This Govt. Pays N1bn Monthly On Pensions, Says Delta Govt

…Constructs 176 Classrooms, Renovates 924 others
…FG Releases N1bn, Promises N6bn For Maritime University
…Debt Profile Rises To N735bn In Delta
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said that a whopping sum of N1billion is being spent monthly on pensions and gratuity, disclosing that his administration had in the past two years constructed 176 classrooms, and renovated 924 others across the state.

Dr. Okowa who made this known at a media parley with journalists Monday in Asaba, regretted the delay in the commencement of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Burutu Local Government Area of the state,

adding the Federal Government in line with her promises, even though it earlier said the University would commence academic activities in October this year 2017 failed, but it recently released the sum of N1 billion for the takeoff of the University, while it pledged N6billion addition.

The Governor also disclosed that his administration is commitment to development and supported the University with N100 million as part of the takeoff grant, and commended the journalists, especially their level of partnership with the State Government to ensure effective dissemination of activities in the state.

According to him, “we have faced some difficulties and difficult times in the 2nd and last quarters of 2017, our finances were seriously affected. This is due to the activities pipeline vandals.

But at the moment, there is hope of improvement and in September next year 2018, there will total improvement in our finances”.

He said that in line with his administration promises to improve the well being of Deltans, he had provided training employment through STEP, and YAGEP for 33, 224 persons in collaboration with the office of job creation in the state, and expressed satisfaction over the recently concluded trade exhibition.

I ‘m particularly happy that the World Bank is assisting the state government as a matter of partnering with the state to provide employment for our teeming youths, and next year over 600 youths would be trained in different skills’ acquisition”, the governor added.

On road, the governor further disclosed that 173 roads were awarded with over 120 completed and commissioned across the state, stressing that the state government was committed to providing basic infrastructure for the people on Asaba International Airport.

Governor Okowa explained that though there are many questionable issues surrounding the Airport project which started long ago, but adding that the sum of N2.5billion was released as mobilization fee for the contractor ULO Nigeria Limited before it withdrew its services recently.

“We mobilized the contractor, ULO Nigeria Limited, and promised to make the Airport Runway ready in six months, and up till now, no work done. I’m not a friend to contractor not ready to work. The state is bigger than a contractor. He will made to account for the failed project.

On Asaba General Hospital Project, the Governor who frowned at the slow pace of work, said: “I’m not happy with the project work at all, and I have ordered the contractor back to work or face the wrath of my government”.

Expectedly, the State Governor had also told journalists that considering the debt profile of N635billion, the State through dint of interest to ensure gradual reduction had been servicing the debt every month with N2.9 billion,

but insider said the debt had risen to N735billion; a situation described by opposition party All Progressive Congress as shocking.

On Ogbe-Ijaw/Aladja communal crisis, the Governor said: “I have made all way possible for settlement yet no head way, we are praying that God would intervene in the situation, it is really difficult times to resolve, it has been problematic, and I want the press to also assist in the situation”.

On Asaba towards Stadium, Governor Okowa said that the state government was committed towards the completion of the stadium, adding project was ongoing to ensure next year 2018 would host Africa Athletic Federation( AAF) Championship.

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba