Delta disburses N835.7m among 539 co-operative societies

The Delta State Government has said that N835.7 million was disbursed in three years among 539 co-operative societies for 6, 252 beneficiaries in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr. Kingsley Emu, at a Media briefing yesterday in Asaba explained that despite persisting recession, the state government was committed to providing financial support to micro and small enterprises under its financial inclusion programme, adding that the enterprises cover traders, market women, artisans’ small-time farmers.

Dr. Emu said the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has delivered on his SMART Agenda promises on salaries/pensions despite lingering challenges.

The Commissioner disclosed  that the state was not owing salaries, and has supported Local Governments in its constitutional role of payment of salaries in excess of N3 billion despite its tight financial position.

“We have also consistently made provision of N470 monthly towards payment of the state obligation to the contributory pension scheme” the commissioner added.

On physical infrastructure, Dr. Emu further disclosed that within two years under reviewed, 698kms of road, 207, 16kms of drains, 138 projects were awarded out of which 228.58kms of road, and 48.21kms of drains were completed.

On schools, the commissioner stated the state has 1,021 primary and 469 secondary schools with 443, 813, and 332, 760 pupils respectively, adding that the figures represent one of the largest in Nigeria.

He said: “several of these have been renovated, and new ones built, while so much effort have been made to also furnish these schools, and make them conducive for learning. Between SUBEB and Ministry of Basic Education, government has spent in excess of N16billion”.