..allocates N2.14bn to road infrastructure
By Chinedu Adonu
In a significant step towards economic development, the chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, has presented a budget appropriation of twenty billion, seven hundred and thirty four million, N20, 734,000,000.00, for 2025, marking a remarkable 400 percent increase from the previous year.
This budget, aptly titled “Budget of Economic Growth Through Partnership,” was presented to the Enugu East legislative council in a ceremony that underscores the emphasis on collaboration for sustainable progress.
The budget aligns with the innovation-driven agenda of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, aimed at promoting shared prosperity and inclusive development.
Notably, capital expenditures constitute a substantial portion of the budget, with ₦16.6 billion (80 percent) designated for developmental projects, while ₦4.04 billion (20 percent) is allocated for recurrent expenditures.
The road infrastructure sector received the largest share, with ₦2.14 billion earmarked to address the council’s noted 200-kilometer road deficit, complementing the state governor’s initiative of executing 10-kilometer road projects in each ward. Other sectors benefiting from this budget include education, agriculture, and health, which received allocations of ₦2.07 billion, ₦730 million, and ₦690 million, respectively.
In reviewing the performance of the revised 2024 budget of ₦2 billion, presented shortly after his swearing-in three months ago, he disclosed an impressive 80 percent implementation rate, evidenced by the procurement of 12 units of 500 KVA transformers to be distributed across the council’s 12 wards.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring no community in the council is left without electricity. He revealed that ₦300 million has been earmarked in the 2025 budget to address connectivity challenges in underserved areas.
The Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Chamber, Mr Obed Eke while thanking Anike for his life changing programmes for the people of the Council Area, assured him of their support and speed passage of the budget.
Speaking at the event, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, Chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council and traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, commended the chairman’s proactive approach, particularly in procuring the transformers and emulating Governor Mbah’s governance model in the council.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Felix Nnamani, who hails from Enugu East, lauded the chairman’s achievements within his first three months in office, adding that he has been an example of what grassroots leadership entails.
The highlight of the event was the official presentation of the transformers to community leaders and stakeholders present at the event.
Dignitaries at the occasion included: Hon. Kingsley Obinna Anike, Deputy Chairman of Enugu East LGA; Hon. Obumneme Obed Eke, Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Council; Barr. Uche Mbaeke, SLG, Enugu East LGA; Rt. Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, former House of Representatives member for Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency; Hon. Dr. Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Water Resources; Hon. Eddy Nnaji, former Commissioner for Commerce, Enugu State; Hon. Hillary Ugwu, former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly; former Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Luke Agbo Anike; Local Government PDP Chairman, Hon. Okey Igbokwe; HRH Igwe Julius Nnaji, First Vice Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council; and HRH Igwe Dr. Emmanuel O. Ugwu, Leader of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, among others.
