Nwifuru: 30 years of Ebonyi statehood calls for responsibility, not celebration alone

Politics

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has said the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state calls for responsibility not only to remember its journey, but also to build the future to be bequeathed to the next generation.

Nwifuru stated this in a message marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and Ebonyi State’s 30 years of statehood, saying the milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate progress and renew commitment to a greater future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of Nigeria’s independence and 30 years of Ebonyi State, let us renew our faith in our nation, our State and in the possibilities that lie ahead,” he said.

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The governor said the creation of Ebonyi 30 years ago was the product of the aspirations, sacrifices and determination of its founding fathers and mothers.

“Thirty years ago, Ebonyi was created from the aspirations, sacrifices and determination of our founding fathers and mothers. From our beginnings, we have demonstrated resilience, courage and an unwavering determination to build a State where our people can thrive.

“As we celebrate 30 years of statehood, our responsibility is not only to remember where we came from, but to build the future we want to bequeath to the next generation. This conviction has continued to guide our administration.

“In the last three years, we have made significant investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, security and industrialisation.”

On education, Nwifuru said his administration had constructed more than 45 model 22-classroom blocks across the 13 Local Government Areas, alongside over 50 12-classroom blocks and other educational interventions.

He said the government had also expanded scholarship opportunities for young people within and outside Nigeria, strengthened Ebonyi State University and advanced the development of new institutions, including the University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, and the University of Aeronautic Engineering.

“Across the State, we have continued the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of roads and other critical infrastructure, while advancing the VANCO Flyover and Tunnel and strengthening the capacity of our Ministry of Works,” the governor said.

On healthcare, Nwifuru said the administration had invested in infrastructure, medical equipment, personnel, health insurance and emergency response, while expanding access to healthcare for vulnerable citizens, pregnant women, children and other groups.

He also said the state had sustained the payment of the ₦90,000 minimum wage, cleared pension and gratuity arrears inherited from the creation of the state and improved workers’ welfare.

“Our industrialisation drive is equally gathering momentum. Work has commenced on the Abakaliki Cement Company, an important step in our determination to create jobs, expand economic opportunities and build a stronger productive base for Ebonyi,” he said.

Nwifuru acknowledged that the state’s development journey was ongoing, saying the task was to continue building a state where education creates opportunities, infrastructure drives prosperity, healthcare protects lives, industries create jobs and institutions uphold justice.

“The task before us is to continue building a State where education creates opportunity, infrastructure drives prosperity, healthcare protects lives, industries create jobs, institutions uphold justice, and every Ebonyian has a stake in our collective future,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation to members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, members of the State Executive Council, traditional and religious leaders, elders, women, youths and the people of Ebonyi State for their continued support.

He particularly acknowledged distinguished Ebonyians who had served the state and country, including former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON.

Nwifuru also commended former governors of the state — Rtd. Navy Capt. Walter Feghabor, CP Simeon Oduoye, Sen. Sam Egwu, Chief Martin Elechi and Sen. David Nweze Umahi — for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi.

He appreciated his Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, for her “diligence and astuteness”, and his wife, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for her commitment to the welfare of women, children and vulnerable members of society.

Nwifuru equally expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his administration’s support for Ebonyi State and continued partnership in building a stronger Nigeria.