By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the immediate commencement of a sweeping housing scheme that will see the construction of 65 three-bedroom houses for 65 selected widows across the state.
The landmark humanitarian decision was ratified during the Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, presided over by the Governor.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, confirmed the approval. Omebeh noted that the project is designed to reach the grassroots level uniformly, ensuring no area is left out.
He stated that five widow beneficiaries will be selected from each of the state’s 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and the project will be executed under the Community Charter of Needs (CCD), ensuring the most vulnerable are identified and prioritized.
“Following the completion of the first phase of the Widows Housing Scheme by the wife of the Governor, and in line with His Excellency’s vision… EXCO approved the commencement of all processes for awarding the construction of sixty five (65) housing units of 3 Bedroom Bungalows for 65 Widows in the state,” the Commissioner stated. The intent, he added, is explicitly to “put smiles on the faces of the less privileged class of Widows in our societies.”
Beyond the significant housing approval, the council also issued several other directives to fast-track development projects and enforce administrative accountability:
A seven-man committee was immediately constituted to oversee and ensure the Izzo/Amaeze Housing Project is completed within the next two weeks.
The state government resolved to engage qualified expatriates to ensure quality job delivery on the comprehensive architectural drawing for the ultramodern Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre.
The installation of wireless internet service in selected locations was reviewed, and it was directed that the service be test-run immediately to ensure quality performance before the final hand-over.
The Ministry of Tertiary Education was directed to expedite actions to ensure the equitable award of scholarships to 140 students into the Ebonyi State University of ICT, ensuring that all benefitting local government areas are accommodated.
On the financial operations of Ebonyi State Transport Corporation (EBOTRANS), the Deputy Governor and the Principal Secretary were directed to invite the current and former General Managers, Mrs. Nnenna Igwe and Dr. Simon Idenyi, respectively, for thorough explanations regarding the corporation.