The Enugu State government has announced a N1bn fund to construct smart green schools in all the 260 wards in the state.
In a statement, the governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, said the schools are part of efforts to restore the glory of the state.
Speaking during a strategic training programme for the 200 new recruits for Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia, said the government is completing the International Conference Centre, restoring the Hotel Presidential, which was the pride of Enugu, as well as the building Smart Green Schools, Type 2 Primary Health Care Centers, among others.
He added that the state has over 1000 projects going on simultaneously across the state and will require increased revenue to complete them.
He further urged the new staff to ensure the success of the revenue drive of the state government, stating their employment was a bold move to eliminate loopholes in tax payment and enhance revenue collection in order to boost massive infrastructural developments across the state.
On his part, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Nathaniel E. Urama clarified that the recruitment was aimed at leapfrogging revenue collection and blocking existing loopholes.
"We are here to support what the governor promised Ndi-Enugu and ensure that it comes to fulfilment. With this large recruitment, the ESIRS is positioned to revolutionise revenue collection in Enugu State, ensuring that funds are generated and utilised efficiently for the benefit of the people.
"The people of Enugu are already seeing things working to their expectations because things are really changing. The disruptive innovation is already ongoing; people are now even willing to pay their tax because they see that what they are paying is being used. From this number, we have recruited and the revenue to be collected, I am sure that given the dedication and zeal of the governor who is willing to use the state's money to help move residents out of poverty, Enugu will become destination of choice", he said.
Responding, the Chairman of ESIRS, Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani gave assurance that the agency would continue to meet up and surpass people's expectations.