The Ebonyi State Government has linked its recent investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and road development to increased financial capacity arising from ongoing federal economic reforms.
The state government stated that improved revenue allocation to subnational governments has created room for the execution of major projects that were previously difficult to undertake due to fiscal limitations.
The disclosure was made during an inspection tour of ongoing and completed projects by members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Media Team, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The team visited several projects across Ebonyi State, including the Abakaliki flyover and tunnel project, housing estates, roads, healthcare facilities, smart schools and the newly established universities.
At the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel project in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, described the development as a major transportation project designed to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and enhance the outlook of the state capital.
The project covers a 4.61-kilometre corridor, featuring a one-kilometre tunnel and an elevated flyover bridge at Vanco Junction. According to the commissioner, the ₦28.45 billion project is being financed by the state government and executed by local contractors.
Mbam revealed that the project has reached about 70 per cent completion and is expected to be delivered by January 2027.
The inspection tour also featured Ebonyi’s rural road expansion programme, including the 24-kilometre Okwor–Umuogudu Oshia–NigerCem Road, a concrete-paved route aimed at connecting farming communities to markets and supporting economic activities around the Nigeria Cement Company.
A commercial motorcyclist, John Somtochukwu, said the road has significantly improved transportation and business opportunities in the area.
The state government also showcased housing projects such as the 140-unit Izzo/Amaeze Housing Estate for victims of communal clashes and the 140-unit Senator Chris Nwankwo Housing Estate for deserving public and civil servants.
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, said the ₦6.23 billion Reward Estate project had been fully funded by the state government and would be allocated to beneficiaries.
In the health sector, Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, highlighted the impact of increased revenue on healthcare delivery in Ebonyi.
He said the state had recruited over 600 health workers, improved salary structures, equipped hospitals, established a drug procurement agency and expanded health insurance coverage to more than 30,000 pregnant women and vulnerable residents.
Ekuma added that about 200 primary healthcare centres had been revitalised, while 40 facilities were upgraded to Level 2 status alongside the provision of ambulances and emergency response systems.
The commissioner also acknowledged federal interventions through programmes such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and emergency medical support initiatives.
At the education sector showcase, officials presented the Papaji High School smart school project, one of several technology-driven learning facilities being developed across the state.
Commissioner for Education, Dr Elan Donatus, said Ebonyi has completed 42 smart schools across its three senatorial zones, with plans to increase the number to 51.
He explained that the education reforms include digital learning tools, scholarship expansion, increased funding for tertiary institutions and the upgrade of the Ebonyi State College of Education into a degree-awarding institution.
The state has also commenced the development of two specialised institutions — the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology and the Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering — aimed at promoting innovation and specialised manpower development.
In the hospitality sector, the government revealed that the 10-storey Ebonyi Trade Centre has been redesigned into a hotel facility to boost tourism and economic activities.
Commissioner for Infrastructure Development and Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara, said the facility would feature about 182 rooms, a penthouse, conference hall and other modern amenities.
Reacting to the projects, Bayo Onanuga praised the level of development witnessed in Ebonyi, stating that the state had recorded significant improvements compared to his previous visit.
He noted that increased resources available to states through federal reforms were helping governments execute projects in education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure without excessive borrowing.
Other presidential aides, including Sunday Dare and Tunde Rahman, also said the developments reflected the importance of empowering subnational governments to drive sustainable development.
The projects, according to officials, demonstrate Ebonyi State’s push towards improved infrastructure, economic growth and better public services through increased revenue mobilisation.
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