Okowa's N270.91Bn 2017 Budget of Prosperity For Deltans By Ossai Ovie Success

Delta State Governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, November 10th 2016 presented a budget proposal of N270.91billion for 2017 to the State House of Assembly.

Governor Okowa who is known for time keeping and hater of Africa time came into the Assembly complex as at 9:45am when the actual time for the budget presentation is 10am, walked into the Assembly chamber with hailings from Deltans who were present to witness the presentation of the 2017 budget.

I saw in him a man with passion for Deltans, a man with a good heart, a man full with confidence in God and who used his wealth of experience in the preparation of the 2017 budget. As I listened to the Governor presenting the budget, joy filled my heart like a mother with a new born baby.

While greeting the Speaker Rt Hon Monday Igbuya, Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Ossai Friday Osanebi and the vibrant members of the house, Gov. Okowa reviewed performances of the 2016 budget before proceeding to the 2017 budget.

Looking at the faces of the Honourable members, I saw seriousness in men and women gaining inspiration and leadership style from the governor.

Gov Okowa took time to analyze the budget for public consumption, I must confess that some of us who took time to study the budget Will say, it's the best budget in the history of Delta State and one of the best on Federal Republic of Nigeria.

No doubt from the leadership of Gov Okowa from May 29, 2015 till date, It obvious that he is on a mission to salvage Deltans and emancipate all from hunger, thirst and poverty and perhaps a reason I captioned the 2017 budget, a budget of prosperity .

Coming to 2016 budget and how effective it was, no doubt the national economy went into recession as at the time he came into office which makes it difficult to deliver on all the set goals as envisioned in the 2016 budget.

But not withstanding, I must commend the Executive, Legislature, the judiciary and Deltans for the cooperation which has made the governor to achieve some of the set goals despite the challenges.

Review of the 2016 budget

​In the 2016 fiscal year, a budget of two hundred and sixty-eight billion, one hundred and seventy- nine million naira (N268.179bn) was approved for the services of the State Government. The amount is made up of a recurrent expenditure budget of one hundred and fifty-three billion, two hundred and ninety-two million naira (N153.292bn), and a capital budget of one hundred and fourteen billion, eight hundred and eighty-nine million naira (N114.889bn). I can confidently say without any equivocation that the 2016 budget has affected Deltans positively, looking at the achievements despite the low income accruing to the state

On the 2017 N270.910bn budget estimate

While announcing a budget proposal of two hundred and seventy billion, nine hundred and ten million naira (N270.910bn) for the services of Delta State Government in 2017. According to the Governor amount comprises the sum of one hundred and fifty-one billion, nine hundred and nine million naira (N151.909bn) or 56.07% for Recurrent Expenditure, and one hundred and nineteen billion, one million naira (N119.001) or 43.93% for capital expenditure.

Going forward he said, "The 2017 budget proposal shows a slight increase of two billion, seven hundred and thirty-one million naira (N2.731bn) or 1.02%, compared to the 2016 approved budget of two hundred and sixty-two billion, one hundred and seventy-nine million naira (N268.179)"

Now the question that might be going through your mind will be, how does he intend to achieve all these.

But it might also interest you to know that he is a man who understands the principles of leadership and success and in anything he focuses on he succeeds.

Some of the sources of fund listed by the governor are: Internally Generated Revenue
N70,165,959,503, Statutory Allocation Including Mineral Revenue Derivation N148,939,012,121.54, Value Added Tax N10,515,786,230, Other Capital Receipts N41,290,224,379 15.24

Let's now take a look at the proposed figures for the different sector that made up the administration come 2017.

Road Infrastructure
On Road Infrastructure, the Governor admitted that, paucity of funds has not allowed the state to move as fast as intended in developing our infrastructure. Nonetheless, in the first year of the Okowa administration, 55 road projects covering over 148 kilometres (including 113 kilometres of concrete-lined drains) at a total cost of N27.2 billion were constructed and completed. Between June and now, a further N2b has been committed to the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and completion of 29 roads across the State. He assured that the State Government fully intends to sustain this momentum in the year 2017. A total sum of N35.188 billion is allocated to road infrastructure in the 2017 fiscal year.

