2019 FISCAL YEAR: DELTA EARMARKS N1.1 BILLION FOR YOUTH, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT.

In line with the vision of Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the state government has earmarked a whopping sum of N1.1 billion for youth and women empowerment in the 2019 Appropriation Bill, now receiving prompt attention at the State House of Assembly (DTHA).

Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe in a statement said the amount constitutes a major leap in the actualisation of prosperity for all Deltans mantra encapsulated in the Smart Agenda with particular reference to the Youth Agriculture and Skills Training Entrepreneurship Programmes (YAGEP and STEP).

Oghenesivbe noted that YAGEP and STEP has achieved tremendous socioeconomic remodelling results as can be seen from the empowerment of thousands of Deltans in skills acquisition and agriculture; which prompted World Bank partnership and donation of millions of Naira by Tony Elemelu Foundation, to further boost the enviable achievements of Okowa administration in human capital development.

He further disclosed that with the proposed N1.1 billion targeted at turning around the socioeconomic fortunes of Youth and Women in the state, the Okowa administration is poised to set unbeatable legacy at the end of its tenure on May 29, 2023.

Oghenesivbe said the governor shall continue to find ways and means of increasing the YAGEP and STEP annual budget and allocation in progressive dimensions throughout the life of this administration, pointing that the very essence of the SMART AGENDA is to establish a paradymn shift from lip service to human capital development to tangible results and foreseeable progressive attainment of prosperity for all Deltans.

“Delta Youth and Woman are in for pleasant surprises in terms of skills acquisition, training, empowerment and breaking new grounds in small scale businesses which are the major drivers of any economy.

“We are pretty sure that the N1.1 billion proposal shall scale through because Mr Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Honourable members of the House are determined to join efforts with government to attract adequate and reasonable prosperity to our people.

“The very essence of representative government in a constitutional democracy is anchored on the social contract between the leaders and the led which is why the executive and legislatures must cooperate in certain situations so as to facilitate socioeconomic and infrastructure development.

“The House leadership under Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has been proactive, formidable, purposeful and result oriented while sustaining the principles of separation of powers,” Oghenesivbe added.