Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, has unveiled a ₦20.734 billion budget proposal for 2025, marking a significant 400% increase from the previous year’s budget.
During the budget presentation on Monday, Anike titled the proposal “Budget of Economic Growth Through Partnership,” emphasizing its alignment with the Enugu State government’s innovation agenda aimed at driving economic growth, shared prosperity, and inclusive development.
DAILY GAZETTE reports that of the total budget, ₦16.6 billion (80%) has been allocated to capital expenditure, with ₦4.04 billion (20%) earmarked for recurrent expenses.
A significant portion of the capital allocation will go towards road infrastructure, with ₦2.14 billion dedicated to addressing the council’s 200-kilometer road deficit, complementing the state government’s road project initiatives.
Other key sectors such as education, agriculture, and health have been allocated ₦2.07 billion, ₦730 million, and ₦690 million, respectively.
Anike also provided an update on the performance of the ₦2 billion revised 2024 budget, noting an 80% implementation rate, including the procurement of 12 units of 500 KVA transformers for distribution across the council’s 12 wards.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring universal electricity access, Anike revealed that ₦300 million has been allocated in the 2025 budget to tackle connectivity issues in underserved areas.
The budget will be funded through various sources, including statutory allocation, VAT, Excess Crude, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and loans.
The Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Chamber, Mr. Obed Eke, expressed gratitude for Anike’s life-changing initiatives and assured the chairman of the legislative support for the swift passage of the budget.
Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike and Chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, also praised Anike’s proactive governance and his efforts to mirror Governor Peter Mbah’s model.
