The Ebonyi State government has approved the construction of 65 housing units of three-bedroom bungalows for widows across the state and awarded scholarships to 140 students for admission into the newly established Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.
He said the decision followed the successful completion of the first phase of the Widows Housing Scheme initiated by the wife of the governor.
Omebe explained that the project aligns with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs, which prioritises the welfare of vulnerable groups in society.
“Each of the thirteen local government areas will have five widow beneficiaries,” he said. “The project, which will be executed under the Community Charter of Needs (CCD), is designed to put smiles on the faces of our less privileged widows and restore their dignity.”
On the scholarship award, Omebe said 140 students would benefit from the state’s support to study at the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, adding that the beneficiaries were selected to ensure equitable representation across all 13 local government areas and the host community.
“The scholarship will not only relieve parents of financial burdens but also prepare our young people to take advantage of global digital opportunities,” he said.
The commissioner added that the State Executive Council reviewed compliance from each benefiting local government area and directed the Ministry of Tertiary Education to expedite action to ensure all targeted councils are included within the specified period.
He also revealed that the Council deliberated on other education-related projects, including the remodelling of the State Library Complex. The architectural design was presented, and a bill of engineering measurement was requested for approval at the next meeting.
Omebe further explained that the new ICT university was conceived to equip students with cutting-edge skills in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging fields vital to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
In a related development, he said the Council discussed the Izzo/Amaeze Housing Project and set up a seven-member committee to ensure its completion within two weeks.
“Beyond housing, the Executive Council considered reports and made key resolutions across several sectors of governance,” he added.
“In the power sector, the Council reviewed progress on the supply and installation of a 1.5MW Independent Power Plant and resolved to invite the contractor for further clarification at the next meeting.
“Under culture and tourism, EXCO received a progress report on the Ultramodern Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre and resolved to engage qualified expatriates to guarantee world-class delivery within the approved timeframe,” Omebe said.
