ENUGU: Hon. John Ogbodo Presents Budget Estimate Of N4.7 Billion "Budget Of Hope"

  

...Mirrors Gov Peter Mbah's Vision for Transformative Local Government Growth

The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, has presented a landmark budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, amounting to a record Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Five Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (#4,705,800,000). This groundbreaking budget, aptly named the "Budget of Hope," was formally introduced at the Legislative Council’s session at the council headquarters in Agbani today.

In a detailed and passionate presentation, Hon. Ogbodo outlined the primary focus of the budget, which he said will drive the administration's commitment to delivering essential services in critical sectors such as healthcare, power, water supply, agriculture, and sanitation. He emphasized that his administration is determined to implement projects that will improve the living standards of the people, with a keen eye on long-term sustainability and social impact.

Hon. Ogbodo made it clear that the proposed budget is not just a financial plan but a demonstration of his administration's dedication to fiscal responsibility, equity, and transparency. He assured the Legislative Council and the people of Nkanu West that all projects would be executed with due process and that every naira would be spent judiciously to maximize value for money.

The Chairman also expressed his optimism about the future of the local government, declaring that the budget would help reduce poverty, create jobs for the youth, and foster peace and security in the area. He highlighted that the budget aligns with international best practices in governance, focusing on achieving meaningful outcomes for the common man.

"I believe that with the determination of my administration, we will create a Nkanu West where our youth have employment opportunities, our women are empowered, and our children grow up in a peaceful and prosperous environment," Hon. Ogbodo stated.

The Nkanu West LG Chairman’s speech also underscored the strong alignment between his administration’s vision and that of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah. Ogbodo expressed his admiration for Governor Mbah’s "disruptive innovation" in state governance, noting that the progress being made at the state level is a model for his own efforts at the local government level.

"My vision for Nkanu West mirrors that of Governor Peter Mbah, whose leadership has been transformative for Enugu State. Just as Governor Mbah has driven change at the state level, I will ensure that Nkanu West experiences a similar wave of growth, development, and prosperity," Ogbodo said.

The Chairman emphasized that the 2025 budget would focus on projects that support the state government’s agenda, ensuring that the local government’s developmental initiatives align with the broader goals of Enugu State. "We will address the critical needs of our people by executing projects that reflect the priorities of the state government, ensuring that no part of our local government is left behind," he added.

Hon. Ogbodo also took a moment to praise Governor Peter Mbah for his relentless efforts in advancing development across Enugu State, particularly in Nkanu West. "Governor Mbah’s developmental strides have touched every corner of Nkanu West, and we are immensely grateful for his vision and leadership. His ongoing projects in our area have already begun to transform lives, and we are committed to ensuring that we build on this foundation," Ogbodo said.

In a show of strong support, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Onyekachi Emmanuel Nnamani, commended the Chairman for his visionary leadership. Hon. Nnamani spoke about several ongoing projects within the local government, including the near completion of a modern abattoir at Eke Agbani Market, the installation of solar-powered boreholes at Eke Market, and infrastructural upgrades such as the grading and laterite application of hinterland roads. He assured the Chairman that the Legislative Council would expedite the passage of the proposed budget, citing the Chairman’s consistent commitment to progress.

"The ongoing projects are clear evidence that the Chairman is on track to deliver on his promises. The Legislative Council fully supports this 2025 budget, and we are committed to ensuring that it is passed swiftly," said Hon. Nnamani.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including party stakeholders, heads of departments, government officials, and community leaders, all of whom expressed their unwavering support for Hon. Ogbodo's leadership and vision. There was a palpable sense of optimism as the community rallied behind the budget proposal, confident that it would serve as a powerful tool for transformation.

Hon. Ogbodo’s presentation marks a bold step in the continued development of Nkanu West. By drawing inspiration from Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership and pursuing a pragmatic, people-centered approach to governance, Ogbodo has set a high bar for local government administration in Enugu State. The "Budget of Hope" is not just a financial document; it is a roadmap for the betterment of Nkanu West, and with strong legislative support, it promises to deliver tangible results for the people.