By Victor Nwegede
Ebonyi State government has approved a total sum of 285 billion Naira to disburse to the 95 batch 'A' beneficiaries of Francis Nwifuru Empowerment Programme, FONEP on agricultural practices.
Each of the FONEP beneficiaries who was engaged in a two month intensive training on agricultural processing and packaging would receive 3 million Naira as a starter pack to become self-relevant.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr Jude Okpor made this known yesterday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting at old Government House Abakaliki.
Okpor said the beneficiaries of the scholarship have successful completed their training organized by Masters Skill Development Farms in Enugu State.
The Commissioner explained that the trainees were selected from the 13 LGAs of the state, saying the executive Council members have resolved to monitor the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to ensure the funds are judiciously utilized.
He further disclosed that the council has also approved the release of funds for the commencement of the training for the batch B of the programme.
Okpor equally stated that the council has approved the purchase of twenty (20) buses following the application made by the Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Collins Igboke for the procurement of more buses for easy transportation of Ebonyi people within and outside the state.
This in his words, was also government's premeditated step towards boosting the services of the state transport company, EBOTRANS"
"Pursuant to EXCO's earlier approval for the reactivation of the Nkaliki Hatchery and in response to the progress report by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources on the purchase and installation of poultry cages, the Council further approved the raising of 15,000 chickens for the production of table eggs and raising of 20,400 broilers from day-old chicks.
"This is aimed at bringing to fruition the investment of the state in the hatchery and as part of the government’s effort to revitalize the industry.
"On the memo presented by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance on the need to broaden the revenue base of the state, EXCO approved the engagement of a consultant to collect Telecom Tax in the State at five per cent (5%) commission of revenue generated.
"Following a presentation by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in conjunction with Fair-Play Sports to the Council on the proposed Half International Marathon, 21.9 kilometres competition, EXCO after looking at the sports/health and economic benefits of the event to the state especially, as it concerns the convergence of the people from various parts of the country, approved the hosting of the event with the EXPO (business round table) of the event coming up on Friday, September 13, 2024, while Saturday, September 14, 2024, will be the event proper," he added.
