Nwifuru presents N204.134bn 2024 budget proposal to assembly
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has presented a total of N204,134,918,907.00, as budget estimate for the 2024 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The budget proposal was tagged, “Budget of Innovation and Progress.”
Breakdown of the budget showed that about 71.3bn was earmarked for recurrent expenditures while about 108.8bn was budgeted for capital expenditure.
Presenting the budget estimate on Thursday, the State Governor said, “let us recognize that each allocation is not just a number; it is a strategic investment in the wellbeing and future of Ebonyi State.
“As we navigate the detailed breakdown of the budget, let us envision it as a roadmap for innovation and progress, a compass guiding us toward a future where every sector flourishes, and every citizen thrives.”
The Governor pledged that his campaign manifesto christened “the People Charter of Needs” shall serve as the guiding principle of his administration, in addressing the diverse aspirations of the people in the domains of Education, Health, Agriculture, Ease of Doing Business, Water Supply, Affordable Housing, Critical Infrastructure, and Information & Communication Technology.
“The heartbeat of our priorities resonates within the Health and Education sectors, where we envisage a transformative impact on the lives of our people. Let us delve into these achievements, not as statistical milestones, but as narratives that touch the lives of our citizens.
He disclosed the plans of his administration to construct a total of 511kms roads across the State, many of them, he said had been captured in the 2024 budget.
“The commitment to constructing 511km of roads, with a significant portion allocated in the 2024 budget, reflects the paramount importance of robust road infrastructure. This endeavour holds particular significance when directed towards rural areas, as it addresses a multitude of challenges and unlocks numerous opportunities for the communities involved,”
“The commitment to developing rural road infrastructure in Ebonyi State is not just a budgetary allocation; it is an investment in the prosperity, well-being, and sustainable future of the communities that form the backbone of the state. It is a recognition that good roads aren’t just about asphalt and concrete; they are about forging pathways to a brighter, more connected, and harmonious future for all,” he said.
In his speech, the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Moses Ije Odunwa, assured that the Governor that the budget would receive accelerated passage.
“Our reason is empirically enshrined on the conviction that each kobo and Naira appropriated will be used for the said purpose. This is because you have bought our trust and conviction within your shortest stay at the saddle through your judicious use of public fund and I’m sure that Ebonyi will surely prosper under your care as Chief Executive of the State,” he stated.
The Speaker equally promised that the House would continue to make its contributions towards the fullest realization of his administration’s policies and programmes.
