GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State Tuesday presented N140 billion Appropriation bill for the 2014

GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State Tuesday presented N140 billion Appropriation bill for the 2014 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for approval.
 In a related development,  Governor Obi has commenced the distribution of 25,000 laptops to secondary schools in the state valued at N1 billion.
He said the amount represents an increase of 21.8 per cent against that of last year’s budget of N110.95 billion, made up of N1000.295 billion  for the current expenditure.
 According to Governor Obi, an estimated N100.5 billion was expected from capital receipts, previously an increase of 41.35 per cent over the budgeted sum of N70.955 billion for  2013.
 He explained that government emphasis would be on poverty reduction measures with the economic sector having an allocation of 42.82 per cent of the total capital budget, while the social sector  received14.33 per cent, environmental sector 17.21 per cent and general administration 25.64per cent.
  The governor said  N40.20 billion,  representing  72.61per cent will  come from the state’s share of the Federation Account, while N15.920 billion,  representing 27.39 per cent and expected from internally generated revenue.
  Receiving the budget, the Speaker of the House, Chinwe Nwaebili assured that the lawmakers would give the Bill accelerated  hearing and passage to sustain the good work of the governor across the state.
   The Appropriation Bill passed the first reading and was referred to Committees on Finance and Appropriation.
  The governor also flagged off the  distribution of  1,400 colour printers and other Internet connectivity facilities to strengthen the setting up of Microsoft Information Technology Academy in schools.
  Obi who flagged off the exercise under the launch of Secondary Schools Connectivity and Education Programme at the Women Development Centre, Awka, said all the laptops are programmed with the National Curriculum in all subjects.
  He said 520 generators would also be distributed to schools to ensure steady power supply, while computer teachers would be employed for all colleges.