The Delta State Government has approved N4 billion to empower 15,000 indigent residents, a measure intended to support small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and ease economic hardship across the state.

Beneficiaries will be drawn from the 25 local government areas under an initiative designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen the purchasing power of vulnerable residents.

Mr Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, announced the approval while briefing journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba. He was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.

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Aniagwu said the intervention would be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks, noting that the governor had directed that the selection process be guided by clear eligibility criteria.

He said priority would go to indigent persons already operating small businesses, those seeking to establish micro-enterprises, and vulnerable residents who need financial support to improve their circumstances.

The grant, he explained, is meant to help existing businesses overcome economic challenges, provide start-up capital for aspiring entrepreneurs and enable beneficiaries to meet pressing needs. He added that the initiative formed part of the government’s efforts to ensure the benefits of ongoing economic reforms translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Deltans.

Beyond the empowerment programme, the Executive Council approved compensation for land acquired in the central senatorial district for agricultural purposes.

According to Aniagwu, the decision followed discussions at recent economic summits, where making land available for large-scale farming and agricultural investment was identified as a priority.

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He said the government was taking deliberate steps to create an environment that would attract commercial farmers from within and outside Nigeria while giving local farmers opportunities to expand their operations. The move, he added, was expected to make the state’s agricultural land bank more accessible and valuable to investors, with the potential to stimulate production, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

In preparation for the 2027 fiscal year, the council also approved the Economic and Fiscal Updates, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Paper to guide preparation of the state’s next budget.

Aniagwu said the documents would provide the economic assumptions, revenue projections and policy direction required for realistic budget planning. He noted that anticipated stability in the naira would help government planning, although possible fluctuations in international crude oil prices could affect revenue expectations from the Federation Account.

The council further directed the Ministry of Health to explore expanding free medical outreach services in riverine communities.

The initiative followed a recent medical outreach in communities affected by oil spillage, organised after the governor visited the affected areas and directed the state to provide medical assistance.

According to Aniagwu, the response to the exercise was encouraging, with residents travelling from other areas to access the services after hearing about the programme. He said the governor had therefore asked the ministry to consider making such outreach programmes more regular to improve access to healthcare in riverine communities.

In another decision aimed at improving workers’ welfare, the council approved the construction of a clubhouse for civil servants at the State Secretariat in Asaba.

Aniagwu clarified that the facility was intended to give civil servants a place to meet, socialise and relax outside working hours.

The approvals, he said, reflected the administration’s continued focus on social investment, agriculture, public service welfare and human development alongside its infrastructure programme.