Dwindling revenue calls for belt-tightening, says Okowa

Following declining allocation, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the people, especially workers, to tighten their belts.

Okowa, who spoke in Asaba yesterday at a cultural parade, part of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state, explained that the monthly allocation of between N20 billion and N25 billion from the Federation Account has dropped to between N3 billion and N5 billion.

He told the guests, which included former military administrator, Group Capt. Luke Ochulor, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia, Deputy Governor Kingsley Utuaro, and others that destruction of oil infrastructure by militants has led to a steep decline in the quantity of petroleum produced in the state.

Okowa said that from being the number one crude oil producer in the country, Delta, which used to account for 33% of the total output in the country, has fallen to fourth and now accounts for 10%.

Okowa said the monthly allocation was not even enough to pay salaries, hoping that very soon, Nigeria would be out of the precarious situation.

Okowa preached unity among the different ethnic groups, adding that dialogue and advocacy, must always be explored as the way out of crises.

In spite of the hard times, Okowa explained that the government decided to celebrate the silver jubilee anniversary of the state, created by former military president Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1991, to bring out its best and beauty.