The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, has unveiled a ₦20,734,000,000 budget appropriation for 2025, representing a 400% increase from the previous year’s budget.
The budget, titled the “Budget of Economic Growth Through Partnership,” was presented to the Enugu East Legislative Council in a ceremony underscoring collaboration for sustainable progress. The proposal aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s innovation-driven agenda, which focuses on shared prosperity and inclusive development in Enugu State.
A notable 80% of the budget, amounting to ₦16.6 billion, is allocated for capital expenditures, prioritising developmental projects, while the remaining 20%, or ₦4.04 billion, is set aside for recurrent expenditures. The road infrastructure sector is the largest beneficiary, with ₦2.14 billion earmarked to address the council’s 200-kilometer road deficit, complementing the state government’s initiative to execute 10-kilometer road projects in each ward. Other key allocations include education (₦2.07 billion), agriculture (₦730 million), and health (₦690 million).
Reflecting on the revised 2024 budget of ₦2 billion, Anike highlighted an 80% implementation rate, demonstrated by the procurement of 12 units of 500 KVA transformers for distribution across the council’s 12 wards. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring no community remains without electricity, allocating ₦300 million in the 2025 budget to address connectivity challenges in underserved areas.
“The success of our revised 2024 budget has laid the foundation for this ambitious 2025 plan,” said Anike. “We are committed to fostering growth and ensuring every community in Enugu East LGA benefits from sustainable development.”
The Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Chamber, Mr. Obed Eke, praised Anike’s transformational programs, assuring the chairman of the council’s full support and a swift passage of the budget.
Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, Chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, commended Anike’s proactive governance, especially his efforts to procure transformers and emulate Governor Mbah’s development model.
State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Felix Nnamani, lauded Anike’s achievements within his first three months in office, describing him as a model of effective grassroots leadership.
The presentation of the transformers to community leaders and stakeholders was the event’s highlight, symbolising the administration’s commitment to improving power supply across the council area.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including 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.
