Exclusive: Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori To Blow N2.5 Billion For His Image Laundering, Splashes N373 Million on Repeat Publicity

Secrets Reporters

An x-ray of the Delta State 2026 budget dubbed “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda” has revealed that it is laced with hefty sums for various duplicated items and seemingly frivolous activities.

We gathered from the eyewatering N1.729 trillion budget that the Delta State government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori carved out humongous sums for public relations and media visibility in its 2026 fiscal plan.

Tucked within the overhead costs of the latest budget law is a N2.5 billion allocation for Government Publicity and Press Relations, effectively earmarked for communicating the state’s activities, achievements and programmes to the public.

The figure outstrips many individual ministry budget lines, spotlighting the premium the government places on managing its narrative in 2026. Official budget breakdowns confirm this provision under the State House of Assembly’s approved overheads.

In addition to the humongous amount earmarked for Press Relations, a further N373 million was set aside for Documentaries in Print/Electronic Media.

Critics say media and publicity allocations often act as megaphones for government massaging, but the official figures show Delta’s approach is to wield that megaphone with some force.

Recall that in December last year, Governor Oborevwori signed into law the Delta State’s 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.729 trillion. Tagged the “Budget of Accelerating the M.O.R.E Agenda”, the fiscal blueprint is designed to fast-track state-wide development while balancing ambitious growth with fiscal prudence.

Oborevwori described the budget as “not just a budget of figures, but a budget of vision, action and expected deliverables for the next twelve months,” promising a strong start to 2026.

The N1.729 trillion estimate marks an increase of over 70 percent compared to the 2025 appropriation, reflecting a bold commitment to capital expansion.

Governor Oborevwori highlighted that Delta State’s gains in 2025, including improved internally generated revenue, strengthened fiscal discipline, and enhanced security, provide a solid foundation for the ambitious 2026 plan. He emphasised that these achievements were attained without imposing additional burdens on citizens, demonstrating the administration’s resolve to balance growth with social responsibility.

The governor further explained that the budget was formulated against the backdrop of an improving national economy, with Nigeria’s GDP projected to grow by 3.9 percent in 2026. Rising oil revenues, stabilising fiscal and monetary policies, tax reforms, and renewed federal efforts in tackling insecurity, he said, have rekindled optimism for economic expansion and improved living standards across the state.

The governor commended the Delta State House of Assembly for its rigorous scrutiny and timely passage of the Appropriation Bill, noting that the collaboration between the executive and legislature ensures the budget aligns with the M.O.R.E Agenda. He assured citizens that the 2026 financial plan will translate into accelerated infrastructure development, improved public services, and a strengthened economy, setting the stage for a transformative year in Delta State.