2024 Budget: Gov Nwifuru Presents 202bn to Ebonyi Assembly
By Agbo Amuche, Abakaliki
The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has Presented a budget proposal of over Two Hundred and Two Billion,One Hundred and Twenty Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seven Naira(202,127,918,907.00) to the State House of Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year.
The budget Christened” Budget of ‘Innovation and Progress’ is strategic investment in the wellbeing and future of Ebonyi state.
Governor Nwifuru 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.
According to him, “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”.he said
Governor Nwifuru added that the ongoing move to construct 39 duplexes, 3 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 ; 31 km 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.
The Governor commended the House of Assembly for their partnership through speedy passage of enabling laws.
“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 Ebonyi state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.Moses Odunwa, assured that the budget would received the need accelerated endorsement.
Odunwa stated that the none 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.