The Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo, has presented a 2025 budget proposal of ₦12.495 billion to the 10th Obio/Akpor Legislative Council. Dubbed the “Budget of Service,” the proposal prioritizes rapid development and enhanced service delivery to the people of Obio/Akpor.
Out of the total sum, ₦6.5 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, with allocations for personal costs, overhead, and social benefits. The remaining ₦5.87 billion is targeted at capital projects, reflecting the council’s commitment to infrastructure and community development.
Ambassador Ihunwo outlined key funding sources for the budget, including statutory allocations from FAAC, internally generated revenue (IGR), and other revenue streams. He urged the legislative council to expedite the passage of the budget to ensure prompt implementation of development plans.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ONGOING AND PLANNED PROJECTS
The chairman emphasized his administration’s achievements within the first 100 days, including:
Construction of a new chairman’s office and lodge.
Provision of official vehicles for council members.
Distribution of transformers to communities.
Grants for Master’s and PhD students, benefiting both indigenes and non-indigenes.
Looking ahead, the budget outlines initiatives such as:
Free JAMB forms and training for candidates.
Construction of roads, markets, and schools.
Empowerment programs through soft loans.
Additional transformers for underserved communities.
Ambassador Ihunwo called for a collaborative relationship with the legislative arm, stressing the need to prioritize the collective interests of Obio/Akpor residents. “A tree cannot make a forest. Let us set aside bias and sentiment to deliver the best for our people. History will judge us kindly,” he said.
LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT
In response, the leader of the 10th Obio/Akpor Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Nyeche Owhonogwu, commended the chairman’s proactive approach to governance. He pledged the lawmakers’ support and assured a swift review of the budget proposal.
Key council officials, including Vice Chairman Mrs. Sophia Amarachi Nkoro and Secretary Hon. Prince Aruchi C. Amechi, accompanied the chairman during the budget presentation. The appropriation bill has passed its first reading and been forwarded to the committee on finance and appropriation for further deliberation.
Stay tuned for updates on this landmark budget aimed at transforming Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.