Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Wednesday approved the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for staff of the State House of Assembly.
Oborevwori made this known while delivering the ‘State of the State’ address to members of the State House of Assembly in Asaba.
”At this point, I will like to briefly address the issue of the CONLESS.
”As a former speaker, I support the new salary scale. However, due to the introduction of a new minimum wage, this administration needed to conduct due diligence before making a decision.
“I am pleased to announce that I have approved the payment of CONLESS, effective June 2025. I thank the workers and their leaders for their patience, understanding, and support,” he said..
The governor also reiterated the commitment of his administration to providing a safety net for vulnerable groups through well-targeted social protection initiatives, particularly in light of the current economic challenges.
He said 266,737 beneficiaries were empowered through several programmes, including the Delta CARES (D-CARES) Programme, Women Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (WESAP).
Others, according to him include, Working Fingers Initiative (WFI), MORE Grants Scheme, MORE Biz-Up Programme, and the Widows Welfare Scheme.
The governor added that under the D-CARES Programme, a total of 247,000 persons were empowered.
He also disclosed that 220 women were recently trained in fashion design, hairdressing, catering, decoration and event management, as well as makeup and ”gele” (head-tie) tying under the WESAP initiative.
Oborevwori added that the programme was extended to 91 persons living with disabilities, who were trained in ICT, confectionery, fashion design, and leatherworks.
He also said tha the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, had trained and supported 2,000 women across the state in practical skills, mental health education, and entrepreneurship under the WFI.
”Through the ‘MORE Grants Scheme’, the state government has empowered micro and small-scale businesses, offering financial support to 5,426 petty traders and small business owners in response to ongoing economic hardships.
“Through the Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, we have supported 2,000 MSMEs with funding and business support packages under the MORE Biz-Up Programme.
“These programmes underscore our unwavering commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy that uplifts the most vulnerable and promotes shared prosperity.
“This administration holds the welfare of widows in high regard, and we will continue doing everything within our power to improve their quality of life under the Widows Welfare Scheme.
“I have just approved the payment of a N15,000 monthly stipend for 10,000 widows across the state, ” Oborevwori said.
The governor, commended the Speaker and members of the State legislature for maintaining an excellent relationship with the Executive.
He acknowledged that the achievements of his administration would not have been possible without the support and cooperation between both arms of government.
“I consider myself fortunate to work with a legislature that is genuinely committed to partnering with the Executive to achieve its goals.
”The relationship between this House and my office has been marked by trust, mutual understanding, transparency, and accountability, ” he said.
Responding, the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, commended the governor for his achievements in the last two years.
”This is the hallmark of transparency and accountability in public service.
”What we are witnessing today, is a confluence of interplay of the twin pillars of core political institutions of democracy, that is, the Legislature and the Executive arms of government.
”Your presence in this hallowed chamber is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the mutual respect that exists between the Executive and the House.
”This synergy has been the bedrock of the remarkable progress and sustainable development we have witnessed across all sectors of our economy and society, ” Guwor said.
