SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. BLDR. FRANCIS OGBONNA NWIFURU, GOVERNOR, EBONYI STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF 63RD INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF NIGERIA AND 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF EBONYI STATE.
PROTOCOL
1. I am highly delighted and honoured to address you today, my finest people of Ebonyi State, on this epoch-making occasion of the celebration of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary and 27th Anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State.
2. Today’s event is historic and symbolic because, it is the first Independence Day celebration, since our administration came on board, following your overwhelming support for our mantra – The People’s Charter of Needs. It also affords us the opportunity to take stock of our modest progress so far, in meeting your Needs, which informed your choice during the polls.
3. Let me use this occasion to call to mind, the enormous sacrifices of our Nation's foremost Nationalists and Ebonyi Founding Fathers in their struggle for the creation of the State. The likes of Late Ezeogo Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Chief
Martin Nwanchor Elechi, Distingushied Sen. Chris Chukwuma Nwankwo, Sen. Dr. Offia Nwali, Ezeogo Dr.
Agom Eze and others.
STEPS TAKEN SO FAR
4. It has been 153 days since we assumed office. Within this period, we assembled a blend of bureaucrats and professionals in various fields of human endeavour, to assist us in meeting your needs. Together as a team, we swung into action by taking several practical steps to fulfil our promises to you, in line with our manifesto – The Peoples Charter of Needs. We are striving to exceed our expectations in serving you, because we believe in the words of the great American Author, O.G Mandino, to “always render more and better service than is expected of us, no matter what the task may be.” And so, in;
Education
We remain committed to our resolve of revamping our education system, by creative conducive environment for quality teaching and learning at all levels. Our target is to achieve entrepreneurship, skill acquisition and education for economic self-reliance. To achieve these, we have been able to;
a. Increase subvention to Ebonyi State University from 150 million to 200 million naira and paid two months arrears of the said sum. Also, we released the outstanding 300 million naira owed to Ebonyi State University, by the previous administration.
b. Understudying the excellent education system of the United Kingdom and Federal Republic of Rwanda, for replication in Ebonyi State.
c. Approval and release of funds for the site clearing of the University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja.
d. Approval for the upgrading of the Ebonyi State College of Education Ikwo to University of Education.
Health
In line with our resolve to deliver quality healthcare services to you, our people, our administration has;
a. Recruited 195 Health Personnel to man the 13 General Hospitals in the State.
b. Approved the establishment of a Mega Drug Production Centre and a Mega Drug distribution Centre.
c. Approved the establishment of an Ultra Modern State Diagnostic Centre.
d. Established a Public Health Eye Committee to check visual challenges for Ebonyians.
e. Approved and released funds for the restructuring and equipping of our General Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres.
f. Established the State Anti-Quackery team to eliminate medical quackery in the State.
g. Renovated the State Cold Room for safekeeping and storage of drugs, vaccines and other medical consumables.
h. Paid over 100 million naira counterpart fund for Routine Immunization.
i. Understudied excellent Health Systems outside the country, for replication in the State.
j. Approved the procurement of facilities needed for accreditation to the State’s college of Nursing, Uburu.
k. Partnered with The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) to digitally profile, treat and monitor HIV patients in the State.
Civil Service
In our avowed determination ensure efficiency and effectiveness of our Civil Service system, our administration has carried out the following reforms in the sector;
a. Monthly payment of ten thousand naira bonus to State and Local Government workers in the State, to cushion the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
b. Approval for payment of gratuities in the State from 1996 to 2021, amounting to N3.8bn.
c. Payment of 5 months arears of salaries to workers of the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke.
d. Ongoing recruitment of 1, 454 personnel into the State Civil Service.
