The member representing Aguata one constituency at the Anambra state house of assembly Honorable Emmanuel Anayo Okpalaeke says the 2024 draft estimate is realistic and achievable and that with the commencement of the budget defense and bilateral discussion, the 8th assembly will look into the estimate critically so as to pass the appropriation bill so that Governor Chukwuma Soludo will set the ball rolling.
Hon. Okpalaeke who is the chairman house committee on education in an exclusive interview with ANN maintained that the house of assembly owe Governor Soludo total collaboration, stating that It is project Anambra.
The lawmaker who is also a member of the Finance and Appropriation committee revealed that economic transformation agenda and infrastructural development, is the second piller of the five agenda in the manifestor of Governor Soludo.
According to Okpalaeke, with the mantra ‘one people, one Anambra’. We at the legislative arm will make sure that the manifestor is realizable.
“Mr. Governor increased three foundamental aspect which are education, health and infrastructural investment.
” Last year, Governor Chukwuma declared Anambra a construction site and has done more than four hundred roads and it is encouraging because he has stayed not more than 20 months in office.
” With what we are seeing in the 2024 budget, next year will be a changing gear just as title stated.
” In the health sector, there is on-going recruitment of five hundred Primary Healthcare workers which will be across the 326 political wards in Anambra.
” By next year, Anambra will be embarking on tela- medicine, meaning that medical care can be accessed anywere. Mr. Governor is targetting the poorest of the poor which is fundamental in the health sector.
” The Governor recruited five thousand teachers months after assumption of office, which is unprecedented. He is also recrutting three thousand teachers for public schools.
” The recruitment is intentional. He is out to bridge the gap between the poor and rich. The poorest of the poor are the target of Mr. Governor and he cannot embark on such project without funds.
” On the 21st of September, he declared free education from primary to JS3 and from SS1 – SS3 to pay maximum of five thousand naira.
“The projection of Mr. Governor for 2024 in terms of education is to encourage teachers and students through putting smiles on their faces.
” The quality of teachers and teaching is fundamental because for a country to grow, it must focus on education”. Okpalaeke declares
ANN recalled that Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Tuesday at plenary presented 2024 draft budget of 410 billion to the Anambra assembly tittled “Changing Gears; The Transformation Agenda Begins’.
