Business
Chime Presents N93.29bn Budget To Assembly
The Enugu State Governor, Barrister Sullivan I. Chime, last Tuesday presented to members of the State House of Assembly the 2014 Draft Budget of N93,287,000,000 for their consideration and approval.
Governor Chime explained that the amount was presented in order to consolidate on the gains of his administration in the past six and half years, so as to maintain effective service delivery to the people and lay a solid foundation for the next administration.
According to him, this is higher than the 2013 budget size of N83,773,203,408 by N9,513,796,592 representing 11% increase.
The budget, he further said, is made up of N39, 342,549,163 as Recurrent Expenditure, which is 42% of the budget, while N53, 944,450,837 is for Capital Expenditure, representing 58% of the entire envelope.
He maintained that government also expected a Recurrent Revenue of N57, 490,114,000, adding that government also intends to realize this amount through internally-generated revenue which is estimated at N9,190,114,000) representing 16% and the state share of Federal Revenue put at N48,300,000,000, which is 84%.
“ I want to emphasize that our priority will be to complete on-going urban and rural roads, some of which we are doing in partnership with the affected local government councils on a 70:30 ratio.
“Today, our destination is in sight and as we take a long view at our 2015 transition, I am proud to say that we have done our best to uphold the terms of the social contract with our people”, he said.
On security, Governor Chime said: “To ensure safe neighbourhoods and security for lives and property across the state, this administration has always endorsed giving the law-enforcement agents the tools to combat crimes. Only recently, Government donated another set of one hundred security vehicles fitted with communication gadgets to the Nigerian Police for intra-city surveillance and inter-city monitoring”.
Other priority urban roads to be executed include the dualization of Nike Lake road and the rehabilitation of Abakpa-Nike Road and Ugwuaji-Awkananaw by Kenyatta.
The on-going construction of the new ultra-modern State Secretariat complex, he said the project has reached an advanced stage, pointing out that work has also started on the new Governor’s office (Lion Building) and “is progressing steadily”. Government aims to complete and equip these buildings in the coming year.
His words: “To accomplish these lofty goals, the sum of N15.623 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in the 2014 budget”.
Governor Chime said that the Ministry of Agriculture was allocated the sum of N2.401 billion with a lot of emphasis on the sustenance of the San Carlos Pineapple programme and the completion of work at Heneke and Adani farms as well as the development of the 17 green cities in the 17 local government councils.
“As we reform the education sector, rebuild infrastructure to create the right teaching and learning environment, ensure stricter supervision and sustain the free education policy, we will keep alive the dream to offer functional and qualitative education to our wards at different educational tiers.
The education sub-sector has a total allocation of N5.78 billion in the 2014 budget. This covers allocations to the Ministry of Education, State Universal Education Board, the Post-Primary School Management Board, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), College of Education (Technical), State Scholarship Board and the Science & Vocational Schools Management Board”.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
