Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen, has shed light on what Deltans can expect from the 2025 budget, emphasizing its people-centric focus and substantial infrastructure investment.
Mr. Ekedayen made these remarks during an interaction with journalists following Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s presentation of the 2025 budget, totaling N936 billion, to the State House of Assembly on Thursday in Asaba, the state capital.
According to Mr. Ekedayen, the budget is aligned with the governor’s MORE Agenda, aiming to enhance development across critical sectors. “The budget itself is people-centric and infrastructure-heavy while the capital expenditure is taking the bigger share, much bigger than last year’s budget,” he stated. He highlighted key areas of focus, noting that road infrastructure will receive over N230 billion, education N63 billion, healthcare N13.5 billion, and urban renewal N9.8 billion.
Mr. Ekedayen further emphasized the budget’s commitment to social welfare, stating, “We also have a lot lined up for our social safety net so that the state can appropriately respond to the needs of those who are at the lower rung of the economic space due to the crushing economic hardship being faced by the people. This particular budget is not just a mere application of numbers; it is a deliberate attempt to invest in our people and infrastructure and the overall well-being of everyone in the state.”
In a significant move, Mr. Ekedayen highlighted that the budget will be implemented without reliance on borrowing, with revenue generated organically within the state. He expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the budget, adding, “We are hoping that by this time next year when this budget could have been implemented, people will begin to notice greater physical changes in the state; this is just the message of the governor to Deltans.”
The 2025 budget sets the stage for accelerated development and underscores a strategic focus on building infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for all residents of Delta State.
