By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Thursday presented a budget proposal of N202,127,918,907 to the State House of Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year.

Christened “Budget of Innovation and Progress”, the budget is described by the State Government as a strategic investment in the wellbeing and future of Ebonyi State.

The Governor noted that the people’s charter of Need serves as the guiding principle of his administration in addressing diverse opinions in the areas of Education, Health, Agriculture, ease of doing business, water resources, affordable housing, critical infrastructure and in the developmental strides of embracing information and communication technology.

Nwifuru said: “Through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, we are not just reducing the financial burden of healthcare on civil servants; we are offering a lifeline to families striving for a healthy future. By covering the health insurance premiums of identified vulnerable citizens, we extend compassionate hand to those who need it most. These initiatives are not abstract; they are stories of lives changed, futures secured, and communities thriving.

“The essence of our commitment to education goes beyond bricks and mortar; it lies in the dreams of every child who now has access to quality learning environments. Picture a student in a rural community, now equipped with the tools and facilities necessary to unlock their full potential.”

The Governor added that the ongoing move to construct 39 duplexes, three duplexes in each local government area with 12 classrooms, is not just a mere political achievement, stressing that it is an investment that will shape the future leaders of Ebonyi State.

In the area of infrastructure, the Governor disclosed that his administration has awarded the construction of 22km, Ezillo Ezzaegu Road; 31km Offerekpe-Agbaja Internal Road, 23km Ogbaga-Nwofe Road; 12. 8 km Ugwulangwu Road; 12.3km Okposi Ojigwe-Mgbom Road, among others, while concerted efforts had been made to improve health care delivery.

“Consider the 189 Health Workers strategically employed for our General Hospitals 36 of whom are doctors. They are not just professionals filling positions; they are the compassionate hands that heal, the reassuring voices that comfort, and the pillars of our healthcare system.

“Reflect on the empowerment of 500 Ebonyi indigenes through EBSMEDA grants. These are not just financial disbursements; they are investments in dreams, businesses, and the economic resilience of our people,” the Governor said.

He commended the House of Assembly for their partnership through speedy passage of enabling laws, saying: “In navigating the complexities of governance, the role of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly cannot be overstated. Your meticulous consideration of proposed legislations, your discerning debates, and your unwavering focus on the needs of the people have served as a guiding light for the executive arm of the state.”

Responding, Speaker of Ebonyi state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, assured that the budget would receive the need accelerated endorsement.

Odunwa stated that the non-existence of interferences between each of the arms would surely bring about checks and balances, also engender coherency in the governance of the state.

He noted that the Seventh House of Assembly within six months in office, has given accelerated passage into law six Executive bills.

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