By Ovat Abeng
The Management of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Universit, Anambra State in collaboration with Nigerian Economic Society (NES) and other relevant stakeholders, on Thursday held a stakeholders meeting to brainstormed on how the State 2026 budget of N757.9 Billion will reflect the lives of the people.
The event held at the Nigerian Medical Association”s Secretariat complex Anaku-Awka also has in attendence, representatives from the Fidelity bank, NES, ICAN, academics, policymakers, professionals, students, Civil Society Organizations and the media.
Recall that the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo recently presented the 2026 proposed budget of N757.9 Billion before the State House of Assembly Theme: “Changing Gear 3.0, Solution continues.”
The budget framework, according to the governor, is designed to drive growth across all sectors in line with his five pillars solution agenda; “Law and order, security, infrastructure, economic transformation and human capital development.
Declaring the meeting open, the Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, highlighted the importance of the brainstorming session, saying it is vital to budget preparation and implementation, because it gives the populace the opportunity to make inputs on how the funds should be used for the growth and development of the State.
“This is part of our community service to humanity and the state at large. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University under my watch is not known only for teaching and researched, we are equally known for community service delivery.
“This programme being the first edition is to examine contemporary issues and suggest practical solutions for institutional and societal development.
The series is part of my vision to make the University a leader in thought and policy through the university’s “3Vs Agenda” of Values, Viability, and Visibility. Through this platform, COOU aims to strengthen our relevance in state, national and global conversations and demonstrate our capacity to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.
“The goal is to generate clear policy recommendations, promote critical thinking, and build stronger links with government, industry, and civil society.
This initiative reflects the commitment of COOU to transforming academic knowledge into actionable ideas. It will also enhance decision-making within the university, boost our reputation as a research-focused institution, and create new opportunities for staff and students to engage with leaders and experts
This series will ultimately serve as a catalyst for societal progress and establish COOU as a centre of thought leadership.
So, what we are doing here today is to brainstormed on how the proposed 2026 budget will be transparently implemented to all sections of the State, the VC stated.
Early in her remark, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, while commending the organisers, described the brainstorming meeting as vital, noting that it allowed residents to seek interventions in critical areas and have it provided for in the 2026 budget for execution.
In his paper presentation, at the event, Prof. Uzochukwu Amakom commended governor Soludo for remaining committed to responsible fiscal management, with no borrowing policy.
Amakom, who is a Professor of Development Economic at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), urged to keep supporting the governor to enable him actualized his vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland in Nigeria.
The event with the Theme: Sub-National Budgets and Public Policy Realities: Understanding the Fiscal Choices in Anambra State’s N757.9 Billion 2026 Budget Proposal, also featured panel discussion and expert talks.
