The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Godwin Ogorugba, has presented a N15.26 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the legislative arm, outlining a commitment to ongoing and new developmental projects.
Presenting the budget, christened “Budget of Hope,” on Thursday, Ogorugba emphasized that his administration is focused on building upon the progress achieved in its first six months. He assured that priority would be given to completing existing projects while initiating impactful new ones to benefit the people.
“Local government revenue does not belong exclusively to politicians or civil servants but must be used to positively impact all residents—men, women, the elderly, the youth, and every citizen of Isoko North. We aim to achieve this by investing in developmental, social, and economic projects that will improve the quality of life of our people,” Ogorugba stated.
The budget includes N9.45 billion (61.95%) for recurrent expenditure and N5.8 billion (38.05%) for capital projects. The revenue projection for 2025 is based on statutory allocations, value-added tax (VAT), internally generated revenue (IGR), and other capital receipts.
Ogorugba was accompanied by key council officials, including Delta State Chairman of the Hospital Management Board, Paul Oweh; Council Vice Chairman, Evelyn Aluta; Secretary to the Local Government, Vote Umukoro; Head of Personnel Management, Mrs. Irene Onwodi; Council Treasurer, Fejiro Elo Ogbogbo; as well as supervisors and aides.
Meanwhile, the State Local Government Auditor-General, Ukpaka Ikenna, has commended Ogorugba’s leadership, describing his performance as “impressive” despite being in office for just seven months.
The Auditor-General, who visited the council to assess project execution for 2024, noted that contrary to misinformation from outsiders, his findings confirmed that the chairman is making a significant impact.
“We are truly impressed with the work going on in Isoko North, Mr. Chairman. This clearly shows that you are delivering on your mandate, and we encourage you to maintain the momentum. Also, ensure peace is sustained because development thrives in a peaceful environment,” Ikenna stated.
In response, Ogorugba expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to people-oriented governance, emphasizing that the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is being implemented and strengthened in Isoko North.
“Just yesterday, we fully paid for the enrollment of all primary six pupils in public primary schools across Isoko North. This is a government that prioritizes the people," he said.
He further stressed the importance of integrity in leadership and pledged to leave a lasting legacy. Additionally, Ogorugba outlined upcoming initiatives, including public sensitization and preventive measures to curb the spread of cholera in Isoko North.
He assured the Auditor-General that significant transformations would be seen before his one-year anniversary in office.
