Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has inaugurated the state’s economic council and has asked members to see this move as the foundation for diversifying the economy of the oil-rich state and enhancing business competitiveness.
The council is headed by Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro while the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Barry Pere-Gbe, will serve as Secretary.
During the ceremony in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the governor urged the council to proffer viable alternatives to building strong public/private partnerships and formulate policies and practices that promote institutional transparency and accountability.
He also tasked the body to ensure predictability of policies that would create confidence in the investing public and provide innovative strategies for expanding the tax base and improving the efficiency of tax administration.
The council is also expected to initiate reforms aimed at strengthening public financial management systems, including budget management, mid-year budget reviews designed to align annual budgets to emerging scenarios/trends.
Okowa said that the inauguration of the council is in line with the Delta State Economic Planning Council Law Cap D14, Laws of Delta State 2008, explaining that constituting the council is one of the many steps his administration is taking to build a stronger Delta.
He stated that the council is empowered to formulate and prepare long term, medium term and short term development plans for the state and local governments within the framework of the national objectives and priorities, "and transmit the same to the National Planning Commission.
"As with the other sub-national governments and the national government, our economic situation is regrettably still fragile, depending largely on oil earnings and, therefore, vulnerable to price volatility and commodity booms and busts.
"Let me stress that we must continue to improve our credibility rating on issues concerning transparency and accountability, not only among our people, but also in the eyes of the business and investment community if we are to mobilize the level of support and partnership required to actualise our Stronger Delta vision.
"We must also continue to rationalise expenditures, maximise value for money and ensure good project selection to enhance judicious allocation of resources," the governor said.
He recalled that the average annual growth rate in the state from 2013 to 2015 was 8.9 per cent, but that it had accelerated to an annual average of 13.2 per cent from 2015 to 2017.
Okowa said "Delta did not only surpass the national average on both indices of economic development, but climbed up the rung in the rank of states, especially in the poverty-to-population ratio.
"Lagos led the chart (4.5 per cent) of prosperous states on poverty-to-population ratio followed closely by Delta (6.0 per cent). Delta took a leap forward both in terms of the number of people who migrated from poverty-to-prosperity, and those rescued from the unemployment market.
"More importantly, the economy is now well positioned to engender inclusivity and sustainable development.
"For instance, our model job creation scheme has produced multiple benefits and impacts in tackling youth unemployment, preventing youth restiveness, stimulating the agricultural sector, supporting, and promoting micro and small enterprises.
"We are committed to sustaining this momentum in the Delta State Medium-Term Development Plan (2020-2023) which has been finalized and should soon be unveiled to the public. This second plan encapsulates the strategic imperatives of our Stronger Delta mantra.
"Our goal remains to grow the economy in a manner that is rapid, inclusive, sustained and Sustainable."
Commissioner for Finance, Fidelis Tilije, who spoke on behalf of council members, commended the governor for his proactive steps at ensuring that there is security of lives and property in the state.
Other members of the council are Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Chika Ossai; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah; Commissioner for Justice, Mr Peter Mrakpor; Commissioner for Transport, Mr Oviemuno Oghoore.
Others are Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Chiedu Ebie; Chairmen of the 25 local government councils; Permanent Secretary, Local Government; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning; Representative of the Delta State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA) and Representative of Delta State Economic Recovery Advisory Council (DERAC).