Works and Infrastructure
In our desire to maintain the existing infrastructures in the State cost-effectively, and expand same to our rural areas, our Government has embarked on the construction of;
a. 41km Obubara junction - Offerekpe, Ikwo road
b. 19km Obvudechi - Iziogo road
c. 33km Oferekpe - Agbaja Internal road
d. 12.802km Ishieke Odomoke Ekebeligwe - Isophu –
Nwori road
e. 21.4km Ezzaegu-Ezilo Road
f. 1.3km Ebonyi Agro Dealers Market Road, Onuebonyi
g. 2km Ogboenyi Road off Ndibe Beach, Afikpo
h. 1.8km Itara - Dr. Akanu Ibiam - Oyoyo - Erei road,
Unwana
i. 11.3km Agbaja Ndiebor access road, Abakaliki LGA
j. 23km Ogbaga-Nwofe Road
k. 4.5km Mile 50 New Layout road
l. 0.6km Legacy FM road, Onuebonyi
m. 3.16km Presbyterian Church Road, Iyioji Akaeze, Ivo road
n. 2.6km Amankwo-Amaelu road, Afikpo LGA
o. 2km roads in each of the 140 Communities in the State (280km).
p. Asphalting of the runway of the Wilberfoce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke.
q. Rehabilitation of Alo Street to Unity Square road with some spot maintenance along Nwele Street.
Agriculture
In other to ensure development of Agriculture through practical farming, our administration has taken the following steps to revamp the Agricultural sector:
a. Commencement of fertilizer production at the State Fertilizer and Chemical Company, Onuebonyi.
b. Procurement and distribution of 13, 000 bags of fertilizer to Rural farmers across the State.
c. Payment of 100 million naira counterpart fund to IFAD Value Chain for participation in the Agricultural programme.
d. Provision of farm inputs like herbicide, rice, cassava stem, fertilizers, etc to practicing farmers across the State.
e. Approval and the release of 100 million naira for Rice and cassava production in Ebonyi State.
Human Capital Management/Welfare of Ebonyians
In other to promote vocational and technical education for skill enhancement, self sufficiency and sustainability, our administration has:
a. Approved the training and mentorship of 1,500 Ebonyians doing menial jobs in various cities with N2m each, amounting to N3bn.
b. Approved and released the sum of 50 million naira to boost the capacity of small businesses in the State.
c. Paid the sum of fifteen million naira medical Bill for kidney patient, Miss Chidera Aja from Ivo Local Government Area.
d. Encouraged the growth and development our youthful talents and creative industry, for instance, our recognition and gift to MC Walter for setting a world record of 130 hours of non-stop entertainment.
Commerce and Industry
In other to industrialize the State, diversify our revenue base, and provide job opportunities, our administration has;
a. Approved the revitalization of the Ebonyi State Building material Company, Ezzamgbo.
b. Revived Ebonyi State Pipe production company, Ezzamgbo.
Water Supply
Conscious of the need to increase provision and access to quality water supply in our rural and urban areas, our
Government has;
a. Revitalized Ezillo Water Treatment Plant
b. Restored water supply within Abakaliki metropolis
c. Continued to effect the repair of broken water pipes in Abakaliki and environs.
Environment
In our collective bid to sustain and improve on the neatness of our city and encourage the implementation of waste-towealth initiative, our Divine Mandate administration has:
a. Approved the revitalization of the Ebonyi State Pulverization Plant, Umuoghara through procurement brand-new recycling machines.
b. Ensured routine evacuation of refuse in and around the State.
Internal Security and Border Peace
Conscious that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity, our administration, in addition to appointing Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants on Internal Security in all the Local
Government Areas, has;
a. Moved to retore peace between Effium and Ezza Effium, Ishinkwo and Abaomege, Amana and Ohankwu Communities earlier ravaged by communal crises.
b. Restored peace in Okworeka, Ebonyi Local Government Area, Enyim Agalegu, Edupfu Opeke, Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Erimogudu Kingdom in Ikwo Local
Government Area, Amana in Ezza South Local
Government Area, Ojiegbe and Agaotu in Ishielu Local Government Area, Otikantiebo and Umuodida in Onicha Local Government Area, Amasiri and Akpoha in Afikpo North Local Government Area, as well as signing of peace agreements between Amaeze and
Izzo Communities in Ishielu and Effium and EzzaEffium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters
To ensure peace at the grassroots as well as even development in our Local Government Areas, our administration has put in place the following parameters in the third tier of Government:
a. Financial Autonomy to Local Government Areas
b. Approval for the construction of 2kms of roads in all the 140 autonomous Communities in the State.
c. Approval for construction of duplexes for all Traditional Rulers so to restore the dignity of our traditional stools.
d. Presentation of staff of Office to four Traditional Rulers namely:
- HRH Eze Augustine Mbam Nwamini of Nduebor Ezza-Inyimegu, Izzi Local Government Area,
- HRH Eze Chinedu Mishael Nwankwo of Ogboji Ezzagu, Ishielu Local Government Area,
- HRH Eze Boniface Nwoba Nwangbu of Izzi Unuphu, Abakaliki Local Government Area; and
- HRH Eze Ewa Orji of Nguzu Edda, Edda Local Government Area.
