Enugu East Council Chair Presents Over ₦20 Billion 2025 Budget

…Hands Over 12 New Transformers to Communities in a Move to End Electricity Challenges in the LGA

In a bold move reflective of the innovative governance style of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, has presented a ₦20.734 billion budget for 2025. This budget marks an unprecedented 400 percent increase from the previous year’s budget of the local government council.

Presenting the budget, aptly titled “Budget of Economic Growth Through Partnership,” before the council’s legislative chamber, the chairman emphasized that it aligns with the state government’s disruptive innovation agenda aimed at fostering shared prosperity and inclusive development.

He stated that capital expenditures took a significant portion, with ₦16.6 billion (80 percent) allocated, while ₦4.04 billion (20 percent) is earmarked for recurrent expenses.

According to him, “Road infrastructure received the largest allocation of ₦2.14 billion, targeted at addressing the council’s 200-kilometer road deficit, complementing the state governor’s 10-kilometer-per-ward road projects.”

“Other key sectors include education, agriculture, and health, which were allocated ₦2.07 billion, ₦730 million, and ₦690 million, respectively.”

The chairman also reviewed the performance of the ₦2 billion revised 2024 budget, 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.

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.