….Charges Delta Ijaw lawmakers not to forget projects in their constituencies as ministries defend 469.4bn budget…
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, has urged Ijaw lawmakers in Delta State House of Assembly to ensure critical projects such as the Ayakoromo bridge, School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Technical College Akugbene, and other strategic infrastructures to be zealously given the uttermost protection in the Delta State 2022 budget.
In a statement signed by Doubra Okotete and Lugard Izoukumor, Chairman and Information Officer respectively, the IYC described the aforementioned projects as sacrosanct to Ijaws in the state.
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The group also congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for getting approval from the National Universities Commission for the newly created universities in the state.
The statement reads in full;
“These projects are sacrosanct to Ijaw people. Hence, we charge our representatives, particularly Ijaw lawmakers in Delta State House of Assembly to do the needful and keep a legacy that will stand the test of time.
“IYC wishes to congratulate Gov. Okowa for his statement while presenting the 2022 budget saying “meanwhile, the National University’s Commission has granted the State Government operating licence for the the establishment of three new universities, namely; Dennis Osadebey University (former Anwai Campus of Delta State University), Asaba; University of Delta (former College of Education) Agbor; and Delta State University of Science and Technology (former Delta State Polytechnic), Ozoro”.
“These are indeed laudable projects though it was very provocative when the entire Ijaw local government areas were delibrately not considered amongst the newly established and upgraded schools, and this would have increased opportunities for our people most especially our youths from the riverine areas to access higher education.
Without missing words, IYC will continue to doubt H.E Sen. Dr Okowa on his self conviction, with respect to his recent statement during the 2022 budget defense that more than ever before a Stronger Delta is emerging.
“A Stronger Delta, where political leaders have a sense of obligation to the electorate, where public servants live up to the true meaning of their calling, where citizens are encouraged and assisted to participate in policy formulation and decision-making processes for the greater good of all, and where MSMEs are the backbone of the economy.
“We align ourselves with H.E Gov. Okowa’s reasoning that the benefits of having these universities far outweighs the cost. They will go a long way to satisfy Deltans aspirations and yearnings for good, quality education, while ensuring that the State Government gets full value for its money.
“Sound public financial management requires that available resources are deployed for optimal results. Hence, we wish to admonish H.E Sen. Dr Okowa to establish for the Ijaw people same higher institutions and upgrade the Burutu Marine Technology as it is done in our sister’s institutions.
“Also very important to note is, “THE 2022 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.” The capital expenditure for 2022 which is estimated to be N284,138,275,514, chalking up nearly 60.5% of the total budget.
“According to His Excellency, the capital budget will be utilized in funding infrastructural development, acquisition of assets, and investments in human capital.
“We therefore urge our dear legislators to pay keen attention to the following projects as highlighted by our governor as the priority projects from the Ijaw areas; Akugbene to Agbor road, Ogume to Ogulagha road, Oleh to Odimodi, Okerenkoko to Kokodiagbene.
“The IYC recalls vividly how Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa through several correspondence has reaffirmed, his commitment for the swift completion of the Ayakoromo bridge before he leaves office.
“While the Ayakoromo bridge is of great importance to the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Delta State, likewise, is the School of Marine Technology, Burutu.
“In addition, we believe these projects will no doubt add socioeconomic value to Deltans and Delta State by upgrading the state’s infrastructure development.
“We, therefore, beckon our lawmakers to do the needful by sitting-up and make far-reaching inputs for Ijaw people’s well-being and development.
“Furthermore, we commend our lawmakers for their various legislative agendas and contributions as well as pleading with them not to forget projects in their constituencies.
Full Text: Okowa Presents 2022 Budget Before Delta State House of Assembly
