Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Ebonyi State citizens have given their nod to the proposed ₦391.09 billion 2025 budget, applauding Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s focus on addressing the state’s developmental challenges, particularly in the energy sector.
Speaking at the Citizens’ Input Forum in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru lamented the state’s insufficient power supply, which he identified as a key obstacle to industrialization.
He revealed plans to invest ₦30 billion into building a 330KV transmission line to tackle the issue.
“Ebonyi doesn’t have the energy to power any factory. The total energy given to us is 8KV instead of the required 14KV. This discourages investors and limits industrial growth. We must act now to change this narrative,” the governor stated.
The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Chinwe Deborah Okah, highlighted the budget’s priorities, including allocations to the economic sector (₦200.13 billion), social sector (₦136.18 billion), and administrative sector (₦50.95 billion).
Speaking with the press, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Igwe Stephen Uchenna commended the governor’s focus on industrialization, education, and healthcare.
“The governor is a man of progress, working tirelessly to lift Ebonyi to compete with other states.
“There is no factory in the state, but he is working tirelessly to make sure he provide industry for Ebonyi state to ensure sustainable revenue business taxation,” the commissioner noted.
Various unions, including the Market Women Association, NLC, and NUJ, praised the governor’s developmental strides, describing him as a visionary leader committed to transforming the state.
