By joshua 
Ebonyi Govt Approves Procurement Of 250 Power Tiller Machines For Farmers
By Emmanuel Agbo, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government, under the leadership of Chief Francis Nwifuru, has approved the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (₦500,000,000) for the procurement of 250 agricultural power tiller machines. The equipments will be strategically distributed to farmers across the state ahead of the 2026 farming season.
The initiative is expected to reduce the drudgery associated with farming, enhance mechanisation, increase productivity, empower farmers, create employment opportunities, and encourage youth participation in agriculture, in line with Governor Nwifuru’s agricultural agenda.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council (EXCO) meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital.
According to the commissioner, each unit of the equipment is estimated to cost Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000).
Omebe further revealed that EXCO has proposed an Executive Council Bill to regulate landlord-tenant relations, particularly rents and fees charged by house agents in the state. He explained that, if passed into law, it would be illegal for any agent to charge a fee exceeding two percent of the total rent.
“This is to ensure that all qualified and registered agents operate within the law and to cushion the hardship caused by arbitrary charges imposed on citizens,” he said.
The commissioner also hinted that EXCO approved the immediate termination of all 2km road projects that are yet to be completed.
This follows observations that many contractors either abandoned project sites after receiving payments or executed substandard work.
He recalled that at its meeting of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, EXCO expressed concern over the slow pace of work and directed supervising committees to visit project sites and recommend termination of projects that were either poorly executed or not progressing satisfactorily. The committees were also mandated to review all payment certificates before further disbursements are made.
In view of the strategic importance of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to rural development, agricultural value-chain enhancement, and improved livelihoods in Ebonyi State, EXCO approved the release of Three Hundred Million Naira (₦300,000,000) as the state’s statutory 10 percent counterpart fund for the 2026 fiscal year.
In the same vein, EXCO proposed a bill to regulate the sale of metal and electrical scraps in the state.
When enacted, the law is expected to govern the buying, selling, possession, transportation, and disposal of such materials, with the aim of curbing vandalism, preventing environmental degradation, and promoting public safety.
Omebe added that, following an extensive review of progress reports on selected schools earmarked for upgrade to modern standards, EXCO approved that, with effect from Wednesday, March 4, 2026, any contractor who has received funds for the construction of the 22 model secondary schools but has not reached parapet level should be arrested until the funds are recovered.
The commissioner further disclosed that EXCO received a positive report on the state’s foreign scholarship programme. Out of 204 beneficiaries, 202 have completed their Master’s programmes and have been admitted into PhD programmes.
Most of the beneficiaries graduated with distinction and are expected to complete their studies by 2029.
He noted that an additional 84 beneficiaries recently departed for overseas studies, bringing the total number to 298, while the remaining 12 are expected to travel between May and September 2026.
On a proposed partnership with a Chinese Municipal Council to establish Waste-to-Energy and Solar-to-Energy projects in the state—alongside Chegfa Environment Co. Ltd and its Nigerian counterpart, Cheer Power Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd—under a Build, Operate and Donate (BOD) arrangement, EXCO approved hosting the investors at a convenient date. It also approved the allocation of space at the Industrial City, Ezzamgbo, for the project.
Similarly, EXCO approved the commencement of air-conditioning installation at the International Trade Centre at the cost of One Billion, Three Hundred Million Naira (₦1,300,000,000), to ensure the facility meets the required standards upon completion.
In the spirit of preserving legacy and inspiring future generations, EXCO also approved the proposal to rebuild the palace of the late statesman and first indigenous Governor of the Eastern Region, Dr. Akanu Ibiam.
“This government’s practical step is aimed at honouring a foremost founding father and revered Igbo leader who made immense contributions to both state and nation-building,” Omebeh stated.