By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, this afternoon at the Anambra State House of Assembly, presented the 2024 budget proposal of
Four Hundred and Ten Billion, one hundred and thirty-two million, two hundred and twenty-four thousand, two hundred and seventy-two naira.
According to the State Number One Citizen, Ninety-six billion, two hundred and one million, nine hundred and thirty-six thousand, seven hundred and forty-six naira (₦96, 201, 936, 746) that is 23% of the budget is targeted at recurrent expenditure; three hundred and thirteen billion, nine hundred and thirty million, two hundred eighty-eight thousand, five hundred and twenty-six naira (₦313, 930, 288, 526) representing 77% of the entire budget is targeted at capital expenditure.
The budget is themed “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins” is aimed at beginning the transformation agenda and implementing a new master plan to change Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland.
According to the Governor, the size of the budget is relatively small in terms of dollar and other economic challenges, saying that they are determined to maximize value for ndị Anambra, prioritizing project financing, not borrowing to consume.
He pointed out that the budget will accelerate agenda on clean, green and sustainable Anambra, urban and semi-urban water schemes, mainstreaming the sports economy, the state football team, among others, emphasizing that his administration’s agenda is to promote one state and one people.
Governor Soludo thanked the members of the state Assembly for their collaboration so far and reeled out some of his administration’s budget performance and achievements and asked for continued support from the people.
He said the budget is a device for ensuring continuous monitoring procedure, reviewing and evaluating performance with reference to agreed standards and that with the passage of the 2023 budget, massive transformation is going on in all parts of the state, especially in infrastructure, education, health, human capital development, among others.
While stating that the proposal will be given expedited hearing and passage, the Speaker, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze assured that the house will intensify efforts in her oversight function to ensure that Ndị Anambra continue to have value for every fund spent, suggesting the introduction of a mid-year budget financial briefing on budget performance to the people.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation and member representing Anaocha Constituency Two, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu applauded the Governor and expressed optimism that the budget will impact the people positively.
Some of those attended the budget presentation included the Secretary to Anambra State Government, SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, State Chairman of APGA, High Chief Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye (Igiligi Global), the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene (Mbuze Nanka) , the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra State Chapter, Prince Emeka Udodeme (Odegba), the National President of ASATU, Chief Barr Titus Akpudo (Ichaka), members of Anambra State Executive Council, lawmakers, including the Deputy Majority Leader and the Member Representing Njikoka II State Constituency, Hon Chief Jude Akpua (Omekannia N’Abba), Commissioner for Environment, Hon Dr (Engr) Felix Odimegwu (Anyaora), Commissioner for Youths, His Youthfulness Patrick Agha Mba, former Deputy Speaker of the 6th Assembly Hon Barr Harford Ikechukwu Oseke, Former MD/CEO of ANSAA and Convener of Anambra Demands Soludo, Sir Jude Emecheta (Nwachinaemelu Ozubulu), among others.
