Delta is highly focused on human capital development ----Emu

*Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state

(Nigeria) The Delta State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Emu, has said that he was satisfied that the cardinal development agenda and investments of the Ifeanyi Okowa administration were in tune with the ideas of global economists and business leaders for sustainable development.

Emu made the disclosure against the backdrop of current national conversation on critical economic development requirements following the recent meeting of the National Economic Council and the criticism of world richest man, Bill Gates, who expressed reservations over the Federal Government’s low prioritisation of the critical human capital development sectors of education, health and provision of opportunities, in its economic recovery investments.

In relation to the situation in Delta State, Emu said both Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote’s concerns are well addressed in the development focus and investments of the Okowa administration.

“The capital expenditure profile of the Delta State budget addresses Bill and Dangote's concerns as known to renowned global economists. Human capital development cannot be substituted. It will remain the subject matter for the inherent value and the phenomenal impact it brings to the table of economic prosperity.

“It must reflect in the budget, it must be systematic and apparently visible. Beyond budgetary provision, it must be implemented. Every other infrastructure must and should complement human capital investments. Education and  health are key and Senator Okowa understand it well. It was the most prized and valued reference in the last Peer Review by the  Nigeria Competitiveness Council and it was not by accident that Delta State was rated best in human capital development and second overall.

“What is the state of our technical education in Nigeria? What of the state of basic education? What is our curriculum like in these directions? What is the budgetary provision? An ignorant nation is a doomed nation and that is why Delta State is taking care to address the fundamentals of education, health and job creation. Beyond the Teacher Development Center under construction to address constant content and quality issues, establishment of technical/vocational skill centers, governance structure that addresses focus, physical improvement to address conductive learning environment, there is constant  sensitization to ramp up understanding of why we must refocused.

“Our health sector has not received any less attention, with universal health coverage to address scope, emphasis on primary health care centers, reintroduction of the strong presence of health officers in the rural communities and physical face lift of secondary health facilities.

 “There are certainly gaps and shortages in these in the state but there are policies and structures to improve on them. The gestation period may appear long but in three years Okowa has demonstrated visionary leadership, strong focus and will power to confront the targets.”