The Delta State Government has announced plans to roll out a large-scale empowerment programme across all 25 local government areas ahead of the presentation of the 2026 state budget, which is estimated at ₦1.5 trillion.
The announcement was made on Monday, October 20, 2025, by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, during a press briefing in Asaba, the state capital.
Aniagwu explained that the initiative is part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable livelihoods for Deltans. He said the 2026 budget will focus strongly on capital projects, social welfare, and empowerment programmes aimed at improving productivity and reducing poverty across the state.
“His Excellency has directed that all empowerment programmes must be transparent, inclusive, and evenly distributed across all local government areas,” Aniagwu stated.
“The initiative will be coordinated by key ministries and agencies to ensure that beneficiaries receive meaningful support that can transform their economic well-being.”
Aniagwu, who was joined at the briefing by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olorogun Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects, and Policies, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said the empowerment drive fits into the administration’s broader plan to improve infrastructure, attract investment, and create jobs.
He also revealed that Governor Oborevwori will travel to Germany on Tuesday for an official working visit to the headquarters of Julius Berger, one of the country’s leading construction companies. The visit, according to Aniagwu, is aimed at strengthening partnerships and negotiating better technical and financial collaboration for ongoing and future projects in Delta State.
“The visit is not for leisure but part of our effort to deepen cooperation with Julius Berger to ensure greater cost efficiency and value for money in project execution,” Aniagwu emphasised.
Highlighting the state’s recent infrastructural achievements, Aniagwu mentioned successful international collaborations that led to the ₦59 billion Agbor flyover project and the ₦39 billion Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli flyover along the Warri–Patani Expressway.
He further disclosed that the state government will soon perform groundbreaking ceremonies for new multi-billion-naira projects, showing the administration’s commitment to continuous development in both infrastructure and citizen empowerment.
Aniagwu assured that governance in Delta State will remain stable and active, adding that contractors have been instructed to sustain progress on all ongoing projects despite any political timelines or transitions.
“Governor Oborevwori is determined to leave a lasting legacy of development and empowerment for the people of Delta State,” Aniagwu concluded.
