By Onomiguren Agbamu
Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Hon. Sonny Ekedayen has urged publishers of community newspapers to always report the progresses and investments made by the incumbent administration to all and sundry.
The Honourable Commissioner made the call in his goodwill message during the Community Newspapers Publishers seminar held at Ebenezer Hotel, Asaba Delta state capital, with the theme: “Impact Of Adequate Reporting of the MORE AGENDA to the Grassroots”
The Honourable Commissioner, who was ably represented by his Special Assistant, Mr. Charles Iyoha noted that the theme of the programme was apt and resonated deeply with the goal to showcase the state’s economic potentials.
According to him; ” this theme resonates deeply with our vision to showcase Delta state vast potentials, and leverage the publishing media to impact our economic opportunities, cultural, heritage and transformative growth”.
He maintained that Delta becoming the 5th largest economy in Nigeria was as a result of planned and successful implementation of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s vision for the state through his MORE AGENDA mantra.
” We are ranked as the Nigeria 5th largest economy, our economic Pilar’s are oil and gas, which has contributed 48.7 percent to our GDP, Agriculture, manufacturing position Delta state a dynamics investment destination”
He said the oil and gas sector remained key, and had contributed 48.7% of the state’s GDP, while the agriculture, and manufacturing sectors were expanding rapidly, making the state a hub for investment.
The Commissioner hinted that Delta State had become the epicentre of tourism, entertainment, and education for other states to emulate.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the state government had reduced its debt by 46.6%, from N465.3 billion to N249.2 billion, while internally generated revenue increased by 90%, jumping from N83 billion in January 2023 to N158 billion in December 2024—without raising personal income taxes.
” The administration MORE AGENDA has driven remarkable achievements, our IGR sourge by 90 percent from 83 billion January 2023 to 158 billion in December 2024 without increase in persona taxes”.
On social development programme, the Commissioner hinted that it was aimed at supporting vulnerable people and promoting inclusive growth across the state.
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