Enugu Governor signs 2023 budget into law

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On Friday, the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, assented to the One hundred and sixty six billion, six hundred and two million, four hundred and sixteen thousand, seven hundred and seventy naira, N166,602,4I6,770.00 allocation bill approved by the state legislature.

Governor Ugwuanyi stated that the signing of the approved 2023 budget signified the conclusion of the process of appropriating funds for the business of governance in Enugu State in the year 2023 “following my presentation of the state’s 2023 budget proposal to the Enugu State House of Assembly on 15th December, 2022.”

The Governor stated that his government, via the “Budget of Consolidation and Transition” for 2023, intends to consolidate its successes in many areas of the state and hand over the state’s governance to the next administration.

Governor Ugwuanyi, pleased that the State House of Assembly, as usual, gave the budget proposal prompt deliberation and approval, reaffirmed his administration’s readiness and readiness to begin the 2023 budget implementation in earnest on January 1, 2023.

Noting that “this is also the last time I will sign the full-year budget of Enugu State as Governor under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999, as amended,” Governor Ugwuanyi beseeched God to “grant us the grace of substantial realisation of the projected revenue in the 2023 budget and a peaceful environment for its diligent implementation.”

He thanked the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly for responding to the imperative of expedited consideration and approval of the budget, adding, “I recognise the dedicated Clerk and other staff of the House whose contributions to the legislative business, though invaluable, are largely unrecognised.”

Governor Ugwuanyi urged the people of Enugu State to be peaceful and devoted to prayer, and wished them a happy New Year.

Presenting the approved budget for the governor’s assent, earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi , described it as “a wonderful and realistic budget”, disclosing that critical sectors such as works, agriculture, education, health and water resources got huge allocations.

“It shows that you (Ugwuanyi) are prepared to finish all the works you started and the ones you promised the good people of Enugu State. It is a very commendable one Your Excellency. It shows that the budget is a very realistic one,” he said.

The Speaker on behalf of his colleagues appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi for his immense support and exemplary leadership qualities anchored on peace and good governance, stressing that the legislators are grateful that they have enjoyed cordial working relationship with the governor, members of the State Executive Council (EXCO) and other government officials in the state.

“On this note Your Excellency, may I invite the Clerk of the House to join me to present to you the approved budget of N166,602,4I6,770.00 for your assent and for the benefit of the good people of Enugu State to the glory of God,” he added.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu and other members of the State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, former Chief of Staff and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Ugwunta and other members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), and the Clerk of the House, Barr. Dr. Emmanuel Udaya.