….Allocates ₦2.14bn to Road Infrastructure

By Chinedu Adonu

The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, has presented a budget appropriation of ₦20,734,000,000 (Twenty Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Four Million Naira) for 2025, marking a remarkable 400% increase from the previous year.

The budget, titled “Budget of Economic Growth Through Partnership,” was presented to the Enugu East legislative council in a ceremony emphasizing collaboration for sustainable progress. It aligns with the innovation-driven agenda of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, aimed at promoting shared prosperity and inclusive development.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to capital expenditures, with ₦16.6 billion (80%) designated for developmental projects and ₦4.04 billion (20%) for recurrent expenditures. The road infrastructure sector receives the largest share, with ₦2.14 billion earmarked to address the council’s 200-kilometer road deficit, complementing the state governor’s initiative to execute 10-kilometer road projects in each ward. Other sectors benefiting from the budget include education (₦2.07 billion), agriculture (₦730 million), and health (₦690 million).

In reviewing the performance of the revised 2024 budget of ₦2 billion, Anike disclosed an impressive 80% implementation rate, evidenced by the procurement of 12 units of 500 KVA transformers for distribution across the council’s 12 wards. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring no community is left without electricity, with ₦300 million earmarked in the 2025 budget to address connectivity challenges in underserved areas.

The Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Chamber, Mr. Obed Eke, thanked Anike for his life-changing programs for the people of the council and assured him of their support and the swift passage of the budget.

Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, Chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, commended the chairman’s proactive approach, particularly in procuring transformers and emulating Governor Mbah’s governance model in the council.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Felix Nnamani, lauded Anike’s achievements within his first three months in office, highlighting his example of effective grassroots leadership.

The event’s highlight was the official presentation of the transformers to community leaders and stakeholders.

Dignitaries present 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; Prof. Luke Agbo Anike, former Vice Chancellor of ESUT; 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.