N800m approved for pilgrimage, graduate empowerment in Ebonyi State

Judith Echefu, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State government has approved the release of over N800 million for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and graduate trainees.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Jude Okpor, announced this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting recently.

According to him, “On human capital development, the council approved the release of ₦300,000,000  to empower 100 additional graduates of the Master Skill and Development Service, Agbani, Enugu. Each graduate will receive ₦3 million to support their agricultural ventures, building on the success of the first batch of 100 trained Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Empowerment Program (FONEP) graduates.

“In a demonstration of the state’s commitment to religious tolerance, the EXCO approved Five Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand Naira, Eighty-four Kobo only to sponsor 46 prospective pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj activities. This works out to approximately ₦8,784,085.59 only per beneficiary. Furthermore, the EXCO resolved to request council chairmen to consider sponsoring one person from each council area for the 2025 Hajj, promoting broader participation among indigenes.

“The Ebonyi State Executive Council has approved the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory complex at Community Secondary School, Nwofe, Agbaja Izzi. This project, championed by the present administration, aims to provide a solid foundation for science education, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking among students.”

He added, “In another development, the Ebonyi State Government has accepted the Federal High Court’s ruling on the Cybercrime Prohibition Law 012,2021, declaring it unconstitutional, null and void. Consequently, the state will revert to the provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2015, prosecuting cybercrime offenders under federal laws.

“To enhance the state’s infrastructure, the Executive Council has approved the construction of a 3-span reinforced concrete bridge at Umaku, Afikpo Local Government Area. This project will improve intercommunity access, facilitating economic growth and social development in the region.

“The Ebonyi State Executive Council has approved several key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the state’s road networks and promoting development. Some of the notable projects include the construction of the 5km Okofia-Nsokkara-Amagu Road in Ezza South Local Government Area, the construction of the Oferekpe Agbaja Internal Road Lot 1 in Izzi LGA, construction of the 4,123.11m Internal Roads within the Izzo Housing Project in Ishielu LGA; among others.”