Education Sector

On the Education Sector, A total sum of N12billion is allocated to the education sub-sector for capital projects in 2017. Technical and vocational education is at the core of the Okowa administration’s educational policy, which emphasises skills acquisition as against certificate acquisition. The sum of N900million is earmarked to strengthen Vocational and Technical Education in the State during the 2017 fiscal year.

As contained in the 2016 budget, the State government intend to establish a Teacher Professional Development Centre aimed at updating and upgrading the skill set of our teachers by providing systematic and coordinated capacity building for them. The Centre will also coordinate teacher’s professional registration, licensing as well as offer continuous professional development programmes. The sum of N400million is proposed for the Centre in the 2017 budget.

Health Sector

On Health Sector, The sum of N1.2billion is provided for the Commission’s activities during the 2017 fiscal year.
The sums of N1.2billion, N400million, and N300million have been proposed for the construction and remodelling of Central Hospital, Asaba; the Renovation and completion of Primary Health Care Centres; and Delta State Specialist Hospital, Oghara, respectively. The sum of N6.3billion is also allocated to the health sector as capital expenditure for the 2017 budget year.

Agriculture Sector

As stated by Governor Okowa, "Agriculture is key to diversifying the economy of the State and inducing sustainable economic growth. The agricultural and agribusiness development agenda is being implemented through a variety of value chain support measures under the Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP). The measures include the provision of extension services, improved technologies and efficient farm inputs to boost farmers’ productivity, outputs and incomes., Also, I have set up the Inter-Ministerial Committee to develop a Land Bank for enhancing access to agricultural land by private investors. In the same vein, I have set up an Agricultural Marketing Coordination Committee to support farmers in tackling the perennial marketing challenges faced by farmers in the State." On Agriculture Sector, the total sum of N535million is provided for the 2017 fiscal year for the Ministry of Agriculture,

Finance and Investment

In continuation of efforts to develop and support micro businesses, the sum of N500 million is set aside fo the Micro Credit Scheme in the 2017 budget proposal. The sums of N500million and N150million have been allocated for the development of Agro-Industrial Parks and the Umunede Rest Park respectively. Agro-industrial parks are central to the development of agricultural value chains in the State. Each will be driven by an anchor private sector investor devoted to agricultural value chain development activities including agro-processing, commercial farming, out-grower schemes, market linkages and farm support services.

Environment and Urban Renewal

Coming to the Environment and Urban Renewal, One of the strategies the state government is using to address the perennial flooding of Asaba, the State Capital City, is the construction of Storm Drainage System for which the sum of N1.2billion is proposed in the 2017 capital budget.

The administration has embarked on urban renewal in key towns and cities across the state. The programme involves rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of new roads, clearing of drains, environmental sanitation, public water supply, and beautification in the form of leisure parks and gardens. Accordingly, the sum of N1.2billion is proposed for the Ministry of Urban Renewal in the proposed 2017 capital budget. This is in addition to the provision of N900million for the Direct Labour Agency for road rehabilitation and other allocations for projects geared towards the facelift of towns and cities.

The sum of N3billion is set aside for the development of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency in the 2017 fiscal year. Apart from specific provisons made for road construction in the Warri metropolis, the sum of N1.2bn has been provided for intervention in the oil city, while another N1.2bn is allocated for the reconstruction of Effurun to Enerhen junction.

​In a bid to actively bring development to our brothers and sisters in the riverine areas, the government has provided for road development in Ugborodo, Ogulagha and Gbaramatu kingdoms (N600m each) and the building of a modern market in Burutu town. The Trans-Warri Road has a provision of N1.2bn in the 2017 fiscal year.

General Administration

The sums of N400million and N174million have been proposed for the High Court of Justice and Customary Court of Appeal, respectively, during the 2017 fiscal year.
The sum of N1billion has been earmarked for the Secretariat Complex, while N100million is provided for the Office of the Head of Service in the proposed capital budget of the 2017 fiscal year.

Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC)

In line with the funding prescription of the law setting up the Commission, the sum of N28billion, representing 50% of projected derivation revenue receipts from oil accruable to Delta State is set aside for DESOPADEC in the 2017 fiscal year.

Looking at the 2016 budget and how effective it was for Deltans, tears of joy rolled through my eyes believing that, the God who made the 2016 budget a success even in the midst of economic challenges will make 2017 budget more effective.

Before I drop my pen, let me bring you the words of Governor Okowa before taking his bow at the hallowed chambers; "I am confident that we can do more in the coming year. The milestones attained so far are due largely to the support, cooperation, patience and understanding of all Deltans, beginning with this Honourable House. ​We need to continue in the same spirit of togetherness, commitment and personal sacrifice for the good of all.

"In this 2017 Budget of Fiscal Consolidation and Steady Progress, we shall continue to cut unnecessary waste and keep a tight lid on Government spending. Our efforts to boost Internally Generated Revenue will be matched with zero tolerance for tax evasion and crackdown on corruption in tax administration and collection.

"We cannot afford to become complacent. I, therefore, enjoin all of us to brace up for the work ahead. We must shun wrong choices and actions that could turn back the hands of the clock and derail our economic agenda. Our future and that of the next generation depend on it." the Governor noted.

The early presentation of the budget goes to show how focused, determined Governor Okowa is, the budget I must say captured all sectors of the State, from Information to Health to Education, Security, Agriculture and Tourism.

It is my prayers that we all shall witness the 2017 budget coming into reality.

Thanks for your time, God Bless you all.

OSSAI OVIE SUCCESS IS POLITICAL AIDE ON SPECIAL DUTIES (MEDIA) TO DELTA STATE GOVERNOR AND ALSO DELTA BORN BLOGGER OSSAIOVIESUCCESS

ossaioviesucces:
Okowa's N270.91Bn 2017 Budget of Prosperity For Deltans By Ossai Ovie Success

Delta State Governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, November 10th 2016 presented a budget proposal of N270.91billion for 2017 to the State House of Assembly.

Governor Okowa who is known for time keeping and hater of Africa time came into the Assembly complex as at 9:45am when the actual time for the budget presentation is 10am, walked into the Assembly chamber with hailings from Deltans who were present to witness the presentation of the 2017 budget.

I saw in him a man with passion for Deltans, a man with a good heart, a man full with confidence in God and who used his wealth of experience in the preparation of the 2017 budget. As I listened to the Governor presenting the budget, joy filled my heart like a mother with a new born baby.

While greeting the Speaker Rt Hon Monday Igbuya, Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Ossai Friday Osanebi and the vibrant members of the house, Gov. Okowa reviewed performances of the 2016 budget before proceeding to the 2017 budget.

Looking at the faces of the Honourable members, I saw seriousness in men and women gaining inspiration and leadership style from the governor.

Gov Okowa took time to analyze the budget for public consumption, I must confess that some of us who took time to study the budget Will say, it's the best budget in the history of Delta State and one of the best on Federal Republic of Nigeria.

No doubt from the leadership of Gov Okowa from May 29, 2015 till date, It obvious that he is on a mission to salvage Deltans and emancipate all from hunger, thirst and poverty and perhaps a reason I captioned the 2017 budget, a budget of prosperity .

Coming to 2016 budget and how effective it was, no doubt the national economy went into recession as at the time he came into office which makes it difficult to deliver on all the set goals as envisioned in the 2016 budget.

But not withstanding, I must commend the Executive, Legislature, the judiciary and Deltans for the cooperation which has made the governor to achieve some of the set goals despite the challenges.

