Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has significantly reduced the state’s inherited debt, paying off N130 billion of the N465 billion accumulated from previous administrations.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Asaba by the Governor’s Executive Assistant for New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, and Mr. Norbert Chiazor, Executive Assistant for Media.
According to Ofou, the Oborevwori administration is committed to transparency and effective governance, with the State Auditor-General’s 2023 Report now publicly available.
Ofou emphasised the governor’s dedication to prudent financial management, noting that the administration has not incurred any new debts since taking office.
“As of March this year, Governor Oborevwori’s administration has repaid N130 billion of the inherited debt,” Ofou stated.
“Our administration is determined to clear all existing debts before the end of this term to prevent passing any financial burden onto future generations.”
In addition to debt repayment, the administration has achieved several financial milestones.
By the end of 2023, the governor’s office reported an operating surplus of N205 billion.
Furthermore, the state has seen significant progress in infrastructure development, including the initiation of 71 new road projects.
The governor has been praised for his financial discipline, with Ofou recalling former President Goodluck Jonathan’s commendation of Oborevwori’s fiscal prudence during his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
Jonathan highlighted Oborevwori’s return of N500 million to state coffers and his handover of N14 billion in local government funds to newly elected chairpersons.
Ofou also underscored the governor’s commitment to worker welfare and various empowerment programs.
Despite managing several large-scale projects, including the N78 billion Warri/Effurun Julius Berger road project and the N40 billion loan for local government workers’ pension relief, the governor has maintained a policy of no additional borrowing.
Chiazor added that the administration’s achievements are often underreported, and his office plans to enhance media engagement and project tours to better inform the public.
He emphasized Oborevwori’s focus on human capital development and the transformative impact of projects in the Warri axis and other parts of the state.
Under the governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which prioritizes Youths, Women, the Girl Child, and various other groups, the administration has ensured that no region of Delta State is neglected.
Significant progress is noted in ongoing road projects, with major infrastructure developments visible across Delta North and other regions.
