By Abraham Ovuoba
The Ebonyi State Government has approved the construction of a five-star hotel on government-owned property in Asokoro, Abuja, as part of efforts to boost revenue and maximise the value of state assets.
The decision was taken at the State’s weekly Executive council’s meeting presided over by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, said the council also approved the repeal of the Ebonyi State Newspapers and Publishing Corporation Edict, 1999, and its replacement with a law establishing a modern government-owned printing press.
The council also approved the engagement of consultants to recover funds allegedly owed the state by the Federal Government, including monies spent on the construction and equipping of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu.
IRS Consults was approved for the assignment at a 26 per cent commission, while Gallieni Investment will facilitate the recovery of pension reimbursements through PTAD at five per cent commission.
Council further extended the engagement of SMD Consulting to recover under-remitted Withholding Tax on interest due to the state between 2011 and 2025.
On human capital development, the council directed that the Industrial Cluster at Ezzamgbo be completed and commissioned soon, and approved a 20-capacity workshop to expand skills training.
It also approved a programme to return, rehabilitate, train and empower Ebonyi indigenes engaged in street hawking across the country.
The beneficiaries will receive accommodation, welfare support, vocational training and empowerment to establish sustainable livelihoods.
Council equally directed contractors handling government projects to complete them within approved timelines, warning that failure to comply would attract sanctions in line with the law.
