Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has presented a N101.4 billion budget to the state House of Assembly for the 2016 fiscal year. Presenting the budget yesterday, Obiano said that it is centered on achieving efficiency, increased productivity, optimisation and job creation.

The governor noted that the budget represents a 38% decrease over the current fiscal year’s budget estimate.

According to him, “The decrease stresses the need for priotisation and doing more with less in the 2016 fiscal year. In the coming year, Capital expenditure is projected at N52.8bn while Recurrent Expenditure will be N48.6bn. These figures imply a Capital to Recurrent Expenditure ration of N52.48b as against N67.33b in the current year.

“This administration will in 2016 be totally focused and committed to the aggressive development of our Economic Pillars and Enablers. We shall continue to partner with the private sector to deliver on our economic objectives in the areas of Agriculture, Industry, Trade ana Commerce and Oil and Gas. While our economic enablers will require a great deal of public sector financing and support, we shall not relent in this area.”

Chief Obiano reeled out some key budgetary allocations to include Works and Infrastructure at N3.0bn; Education N3.0bn; Health N2.45bn; Public Utilities N1.8bn; and Agriculture/Rural Development N1.02bn.

The governor also named Works and Infrastructure, Education, Power Generation and Distribution, Youth Empowerment and Job creation, Science and Technology as other top priority sectors of his administration, adding that the totality of the budget captures the hopes and aspirations of every citizen of the state.

In his words, “It belongs to the farmer in Ayamelum, the trader in Onitsha main market, the young entrepreneur in Mgbakwu, the elderly and the less privileged. Yes, we after faced with challenging economic conditions but history suggests that times of adversity often give birth to boundless opportunities.

“My administration has a responsibility to transform these opportunities into real prosperity for all.”

Obiano further hailed the members of the state House of Assembly for their relentless contributions and cooperation so far in the discharging of the collective responsibility to build a dream state.

•Photo shows Governor Willie Obiano and Hon. Mrs. Rita Maduagwu, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, exchanging pleasantries during the governor’s presentation of the 2016 Budget . . . Thursday in Awka.