Gov. Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle) with Chairman, state’s Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike (3rd
right), UNICEF Representative, Mrs. Zuby Okolo (right), Chairman, state Internal Revenue Service, Prince Emeka Odo (3rd left); Amb.
Fidelia Njeze (2nd right); Prof. Osita Ogbu (4th left); Chief Chilo Offia (left); Amb. Fidel Ayogu (2nd left), and others, at a retreat for key policy players of the state on new development plan for robust economic growth, held in Enugu, Thursday.
The Governor of Enugu State Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has disclosed his administration’s plan to adopt new strategies towards stepping up actions that would meet the developmental needs of the people of the state.
He said his administration has in the last three years raised the bar in both infrastructural and social development.
According to him, the efforts have left indelible marks on the citizens of the state and entrenched peace, political stability and good governance.
The governor made the remarks at a one-day retreat for all key policy makers of the state organized by UNICEF in partnership with the state government.
The governor said that the developments were actualized through boosting of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base.
Ugwuanyi explained the programme was designed to review the policy thrusts of sectors in the state with a view to guiding the development of an Economic Blueprint and Growth Plan for the second tenure of his administration.
Representative of UNICEF, Mrs Zuby Okolo, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his administration’s commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of the state.
She said the initiative will address strong development issues in the state.
The new development plans will in addition to what have been achieved, focus on poverty reduction/wealth creation; healthy and productive citizens; highly educated and skilled workforce; youth empowerment and employment.
Others include urban/city renewal/upgrade; peace and security; citizens with the right attitudes, aptitudes and values; responsive, inclusive and accountable governance and economic /fiscal expansion.
To achieve these goals, the governor disclosed that his
administration intends to adopt the strategies of “improving
urban/rural infrastructure; upgrading more rural communities to urban status; increasing agricultural productivity; making Enugu State an investment destination; promoting early childhood education; promoting science, technical and vocational education.”
The strategies also include, “promoting effective waste
management/renewable energy; developing a robust health system; promoting housing development and urban planning; improving institutions and systems for good governance; increasing investment through PPP for expanding the IGR base of the state, and promoting technology based courses in our Tertiary schools” among others.
Other speakers at the event include Chairman of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee, Professor Monsignor Obiora Ike and a member of the Committee, Chief Loretta Aniagolu.