions, revenue projections and policy direction for budget planning. He added that stability in the naira could support government planning, while fluctuations in international crude oil prices could affect the state’s revenue from the Federation Account.

The council further directed the Ministry of Health to consider expanding free medical outreach services in riverine communities following a recent exercise in areas affected by oil spillage.

Aniagwu said residents from neighbouring communities had also sought medical attention during the exercise, prompting the governor to direct the ministry to consider making the programme more regular.

The council also approved building a clubhouse for civil servants at the State Secretariat in Asaba, giving workers a place to meet and relax outside working hours.