EU LAUDS UDUAGHAN OVER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, OTHERS

IT was thumbs up for Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as he was commended by the European Union (EU) for his human capital and infrastructural development.

Team Leader of the EU assisted Micro-Project Programme (MPP) 9, Mrs. Margareth Hammer, said in Asaba at the launch of the programme for the nine Niger Delta states that the Uduaghan administration has taken steps, which have made life more meaningful for the people of the area.

She observed: 'We appreciate the absolute free medicare initiative for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers embarked on by your administration. The improved transportation realised by the township taxi scheme is worthy of commendation, not forgetting to mention the massive on-going road construction works to improve linkages within the state.

Mrs. Hammer said the governor's great achievements in micro-credit scheme, which earned him an award and also his initiative for promotion of climate change in Delta State and the Niger Delta as a whole, was highly applauded.

'I can't fail to salute your courage to embark on the construction of airport in Asaba and the expansion of the seaport. Indeed, you have done well for the people of Delta', she said.

Uduaghan, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), commended the EU for the MPP9 programme, noting that the state government had been partnering with other development organisations in addressing and reducing poverty in the state.

'Delta State has always demonstrated an appreciable level of awareness and commitment to improving the socio-economic status of the rural and urban poor.

'Therefore, this MPP if properly executed, will be a veritable tool in the economic empowerment of our people and would also contribute meaningfully to the achievement of our development agenda', he said.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Bernard Okumagba, gave the monetary value of the programme as N9.5 billion (45.5m Euros) and said it is proposed to be funded in the ratio of 25 per cent community contribution, 25 per cent local council contribution and 50 per cent EU contribution'.

Okumagba explained: 'The purpose of the programme is to support Niger Delta states in institutionalising reforms through offering models of transparent and participatory micro-projects that increase access to socio-economic infrastructure services, income generating options, sustainable livelihood options, gender equality and community empowerment'.