Abakaliki, Nigeria – In its effort to ensure optimal development of its rural communities, the Ebonyi State government has approved over N5 billion for social development projects in rural areas and empowerment of petty traders in the state.
The government also approved N450 million as consultancy services and the design of the Nnodo Ekumenyi Boulevard in the state.
These indications were given on Thursday by the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, in Abakaliki, the state capital.
According to Okpor, these were some of the main decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.
He noted that the council also approved the revamping of the moribund rice-mills in the three senatorial zones of the state for which it directed the release of N10 million each.
Okpor said: “In a related development, the council approved N70 million for the consultancy services and redesign of a Trade Centre in the state.
“Sequel to a joint memo by the state Commissioners for Human Capital Development, Commerce and Industry, and Agriculture and Natural Resources, the council approved the following:
*N2.62 billion for the Ebonyi State Community and Social Development Agency (EBCSDA) to embark on social development projects in 100 communities that are yet to benefit from the Agency’s intervention across the state. The Agency was also mandated to pay the Labour-Intensive workers across the 13 local government areas (LGAs).
*N500 million was approved for the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EBSMEDA) for the Empowerment of 10,000 indigents of the state.
*N2.12 billion approved for Empowerment of farmers through FADAMA and other projects, to boost agricultural production in the state, especially in this farming season.”
