Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has vowed to bridge the infrastructural gap across the state, ensuring that all communities have access to economic and social opportunities. This pledge was made during the celebration of Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary and the 30th anniversary of Ebonyi State's creation in Abakaliki. The governor emphasized that infrastructure is a key component of his administration's development agenda.
According to Nwifuru, Ebonyi has made significant progress over the past three decades, transforming from its initial circumstances to becoming a proud component of the Nigerian federation. He attributed this progress to the resilience, courage, and determination of the people. The governor's development agenda is anchored on education, human capital development, infrastructure, and the creation of opportunities, with a focus on road connectivity to open up communities and boost economic activities.
Nwifuru disclosed that his administration has completed over 1,000 kilometers of roads across the 13 local government areas, in addition to constructing two-kilometer roads in each community. Ongoing urban renewal projects in Abakaliki, including the Vanco Flyover and tunnel, are also progressing satisfactorily. The governor stressed that a functional transport network is crucial for farmers to move produce to markets, traders to reach customers, children to access schools, and patients to reach hospitals.
The governor's infrastructure drive is part of a broader effort to ensure that development benefits reach communities across the state, rather than being concentrated in urban centers. In the education sector, Nwifuru said 39 model classroom blocks have been constructed across the 13 local government areas. The government has also strengthened the provision of teaching and learning materials and invested in teachers, emphasizing that "the greatest infrastructure of any society is the human mind."
Nwifuru's administration has introduced postgraduate scholarship programs for Ebonyi graduates, both locally and internationally. The governor also listed several completed projects at the ICT University, Oferekpe Agbaja, including a new Senate Building, eight three-storey hostel blocks, and the Professor Fidelis Ogah Senior Staff Quarters. Additionally, 12 luxury two-storey faculty buildings are currently under construction at the University of ICT and University of Aeronautic Engineering.
In the healthcare sector, Nwifuru said his administration has embarked on a comprehensive revitalization of primary and secondary healthcare facilities through the recruitment of health personnel, provision of modern medical equipment, and expansion of health insurance coverage. The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency recorded 394,387 encounter visits and 478,607 services utilized between 2023 and 2026, covering services such as antenatal care, malaria treatment, deliveries, and hypertension screening.
Nwifuru also highlighted other achievements, including the implementation of a N95,000 minimum wage, clearance of pension and gratuity arrears from 1996 to date, and sustained annual Christmas bonuses for workers. The governor thanked members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, and the judiciary, as well as founding figures associated with the creation and development of the state. The anniversary celebration featured the swearing-in of 1,710 Executive Assistants and the recognition of 10 Senior Special Assistants and three traditional rulers.
Key points
- Ebonyi Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has pledged to end infrastructural isolation across the state.
- The governor's administration has completed over 1,000 kilometers of roads across the 13 local government areas.
- Nwifuru's development agenda is anchored on education, human capital development, infrastructure, and the creation of opportunities.
