..Hails Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for Unflinching Support, Commits to Aligning Nkanu West Development with State’s Disruptive Innovation Agenda
The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. Chukwuma Ogbodo, has formally presented a proposed ₦8.2 billion 2026 Budget Estimate to the Legislative Arm of the Council, outlining an ambitious roadmap aimed at consolidating development gains and deepening grassroots transformation across the local government.
Presenting the budget, tagged “Budget of Sustainability,” Hon. Ogbodo explained that the 2026 fiscal plan is strategically designed to vigorously pursue projects aligned with the disruptive innovation agenda of the Enugu State Government, while responding directly to the critical needs of the people of Nkanu West.
According to the Chairman, the focus of the 2026 budget will be on prudent financial management, continuity, and impact-driven governance. “The preoccupation of the 2026 Budget would therefore be to vigorously pursue projects that are in line with the disruptive innovation of the State Government. We shall judiciously utilize funds in addressing the critical developmental needs of the Local Government Area.
This shall be our policy position in 2026,” he stated.
Hon. Ogbodo noted that the proposal marks the second budget presentation since his assumption of office, stressing that it accommodates legacy projects while prioritising the completion of ongoing projects considered vital to the wellbeing of Ndi Nkanu West. He assured the Legislature and the people that accountability and transparency would remain the guiding principles in the execution of the budget.
Highlighting achievements already recorded by his administration, the Chairman disclosed that the council headquarters has undergone a major facelift, including the renovation and repainting of the administrative block and perimeter fence. He further revealed that construction has commenced on a double bungalow administrative office and residential quarters for the Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) in Agbani, underscoring his administration’s commitment to social protection and justice.
In the area of environmental sanitation, Hon. Ogbodo said his administration has procured and distributed large waste bins to strategic locations, ensuring prompt evacuation of refuse, improved cleanliness, and regular sweeping of major roads across the council Area.
The Chairman also listed major infrastructural interventions, including the construction of five toilets and restrooms with five shops and a solar-powered borehole at Ozalla Four Corners Motor Park, as well as the construction of a modern abattoir at Eke Agbani Market, complete with a borehole and solar-powered overhead tank.
On water supply, Hon. Ogbodo said his administration has drilled boreholes in several communities, including Onu Orie Obuno, Onu Eke Onowo, Igwenchi, Onu Eke Ani-Ugbo, Central School Ndiagu Akpugo, Onu Uvu Achara, Ani Ichi, Onu Ogba, Agu Udene, General Hospital Agbani, and twelve Green Smart Schools, significantly improving access to clean and potable water.
He further disclosed that the council has made notable progress in road infrastructure, culverts, and bridges, particularly through the ongoing construction and asphalting of Smart School link roads across the fourteen wards of the Local Government Area, describing the projects as critical to mobility, safety, and economic growth.
In the health sector, the Chairman explained that 2025 witnessed renewed emphasis on healthcare delivery, with the prompt release of counterpart funds for the construction of Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all fourteen wards. He added that health programmes and services across the council were strengthened and sustained.
Agriculture also received a significant boost, with the development of 200 hectares of land for Smart Farms at Amurri, Akpugo Ward 1, and Akpugo Ward 2, which he said are nearing completion. Fertilizers and other agro-inputs were equally distributed to farmers to enhance productivity and food security.
Hon. Ogbodo stated that the ₦8.2 billion budget makes adequate provision for economic services, social services, education, environment, and general administration, with a strong emphasis on the delivery of basic amenities such as healthcare, roads, education, power, agriculture, and other critical infrastructure.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering support to Nkanu West LGA, particularly for ensuring that local government allocations are released without interference. According to him, this commitment has been instrumental to the successes recorded by his administration.
The Chairman also commended the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Onyekachi Nnamani, and members of the council legislature for their cooperation and urged them to sustain their partnership in the overall interest of Ndi Nkanu West.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Onyekachi Nnamani praised the Chairman for his visible developmental strides, especially his emphasis on cleanliness and environmental orderliness. He described the relationship between the Executive and Legislative Arms as cordial and productive, noting that such synergy has accelerated development in the council area.
The Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Felix Chibuike Anih, Councillor representing Akpugo Ward 1, moved the motion for the acceptance of the budget proposal, which was seconded by Hon. John Okorie, Councillor representing Agbani Ward.
In a vote of thanks, the Councillor representing Ozalla Ward, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Ani, expressed satisfaction with the harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, commending the Chairman for promoting fairness, inclusiveness, and collective ownership of governance.
Dignitaries present at the budget presentation included the Deputy Chairman, Engr. Samuel Friday Nnam; Secretary to the Local Government, Barr. Onochie Igwesi; Chief of Staff, Barr. Chidi Anih; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Moses Ani; Special Adviser on Security, Hon. Chief Ozoemena Agbo; Head of Department, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Edeani Ifeanyi, alongside other principal officers and functionaries of the Nkanu West Local Government Area.
