From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Delta State has emerged as Nigeria’s fifth-largest economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $15.3 billion (N6.1 trillion) as of December 2024, according to the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen.The announcement was made during a media seminar held in Asaba recently, themed “Impact of Adequate Reporting of the M.

O. R.E Agenda to the Grassroots.” The seminar was organized by the Government House Press Unit for community newspaper publishers across the state.Ekedayen, represented by his Special Assistant, Charles Iyoha, attributed the economic milestone to strategic planning and the successful implementation of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda.“This remarkable achievement is not by chance. It is the result of deliberate economic planning and reforms that have positioned Delta as a leading sub-national economy in Nigeria,” he said.According to the commissioner, the oil and gas sector remains the cornerstone of the state’s economy, contributing 48.7% to the GDP. However, he emphasized that other sectors—services, agriculture, and manufacturing—are experiencing significant growth, making the state increasingly attractive to investors.“The services sector, particularly tourism, entertainment, and education, is booming,” Ekedayen noted. “Asaba has become a major hub for Nollywood, and our 13 universities are driving local business growth and urban development.”He also revealed impressive growth in internally generated revenue (IGR), which rose by 90%—from N83 billion in January 2023 to N158 billion in December 2024—without any increase in taxes.In addition, Delta State has slashed its public debt by 46.6%, from N465.3 billion to N249.2 billion. Ekedayen said this was achieved through smart fiscal management, freeing up resources for strategic investments.Key economic initiatives include the revival of the Kwale/Koko Free Trade Zone and the N1 billion DTSG/BOI Fund, which provides low-interest loans to young entrepreneurs. The state is also advancing agricultural development through public-private partnerships for dry-season farming and leading environmental sustainability with a carbon credit initiative that preserves 207 hectares of mangrove forest.On social development, the commissioner highlighted programs such as Delta Cares and the Women Empowerment Skills Acquisition Program (WESAP), which are designed to support vulnerable groups and ensure inclusive growth.Ekedayen urged community newspaper publishers to amplify the state’s development successes and economic progress. “Your platforms are essential to promoting Delta’s investment opportunities, cultural heritage, and growth story to grassroots audiences and beyond,” he stated.The seminar concluded with strong expressions of support from community media representatives, who pledged to help disseminate the state’s development narrative and attract broader public engagement with government initiatives.

From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

In a powerful demonstration of compassion and community service, the Rotary Club of Umuahia has supported the transformation of the life of a young girl born with a rare congenital condition—polydactyly—by funding her corrective surgery.

The presentation of a cheque of N500,000 took place at Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia, where the surgery will be performed.

The beneficiary, Little Miss Daberechi, was born with extra fingers and toes, a medical anomaly that posed both functional and social challenges. Her father, Wisdom, desperate for help, reached out to the Rotary Club of Umuahia for support.

“We were deeply moved by his plea,” said Rotarian Temitope Nnaomah, President of the Rotary Club of Umuahia, during a public address on the initiative.

“Coming together, our club contributed N500,000 to Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia, specifically to support Daberechi’s surgery.”

The donation will not only enable a successful medical procedure but also bring immense relief to the family, lifting a heavy financial burden and restoring hope to their lives.

According to her, the initiative falls under Rotary International’s area of focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment, underlining the club’s commitment to improving health and providing access to essential medical care.

“Access to surgery for congenital conditions like polydactyly remains out of reach for many families in low-income communities. Through this act of service, the Rotary Club of Umuahia has helped prevent prolonged suffering and long-term complications for Daberechi, showcasing how targeted interventions can lead to life-changing results.

Also speaking, a Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Rotarian Grace Okaro, who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Umuahia stated, “Through swift community mobilization, internal fundraising, and prioritization of Rotary’s health-related mission, our club was able to act promptly and decisively”. This project exemplifies Rotary’s guiding principle: “Service Above Self.”

Past Presidents of the Club, Rotarians Sylvester Ibeleme and Chinedu Brown, the Club Secretary, Rotarian Ijeoma Irokanulo and other members of the Club were present at the cheque handover ceremony.

From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

In a bid to celebrate ongoing road infrastructure improvements under Governor Alex Otti, the Abia State Tricycles Operators Union (ASTOPU) have rolled out a fuel palliative for its members across key areas of Aba, the commercial hub of the state.The event reinforces Otti’s image as a reform-driven leader, with transport operators positioning themselves as active stakeholders in his development agenda.

The initiative, flagged off by the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, recognizes the role of commercial transport operators in driving economic development. The event witnessed the free distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to tricycle riders at designated filling stations including Tonimas (Aba-Owerri Road), New Filling Station (Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway), and Conoil (Asa Road), among others.At the launch, Dr. Ukaegbu described transportation as the backbone of development, emphasizing that operators are “partners in progress.” He called for greater tax compliance among riders and assured them that the government would safeguard their interests.“No one will exploit you. Your issues will be listened to and addressed,” Ukaegbu said, urging continuous adherence to traffic regulations.Also addressing the gathering, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, highlighted the strategic role of transport in development. “Supporting ASTOPU is a step towards sustaining a structured and inclusive transport sector,” he said.ASTOPU Chairman, Victor Azubuike, said the fuel gesture was a celebration of the Governor’s achievements, particularly in road rehabilitation, which has improved tricycle operations in the city.“Before now, our tricycles were constantly in need of repairs due to bad roads. But today, we enjoy smoother rides. Our business has become more efficient,” Azubuike stated.The union also acknowledged improvements in drainage and water control, which they say have reduced flooding and damage to roads.Beneficiaries of the initiative, including Kingsley Nwachukwu and Akachi Orji, expressed gratitude for the support. “This is a huge relief at a time fuel costs have become unbearable,” said Nwachukwu.