*Steps Up Ebola Preparedness, Reviews Emergency Response Measures
THe Delta State Government has earmarked N4billion to empower 15,000 indigent residents to support small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and ease economic hardship across the state.
The 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.
The intervention will be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme and will commence in the coming weeks, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed that the selection process be guided by clear eligibility criteria.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Friday, October 23, while briefing journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by the governor at Government House, Asaba.
Accompanied by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, Aniagwu said priority will be given to indigent persons who already operate small businesses, those seeking to establish micro-enterprises and vulnerable residents who require financial support to improve their circumstances.
He explained that the grant was intended to assist existing businesses overcome economic challenges, provide start-up capital for aspiring entrepreneurs and enable beneficiaries to meet pressing needs.
He added that the initiative was part of government’s efforts to ensure the benefits of ongoing economic reforms translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Deltans.
In addition, the Council approved compensation for land acquired in Delta Central senatorial district for agricultural purpose, following discussions at the last economic Summits, where the need to make land available for large-scale farming and agricultural investment was identified as a priority.
He said 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.
This is 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 next year’s fiscal year, the Council also approved the Economic and Fiscal Updates, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Paper to guide the preparation of the budget.
Aniagwu said the documents would provide the economic assumptions, revenue projections and policy direction required for realistic budget planning, adding 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 also directed the Ministry of Health to explore the expansion of free medical outreach services in riverine communities, following a recent medical outreach in communities affected by oil spillage, organised after the governor’s visit and directed the state to provide medical assistance.
Aniagwu disclosed that the response to the exercise was encouraging, with residents travelling from other areas to access the services after hearing about the programme; hence the governor asked the ministry to consider making such outreach programmes more regular to improve access to healthcare in riverine communities.
Also, the Council approved the construction of a clubhouse for civil servants at the state secretariat in Asaba to provide civil servants with a place to meet, socialise and relax outside working hours.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is reviewing its disease surveillance and emergency response arrangements across the state to forestall a possible Ebola outbreak.
Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, who disclosed this during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary, directors and staff of the Epidemiology Unit, stressed the need for health officials to remain alert and ensure that any suspected case is identified and reported without delay.
Onojaeme said the state’s preparedness depended largely on effective surveillance, early detection and a prompt response to suspected cases and directed the unit to strengthen disease monitoring at entry points, health facilities and within communities to ensure unusual health developments are quickly reported and investigated.
He urged regular training of frontline health workers to prepare them for the early identification and management of suspected cases, saying the ministry was intensifying public awareness campaigns and strengthening facilities designated to handle emergency health situations.
The commissioner added that government would continue to provide personal protective equipment, testing kits and other essential supplies to support health workers and emergency response teams, charging residents to maintain good hygiene, pay attention to public health advisories and report suspected symptoms promptly to health authorities.
Onojaeme stated that cooperation between residents and health officials remained important in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting communities across the state.
