Awka, November 19, 2024
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, presented the 2025 budget proposal, "Changing Gears 2.0," to the Anambra State House of Assembly on Monday, emphasizing transformative projects designed to fast-track the state's development. The N606.99 billion budget, which reflects a 48% increase from the previous year, highlights strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment to drive economic transformation and enhance livability.
Governor Soludo revealed that 77% of the budget (N467.5 billion) is earmarked for capital projects, while 23% (N139.5 billion) is allocated for recurrent expenditure. This distribution underscores the administration's priority to implement high-impact projects that catalyze long-term growth.
The governor stated that the 2025 budget builds on the gains of previous years, with strategic allocations to education (101.4% increase), healthcare (57.1% increase), and infrastructure (38.9% increase).
"Our vision remains clear: to create a livable, prosperous, and smart mega-city. The 2025 budget is a blueprint for accelerated progress and sustained economic growth," Soludo said.
Key Infrastructure Projects
Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to expanding and modernizing Anambra's infrastructure:
Over 540 kilometers of roads under construction, with 310 kilometers already asphalted.
Completion of the Ekwulobia flyover and dualization of major state highways.
A new Government House and Legislative Complex to enhance governance efficiency.
Upgrades to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, including night-landing capabilities to boost economic activity.
The governor described infrastructure development as the backbone of Anambra's transformation agenda, noting that ongoing projects would improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and support industrial growth.
Transforming Education and Healthcare
In the education sector, the administration plans to:
Convert 22 schools into smart institutions.
Expand STEM education with fully equipped science laboratories.
Sustain free education for Senior Secondary 3 students and ongoing teacher recruitment.
In healthcare, the budget aims to modernize 326 primary healthcare centers, establish a new nursing school, and complete a state-of-the-art trauma center at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital.
"These investments in education and health are not just about infrastructure but about building human capital and creating a foundation for sustainable development," Governor Soludo noted.
Youth Empowerment and Economic Diversification
Governor Soludo highlighted the One Youth, Two Skills program and the Solution Innovation District as key platforms to train Anambra youths in technology and entrepreneurship. He promised a 200% increase in funding for youth-centered programs in 2025 to enhance job creation and innovation.
Additionally, the state will scale up the Palm and Coconut Revolution, targeting the distribution of 10 million seedlings over six years to boost agriculture.
Governor's Call to Action
Governor Soludo urged lawmakers and stakeholders to support the 2025 budget as a catalyst for Anambra's transformation. "Changing Gears 2.0 is not just a document. It is a vision of hope, a commitment to progress, and a call to action. Together, we will build the Anambra of our dreams," he declared.
The budget proposal is now under review by the State House of Assembly, with expectations for swift deliberation and passage to enable the administration to commence implementation in January 2025.
0 comments: