From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Chairman of Igbo-Eze North local government area, Hon. Uche Ogalla has praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for confronting insecurity in the state headlong upon assumption of office, whose result has brought the peace and tranquility being enjoyed in every nook and cranny of the state presently.
Mayor Ogalla, who spoke yesterday in Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, the council headquarters, while presenting the 2025 budget to the Hon. Celestine Ali-Omeke-led Igbo-Eze North Legislative Council, noted that achieving sustainable development in the state and the council areas would have remained elusive if the security of lives and livelihoods was not fully guaranteed and other critical elements of development were not put in place in the community, as exemplified by the Governor Mbah administration.
He disclosed that the budget, themed “Budget of Grassroots Transformation,” reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming the local government into a thriving and prosperous community where every citizen enjoys high quality of life.
The budget with a size of ₦5,632,723,592 allocated 53% of the total budget to recurrent expenditure, ensuring the timely payment of salaries and the efficient operation of government services while 47% of the budget is dedicated to capital projects, aimed at delivering tangible infrastructure and development projects that will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people.
Ogalla, explained that the 2025 budget, a roadmap for progress, aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for 2025-2029 which according to him, was developed with support from UNICEF and the Enugu State Government.
He further explained that the budget prioritized key developmental areas like Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Market Development, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Good Governance and Security.
“As a people characterized by uncommon resilience, drive and determination, we have persevered, sticking together adapting and innovating to overcome our obstacles and deliver essential services to our people. The MTDP, together with the Activity Action Plan and Results Framework, is a product of extensive stakeholder consultations and rigorous analysis, thus providing a comprehensive framework for achieving our long-term development goals.
“Therefore, our budget of 2025 is oriented on inclusion, economic sustenance, and social progress guided by our manifesto and informed by the evolving needs of our community as captured in the MTDP.”
Ogalla disclosed the ultimate ambition of the administration to explore collaboration with the State Government to convert the Enugu-Ezike District Hospital to a College of Nursing and Dental Therapy to provide opportunities to their people living in the urban and hinterland as well as adjourning states of Kogi and Benue to gain access to health education and employment opportunities.
On Agriculture, he said that in collaboration with the State Government on the 200 Hectares Farm Estate Programme, his administration is on course to support the state in securing at least 600 hectares in Ette, Aguibeje, and Umuogbo Agu communities for large-scale commercial agriculture.
“To complement this initiative, we shall also earmark 3 to 6 hectares in the remaining wards for crop farming and integrated animal husbandry. This measure will reverse the long-term trend in unemployment in our local government, boost income growth, and reduce crime.”
On infrastructure development, he said the administration has already started and will consolidate the ongoing improvement in road infrastructure, including the extensive rehabilitation of existing roads and the construction of new roads to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic activity.
“Our government came on board with a human face, and as such we shall continue to strengthen our governance institutions and security formations by enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance processes. In particular, we are already taking drastic steps to enhance security measures to protect lives and property via the installation of high-surveillance security cameras across strategic security flash points in our local government,” he stated.
He said the successful implementation of the budget will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders while the administration will adhere to the principles of strong leadership and commitment from the Executive and Legislative arms of the Council, Effective planning and coordination, ensuring that all departments and agencies work collaboratively towards achieving the budget objectives. Transparent and accountable financial management, ensuring prudent and efficient utilization of public funds. Community participation, engaging with community members and stakeholders throughout the budget process.Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitoring and evaluating budget performance to ensure that funds are utilized effectively and efficiently.
While urging honorable members of the legislative council to give the budget careful consideration and grant it swift approval, he called for collaboration to work together towards translating the budget into tangible development outcomes for the benefit of all the citizens.
“In conclusion, this 2025 budget represents a significant step forward in our journey towards building a prosperous and inclusive Igbo-Eze North. It is a budget that reflects our commitment to the well-being of our people, the development of our community, and the creation of a brighter future for generations to come.”
“Lastly, let me once again thank our Governor par excellence, Barr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, for the unwavering support and numerous projects he has carried out in our local government thus far and hereby restate our resolve and commitment to supporting/complementing the state government in its effort to make our dear state a top tier state in Nigeria and destination of choice for investment, tourism, and economic development within the next 8 years.” He stated.
The budget presentation was witnessed by the Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ejike Eze, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Onyekachi Eya, Rev. Fr Edward Okeke, former Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Hillary Ogili and traditional rulers like Igwe Cyril Ayogu and Igwe Ogbonna Ekere among others.