Review of the 2016 budget

In the 2016 fiscal year, a budget of two hundred and sixty-eight billion, one hundred and seventy- nine million naira (N268.179bn) was approved for the services of the State Government. The amount is made up of a recurrent expenditure budget of one hundred and fifty-three billion, two hundred and ninety-two million naira (N153.292bn), and a capital budget of one hundred and fourteen billion, eight hundred and eighty-nine million naira (N114.889bn). I can confidently say without any equivocation that the 2016 budget has affected Deltans positively, looking at the achievements despite the low income accruing to the state

On the 2017 N270.910bn budget estimate

While announcing a budget proposal of two hundred and seventy billion, nine hundred and ten million naira (N270.910bn) for the services of Delta State Government in 2017. According to the Governor amount comprises the sum of one hundred and fifty-one billion, nine hundred and nine million naira (N151.909bn) or 56.07% for Recurrent Expenditure, and one hundred and nineteen billion, one million naira (N119.001) or 43.93% for capital expenditure.

Going forward he said, "The 2017 budget proposal shows a slight increase of two billion, seven hundred and thirty-one million naira (N2.731bn) or 1.02%, compared to the 2016 approved budget of two hundred and sixty-two billion, one hundred and seventy-nine million naira (N268.179)"

Now the question that might be going through your mind will be, how does he intend to achieve all these.

But it might also interest you to know that he is a man who understands the principles of leadership and success and in anything he focuses on he succeeds.

Some of the sources of fund listed by the governor are: Internally Generated Revenue
N70,165,959,503, Statutory Allocation Including Mineral Revenue Derivation N148,939,012,121.54, Value Added Tax N10,515,786,230, Other Capital Receipts N41,290,224,379 15.24

Let's now take a look at the proposed figures for the different sector that made up the administration come 2017.

Road Infrastructure
On Road Infrastructure, the Governor admitted that, paucity of funds has not allowed the state to move as fast as intended in developing our infrastructure. Nonetheless, in the first year of the Okowa administration, 55 road projects covering over 148 kilometres (including 113 kilometres of concrete-lined drains) at a total cost of N27.2 billion were constructed and completed. Between June and now, a further N2b has been committed to the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and completion of 29 roads across the State. He assured that the State Government fully intends to sustain this momentum in the year 2017. A total sum of N35.188 billion is allocated to road infrastructure in the 2017 fiscal year.

Education Sector

On the Education Sector, A total sum of N12billion is allocated to the education sub-sector for capital projects in 2017. Technical and vocational education is at the core of the Okowa administration’s educational policy, which emphasises skills acquisition as against certificate acquisition. The sum of N900million is earmarked to strengthen Vocational and Technical Education in the State during the 2017 fiscal year.

As contained in the 2016 budget, the State government intend to establish a Teacher Professional Development Centre aimed at updating and upgrading the skill set of our teachers by providing systematic and coordinated capacity building for them. The Centre will also coordinate teacher’s professional registration, licensing as well as offer continuous professional development programmes. The sum of N400million is proposed for the Centre in the 2017 budget.

Health Sector

On Health Sector, The sum of N1.2billion is provided for the Commission’s activities during the 2017 fiscal year.
The sums of N1.2billion, N400million, and N300million have been proposed for the construction and remodelling of Central Hospital, Asaba; the Renovation and completion of Primary Health Care Centres; and Delta State Specialist Hospital, Oghara, respectively. The sum of N6.3billion is also allocated to the health sector as capital expenditure for the 2017 budget year.

Agriculture Sector

As stated by Governor Okowa, "Agriculture is key to diversifying the economy of the State and inducing sustainable economic growth. The agricultural and agribusiness development agenda is being implemented through a variety of value chain support measures under the Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP). The measures include the provision of extension services, improved technologies and efficient farm inputs to boost farmers’ productivity, outputs and incomes., Also, I have set up the Inter-Ministerial Committee to develop a Land Bank for enhancing access to agricultural land by private investors. In the same vein, I have set up an Agricultural Marketing Coordination Committee to support farmers in tackling the perennial marketing challenges faced by farmers in the State." On Agriculture Sector, the total sum of N535million is provided for the 2017 fiscal year for the Ministry of Agriculture,

Finance and Investment

In continuation of efforts to develop and support micro businesses, the sum of N500 million is set aside fo the Micro Credit Scheme in the 2017 budget proposal. The sums of N500million and N150million have been allocated for the development of Agro-Industrial Parks and the Umunede Rest Park respectively. Agro-industrial parks are central to the development of agricultural value chains in the State. Each will be driven by an anchor private sector investor devoted to agricultural value chain development activities including agro-processing, commercial farming, out-grower schemes, market linkages and farm support services.

