Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Thursday, declared open a 3-day retreat for Members and Staff of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, with a charge on them to deepen legislative capacity in handling the appropriation process.
The retreat, holding at the State Assembly Complex, in Asaba has as its theme: “An Overview of the Appropriation Process in Delta State House of Assembly: Practices, Issues and Recommendations”, with the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon (Mrs) Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, leading the pack.
Declaring the event open, Rt Hon Guwor described the retreat as both timely and significant, stressing that it is being held ahead of the presentation of the 2026 budget estimates by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Speaker said the appropriation process remains at the heart of legislative engagement in governance, noting that the “power of the purse” is one of the most critical constitutional responsibilities of the legislature.
“As lawmakers, we must appreciate that every line in the budget is not just a figure but a statement of intent on how government resources should translate into the well-being of our people,” the Speaker said. “The Finance and Appropriations Committee, therefore, has a crucial role in ensuring the passage of a realistic budget that balances revenue projections with expenditure profiles.”
The Speaker flanked by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowovwo and others commended the Africa Parliamentary Resource Centre (APRC) for facilitating the retreat, while also appreciating its consistent support for strengthening legislative institutions across the country.
Guwor expressed delight at the choice of the lead facilitator, Dr John Mutu, Executive Director of APRC, as well as other resource persons, including Prof. Uzochukwu Amakom and Dr Innocent Mebiri.
According to him, “the retreat provides a platform for participants to re-examine existing appropriation practices, identify gaps and bottlenecks, learn from comparative experiences, and propose practical recommendations that will enhance legislative oversight of public finances”.
The Speaker urged the participants to approach the sessions with an open mind and a spirit of inquiry, stressing that the ultimate goal of the exercise is to strengthen the competence of the Committee and build the Assembly’s overall capacity to ensure prudent allocation and effective utilisation of public resources for the development of Delta State.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of the House committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, highlighted the significance of the three-day workshop, which, according to her, will help strengthen the committee’s work in enhancing the budgetary processes of the State Assembly.
Hon Okowa-Daramola, who commended the Speaker for the timely approval of the retreat, explained that the exercise will further strengthen the work of the committee ahead of the next budget preparation season in the interest of Deltans.
The Lawmaker who represents Ika North East in the House said she desires to make the Delta State Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriations a model for legislative excellence, as it is a bridge between government and the people.
Lead facilitator of the retreat, Dr John Mutu paid glowing tribute to the Speaker for being in the forefront, even at the national level, to ensuring that the legislature takes its pride of place in polity and governance.
Dr Mutu drew attention to the need for the provision of some facilities, including digitalisation of its activities, that would enhance and strengthen the workings of the Finance and Appropriations Committee and appealed for action on them.
Topics for discussion during the 3 day sessions, include “Reflections on the mandate and current practices in the House”, “An overview of the Budget Preparation Process: Process, Challenges, Role of Committee in the Process, and Recommendation”, “A review on the performance of 2024 and 2025 half year budget”, “Simulation Exercise on the Appropriation Process”, “Simulation Exercise on Committee Oversight”, “Reflections on the Appropriation Process: Tools, Templates, Guidelines for Sub-Committee and Reporting” and “Reflections on Budget Financing: Mandate of the Committee, Agencies under its jurisdiction and Implications for the M.O.R.E Agenda”.
