On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Honourable Prince Godwin Ejinyere, the Director General of the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), addressed journalists following his agency’s 2025 budget defence at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba. The ongoing budget defence exercise, organized by the Ministry of Economic Planning, provided an opportunity for WUEDA to outline its financial plan and strategic focus for the upcoming year.
Speaking on the outcome of the budget defence, Ejinyere said, “It went well, nothing strange; it is all about getting into it and getting it right. It is natural, what we’ve been experiencing in Nigeria, that what goes up hardly comes down. It is all about adjustment to suit modern reality.” He noted that the agency’s budget had increased from N8 billion to N9 billion, acknowledging that although the increment was still insufficient to meet all needs, WUEDA would continue to make the best of the available resources. “The Governor wants the best for Deltans, and he wants the best for Warri, Uvwie, and its environs. Whenever there are issues, I know the Governor will always be there to provide solutions,” he added.
Ejinyere highlighted that a significant portion of WUEDA’s 2025 budget would be directed toward beautification projects. “A third of our 2025 budget will be on beautification. If you look at Warri as of today, it is not something one will be proud to say he is from, but so far so good. By the time next year comes, we will see Warri from a new perspective,” he emphasized. The DG pointed out that the agency is focused on transforming the appearance of Warri and making it a source of pride for residents and visitors alike.
Collaboration with stakeholders was also identified as a critical element for success. Ejinyere remarked, “We cannot do it alone. It is not about the finance at the moment; we need good heads and ideas that will make Warri a better place.” He urged stakeholders to bring their expertise and innovative ideas to help achieve the agency’s beautification goals.
The Director General further provided updates on the ongoing storm drainage projects aimed at mitigating flooding in Warri and its environs. He acknowledged that while the construction work is progressing, there are still challenges due to unpredictable weather conditions. “This is not arithmetic; this is construction. Man proposes because if you look outside now, in the next two hours nobody knows what will happen,” he said, highlighting the complexities of managing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Ejinyere reassured that contractors are making the best use of both dry and wet periods to advance the projects. “We have given them a timeline. The previous projects were supposed to be for 24 months, but I strongly believe that with what we are seeing on the ground, they will be done with it. But that does not mean this stormwater project will be the last,” he stated, adding that Warri, Uvwie, and its surroundings are extensive, requiring a phased approach to address the flooding issue comprehensively.
“We started with phases one and two, and we are already in phase three. That does not mean that phase two is 100 per cent complete. Phase one is 100 per cent complete, but not phase two. The end, I will say, will justify the need because we are working to provide a lasting solution to the flood problem in Warri, Uvwie, and its environs,” Ejinyere concluded.
The ongoing budget defence exercise will continue in the coming days, with various agencies presenting their proposals, reflecting Delta State’s commitment to addressing local challenges through strategic planning and collaboration.
