By joshua 
By Agbo Amauche, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has approved the total sum of 2.12 billion for empowerement of farmers through FADAMA and other projects to boost agricultural production especially this farming season in the State.
The State Commissioner for information and State Orientation Engr. Chikadibia Jude Okpor disclosed this while briefing newsmem on the outcome of this week executive council meeting in his office in Abakaliki, the State Capital.
The Commissioner who noted that the executive council approved the sum of Ten Million naira for revamping of the moribund rice mills across three zones of the State, including Iboko, Ikwo and Oso-Edda, said that the total of #70, 000,000 was also approved for redesign of trade centre in the State.
According to the Commissioner, Exco approved (#2,620,000 000) for Ebonyi State Community and Social Development Agency to embark on social development projects in 100 Communities that haven’t benefit from the Agency’s intervention across the State and however directed the Agency to pay Labour intensive workers across the thirteen LGA’s of the State.
Engr. Okpor further noted that the executive council approved the engagement of revenue and fiscal consultants to help the State block Finacial leakages through staff and salary audit on State and Local Government Areas to eliminate loss in the wage bills and ultimately increase the revenue generation of the State at 5% Commission.
The Commissioner added that Exco approved the perimeter fencing of University of Aeronautic enginering, EZZA to avoid unnecessary encroachment of the University land and directed the State Council of procurement to advertise the job to the interested bidders.
However, the Commissioner revealed that Exco approved the procurement and installation of different sizes of modern poultry cages in an efforts to revive the ailing Nkaliki Hatchery, stating that Exco approved 450, 000,000 for the design and consultancy services for Nnodo Ekumenyi Boulevard.
He maintained that the executive council directed the State Commissioner for lands and survey to notify occupants of Eguogboriga layout in writing to vacate from the area within one month or the State would be forced to proceed with demolition so as to return the layout to its original plan.