Delta Govt Steps Up Grassroots Economic Empowerment, Boosts Purchasing Power

By Judith Nkwor 

The Delta State Government says it is intensifying efforts to empower residents at the grassroots and improve their purchasing power as part of measures to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information Conference Hall, Asaba.

Aniagwu said the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was committed to ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms translated into tangible improvements in the lives of residents through prudent management of public resources.

He said the government was being deliberate about implementing measures that would strengthen the economic capacity of citizens, particularly vulnerable residents, workers and small business owners.

According to him, councillors across the state have been directed to commence the process of empowering constituents who require support to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their economic activities.

The commissioner explained that supporting individuals and small businesses at the grassroots would help stimulate economic activities within communities and create a wider multiplier effect.

He said the government believed that putting resources directly in the hands of the people would enable them to become more economically productive while improving their ability to meet their daily needs.

Aniagwu further stated that the administration was determined to ensure that Deltans increasingly felt the impact of government programmes and reforms at the community level.

On the welfare of workers, the commissioner said part of Governor Oborevwori’s intentions regarding the 13th-month salary had already been made public, adding that civil servants would benefit from the initiative.

He described the measure as part of the administration’s broader commitment to giving back to the people and ensuring that workers also benefit from government policies and interventions.

Aniagwu said increased resources in the hands of workers and residents would help stimulate demand, boost local economic activities and contribute to easing some of the pressures created by the prevailing economic situation.

He added that the state’s interventions were designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to create sustainable opportunities for residents, particularly through grassroots empowerment, support for small businesses and measures aimed at improving household purchasing power.

The commissioner assured that the Oborevwori administration would continue to pursue practical policies capable of translating government reforms into measurable improvements in the lives and livelihoods of Deltans.