COVID-19: Ebonyi approves over N4 billion as second phase palliative

By Ewa Nworie

Ebonyi State Government has approved over N4 billion for the second phase of palliative in the state.

This was one of the major highlights of this week's virtual executive council meeting held at the governor's conference room, new government house, Abakaliki.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting,  the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugballa, who was flanked by Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr.Uchenna Orji, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umuezurike, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Cletus Ofoke, Commissioner for land,  Chief  Emma Uguru and Special Assistant to the Governor on Vocational College, Mrs Adaeze Nwaji, said, the Council took the decision to further cushion the effects of hardship associated by COVID-19 pandemic, stating that, the palliative was for December 2020.

 "The government is set to distribute another palliative for people,a replica of what we did during the peak of the struggle of COVID-19. This one is going to be second phase of it for December, 2020. Over 4 billion naira will be spent on this particular exercise," the SSG said.

Commissioner for land and survey, Chief Emma Uguru, while briefing the pressmen, said that the council approved 405 land allocations within Ochudo centenary city to leaders of the state, Exco-members, some elders, permanent secretaries, coordinators and board members.

He said the beneficiaries have between six months to one year, to develop the land or have the land revoked by government.

The Commissioner for health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, said, equally  that the council approved the constitution and inauguration of implementation committee on the disbursement of N1.1billion Naira support grant received from the Federal government. The committee to be headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe. 

Dr Umuezurike also told journalists that the council approved the appointment of Dr.Mrs Agwu Uzoma Mary Rose, as the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi health insurance scheme, following  the resignation of the former Executive secretary, Dr. Chinwoke Achi,to further his education.

Commissioner for Infrastructural Development for concession,  Engr. Fidelis Nweze, said, the Council approved tender for the procurement and installation of medical equipments for the Ebonyi College of medicine, Uburu  

The SA on Vocational education, and Chairman, King David School Hon. Adaeze, Nwaji, said, the council resolved that King David Academy will reopen on 1st November, 2020, instead of 5th October,to enable the committee put things together for the successful reopening. 

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr.  Cletus, Ofoke said, the  Executive order Number 5 of 2020 was assented into law by Governor David Umahi during the EXCO meeting. The order according to Barr.  Ofoke was to prevent indiscriminate erection of buildings or structures, to promote the beautification of the premises within King David  camp Estate, Ochudo City.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation,Barr. Uchenna Orji,said,council approved over N145 million,for King David Academy,while N50 milion was also approved  for the vocational college,for successful take off.