Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Urban Renewal, Hon Pereotu Oloye has stressed the need for sustained high budgetary performance in the Ministry of Urban Renewal in the 2025 fiscal year, stating that Urban Renewal is key to the development strides of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
Oloye stated this when the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Engr Michael Anoka led other top officials to appear before the House Committee on Urban Renewal to defend its 2025 budget estimates.
The Lawmaker who represents Burutu 2 Constituency in the House, noted that the Ministry of Urban Renewal is key to the development strides of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as encapsulated in his MORE agenda.
Flanked by other members of the Committee, Hon Oloye emphasized that efforts should be made to open up the state for more massive infrastructural development as such will attract investments and increases socio-economic vibes across state.
The Lawmaker paid glowing tributes to Governor Oborevwori for the high budget performance in the Ministry of Urban Renewal in the outgoing 2024 fiscal year and expressed optimism that more will be achieved in the Ministry in 2025.
He particularly commended the Governor for upgrade of Warri, Uvwie and Asaba Capital Territory to Smart cities.
Hon Oloye said although the 9 billion naira earmarked for the urban renewal projects was inadequate, the Committee would assist the ministry to ensure they get more funds to implement the policies and programmes of the Ministry.
The Lawmaker urged the ministry to use approved budgetary allocation for the benefit of Deltans, adding that Governor Oborevwori has assured the State government’s readiness to deliver on his promises to the people.
Hon Oloye commended the Commissioner and his team for their commitment to ensuring that the Ministry perform optimally and encourage them to maintain good synergy with the Committee.
Appearing before the Lawmakers, the Urban Renewal Commissioner, Engr Michael Anoka, FNSE, explained that the Ministry recorded high performance in the outgoing 2024 fiscal year and commended the Governor for the approvals.
He said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Sherrif Oborovwori, for his unwavering support to the Ministry’s effective functioning and prompt considerations whenever called upon.
“Despite the challenges of 2024, God’s faithfulness has enabled us to perform our duties diligently”.
Anoka identified challenges faced the Ministry and called for the support of the Committee in addressing them.
The Commissioner said the Ministry is committed to building on the progress made so far in line with the development goals of the state government.
Anoka assured that the ministry will work assiduously to improve the standards of cities and towns in Delta State.
“The Ministry will no doubt work in line with the State government’s MORE Agenda in ensuring meaningful development in the urban areas of the State”, Anoka stressed .