Environment and Urban Renewal

Coming to the Environment and Urban Renewal, One of the strategies the state government is using to address the perennial flooding of Asaba, the State Capital City, is the construction of Storm Drainage System for which the sum of N1.2billion is proposed in the 2017 capital budget.

The administration has embarked on urban renewal in key towns and cities across the state. The programme involves rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of new roads, clearing of drains, environmental sanitation, public water supply, and beautification in the form of leisure parks and gardens. Accordingly, the sum of N1.2billion is proposed for the Ministry of Urban Renewal in the proposed 2017 capital budget. This is in addition to the provision of N900million for the Direct Labour Agency for road rehabilitation and other allocations for projects geared towards the facelift of towns and cities.

The sum of N3billion is set aside for the development of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency in the 2017 fiscal year. Apart from specific provisons made for road construction in the Warri metropolis, the sum of N1.2bn has been provided for intervention in the oil city, while another N1.2bn is allocated for the reconstruction of Effurun to Enerhen junction.

In a bid to actively bring development to our brothers and sisters in the riverine areas, the government has provided for road development in Ugborodo, Ogulagha and Gbaramatu kingdoms (N600m each) and the building of a modern market in Burutu town. The Trans-Warri Road has a provision of N1.2bn in the 2017 fiscal year.

General Administration

The sums of N400million and N174million have been proposed for the High Court of Justice and Customary Court of Appeal, respectively, during the 2017 fiscal year.
The sum of N1billion has been earmarked for the Secretariat Complex, while N100million is provided for the Office of the Head of Service in the proposed capital budget of the 2017 fiscal year.

Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC)

In line with the funding prescription of the law setting up the Commission, the sum of N28billion, representing 50% of projected derivation revenue receipts from oil accruable to Delta State is set aside for DESOPADEC in the 2017 fiscal year.

Looking at the 2016 budget and how effective it was for Deltans, tears of joy rolled through my eyes believing that, the God who made the 2016 budget a success even in the midst of economic challenges will make 2017 budget more effective.

Before I drop my pen, let me bring you the words of Governor Okowa before taking his bow at the hallowed chambers; "I am confident that we can do more in the coming year. The milestones attained so far are due largely to the support, cooperation, patience and understanding of all Deltans, beginning with this Honourable House. We need to continue in the same spirit of togetherness, commitment and personal sacrifice for the good of all.

"In this 2017 Budget of Fiscal Consolidation and Steady Progress, we shall continue to cut unnecessary waste and keep a tight lid on Government spending. Our efforts to boost Internally Generated Revenue will be matched with zero tolerance for tax evasion and crackdown on corruption in tax administration and collection.

"We cannot afford to become complacent. I, therefore, enjoin all of us to brace up for the work ahead. We must shun wrong choices and actions that could turn back the hands of the clock and derail our economic agenda. Our future and that of the next generation depend on it." the Governor noted.

The early presentation of the budget goes to show how focused, determined Governor Okowa is, the budget I must say captured all sectors of the State, from Information to Health to Education, Security, Agriculture and Tourism.

It is my prayers that we all shall witness the 2017 budget coming into reality.

Thanks for your time, God Bless you all.

OSSAI OVIE SUCCESS IS POLITICAL AIDE ON SPECIAL DUTIES (MEDIA) TO DELTA STATE GOVERNOR AND ALSO DELTA BORN BLOGGER OSSAIOVIESUCCESS

Where u, u still dey nairaland too, make Clement Adegor ukwebewa catch you first