Delta Budget Defence: IYC Tasks Ijaw Legislators To Defend Projects In Their Constituencies
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone under the leadership of Dr. Comr. Doubra Collins Okotete have tasked Ijaw lawmakers in the Delta State House of Assembly to defend projects in the Ijaw areas.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Dr. (Comrade) Doubra Collins Okotete, Chairman and Comrade Lugard Izoukumor, Information Officer IYC Western Zone, a copy of which was sent to The Liberator Newspapers Worldwide.
The statement reads below:
November 9, 2021
Press Statement
Delta 2022 Budget Defence: Projects in Ijaw areas sacrosanct, says IYC Western Zone
….Charges Delta Ijaw lawmakers not to forget projects in their constituencies as ministries defend 469.4bn budget…
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, has urged Ijaw lawmakers in Delta State House of Assembly to ensure critical projects such as the Ayakoromo bridge, School of Marine Technology, Burutu, Technical College Akugbene, and other strategic infrastructures to be zealously given the uttermost protection in the 2022 budget.
These projects are sacrosanct to Ijaw people. Hence, we charge our representatives, particularly Ijaw lawmakers in Delta State House of Assembly to do the needful and keep a legacy that will stand the test of time.
IYC wishes to congratulate Gov. Okowa for his statement while presenting the 2022 budget saying “meanwhile, the National University’s Commission has granted the State Government operating licence for the the establishment of three new universities, namely; Dennis Osadebey University (former Anwai Campus of Delta State University), Asaba; University of Delta (former College of Education) Agbor; and Delta State University of Science and Technology (former Delta State Polytechnic), Ozoro”. These are indeed laudable projects though it was very provocative when the entire Ijaw local government areas were delibrately not considered amongst the newly established and upgraded schools, and this would have increased opportunities for our people most especially our youths from the riverine areas to access higher education.
Without missing words, IYC will continue to doubt H.E Sen. Dr Okowa on his self conviction, with respect to his recent statement during the 2022 budget defense that more than ever before a Stronger Delta is emerging. A Stronger Delta, where political leaders have a sense of obligation to the electorate, where public servants live up to the true meaning of their calling, where citizens are encouraged and assisted to participate in policy formulation and decision-making processes for the greater good of all, and where MSMEs are the backbone of the economy.
We align ourselves with H.E Gov. Okowa’s reasoning that the benefits of having these universities far outweighs the cost. They will go a long way to satisfy Deltans aspirations and yearnings for good, quality education, while ensuring that the State Government gets full value for its money. Sound public financial management requires that available resources are deployed for optimal results. Hence, we wish to admonish H.E Sen. Dr Okowa to establish for the Ijaw people same higher institutions and upgrade the Burutu Marine Technology as it is done in our sister’s institutions.
Also very important to note is, “THE 2022 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.” The capital expenditure for 2022 which is estimated to be N284,138,275,514, chalking up nearly 60.5% of the total budget. According to His Excellency, the capital budget will be utilized in funding infrastructural development, acquisition of assets, and investments in human capital. We therefore urge our dear legislators to pay keen attention to the following projects as highlighted by our governor as the priority projects from the Ijaw areas; Akugbene to Agbor road, Ogume to Ogulagha road, Oleh to Odimodi, Okerenkoko to Kokodiagbene.
The IYC recalls vividly how Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa through several correspondence has reaffirmed, his commitment for the swift completion of the Ayakoromo bridge before he leaves office. While the Ayakoromo bridge is of great importance to the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Delta State, likewise, is the School of Marine Technology, Burutu.
In addition, we believe these projects will no doubt add socioeconomic value to Deltans and Delta State by upgrading the state’s infrastructure development.
We, therefore, beckon our lawmakers to do the needful by sitting-up and make far-reaching inputs for Ijaw people’s well-being and development.
Furthermore, we commend our lawmakers for their various legislative agendas and contributions as well as pleading with them not to forget projects in their constituencies.
Signed:
Dr. (Comrade) Doubra Collins Okotete, Chairman &
Comrade Lugard Izoukumor, Information Officer IYC Western Zone
