By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Government has approved a series of measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure, boosting agriculture, and improving the welfare of residents across the state.

This was coming on the heels of the outcome of Tuesday's state Executive council meeting which was disclosed on Wednesday in Abakaliki by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Ikeuwa Omebeh, during a press conference.

He noted that the decisions were “targeted at deepening good governance and accelerating development across critical sectors of the state economy.”

Among the key decisions is the termination of all uncompleted 2-kilometre rural road projects, following concerns that some contractors abandoned sites after receiving payments or delivered substandard work. The government also directed stricter verification of payment certificates to ensure accountability.

To support rural development, the state approved the release of N300 million as its counterpart funding for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) for the 2026 fiscal year. Omebeh described the project as “strategic to improving rural livelihoods and agricultural value chains.”

In the housing sector, the government proposed a bill to regulate landlord-tenant relations and cap house agents’ fees at two percent of total rent, a move aimed at reducing exploitation of residents.

It also proposed legislation to regulate the sale and handling of metal and electrical scraps to curb vandalism and promote environmental safety.

To boost agricultural productivity, the government approved N500 million for the procurement of 250 power tiller machines for farmers ahead of the 2026 planting season.

“This intervention will enhance mechanization, reduce drudgery, and encourage youth participation in agriculture,” Omebeh said.

On education, the government directed the arrest of contractors handling the 22 model secondary schools who have received funds but failed to reach the required stage of construction.

The state also reported progress in its foreign scholarship programme, with 202 beneficiaries completing their Master’s degrees and proceeding to doctoral studies abroad.

Other approvals include a partnership for waste-to-energy and solar projects in Ezzamgbo, construction of an ultra-modern clinic at the Government House, N1.3 billion for air-conditioning of the Ebonyi Trade Centre, and the reconstruction of the palace of the late statesman, Dr. Akanu Ibiam.

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