Power and Alternative Energy
In order to ensure proper illumination of the Abakaliki Capital City and availability of electricity in and around the State, for ease of doing business, security and aesthetics, our administration has carried out the following:
a. Extension of electricity to the new Government House
b. Installation of standalone solar street light at Unwana street extension, Ebonyi State House of Assembly bypass, Police Post road and Okwase Nkaliki street.
c. Extension of standalone solar street-light at Eckankar road, Franklin hotel road, Mbam Agbo street, OshiriIgbeke street, Austin Umahi street, newly constructed dual carriageway in Eckankar and other adjourning streets.
d. Rehabilitation of Iboko-Oferekpe Agbaja 33KV line, 300KVA and 450KVA sub-station.
e. Extension of electricity to industrial areas like PRESCO, Ebonyi State Pulverization Plant Umuoghara, Ebonyi State Pipe Production Company and Permanent Site of Ebonyi State University,
Abakaliki.
f. Extension of low-tension electricity network to Afikpo North, Camp David Estate, Abakaliki.
g. Replacement of inverter-powered solar street-light with solar standalone pipes at Echialike Ikwo.
h. Restoration of Block 11, Ochoudo City to the National grid.
i. Repairs of solar street-light extension at Oferekpe Agbaja.
j. Repairs of 33 number transformers for redeployment into the electricity network in the State.
k. Maintenance of fire-fighting Engines for the State Fire Service.
l. Procurement of standard materials for maintenance of street-light networks in the State.
Housing
In order to give citizens especially those displaced by crises, a new lease of life, our administration has;
a. Commenced the construction of 140 Bungalow Housing units for Izzo and Amaeze Communities in Ishielu Local Government Area, displaced by the recent Ezzilo crisis.
Justice and Judiciary
Knowing fully well that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man, our administration has taken the following steps to revamp Justice Delivery System in the State for more efficiency:
a. Restructuring of the State Judicial System from
Retributive to Restorative Justice System
b. Procurement of 35 brand new JAC SUVs for
Magistrates in the State.
c. Digitalization and automation of the Ministry of Justice with world-class Case Management System Website.
d. Establishment of Citizens’ mediation Centre.
e. Establishment of Ebonyi State multi-door Court House in collaboration with the Judiciary.
f. Creation of Appeal, Legal Research, Law Reporting and ICT as well as Sexual Assault and Gender Based Violence (GBV) Response Departments in the Ministry of Justice.
g. Assent to the following human-interest legislations:
- Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency Law (Law No 004 of 2023)
- Ebonyi State Boundary and Allied Matters Commission Law (Law No 005 of 2023)
- Ebonyi State Rural Access Roads Authority Law (Law
No 006 of 2023)
Women Affairs
Our Government maintains zero tolerance for gender based violence and all forms of vices against women and the girl child. Additionally, we relish the sincere efforts, commitment, and contribution of our women in making our State a better society. As such, we have;
a. Appointed a good number of women into key positions of Government.
b. Given the remand home in Mile 50 a facelift to make it more habitable to inmates of the facility.
c. Through the office of my darling wife and Ministry of Women Affairs, our administration has;
- Implemented Healthcare initiatives for women such as deworming of children and exclusive breastfeeding awareness for lactating mothers.
- Trained Adult Education Facilitators for Mass Literacy in the State, especially for women.
- Distributed palliatives to women in the rural areas through the various Local Government Area Chairpersons.
- Sensitized mothers to stay vigilant and responsible towards the conducts of their children.
- Responded to calls and notifications of Ebonyi women and girls in any form of crisis within and outside the State.
- Advocated for putting an end to gender-based violence, human trafficking, gender equality, healthcare access, and child welfare.
- Enrolled 100 sickle cell patients into Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.
- Sponsored one month free genotype test for all Ebonyians.
Youths and Sports
In line with our resolve to promote Sports development and
Youth inclusiveness in governance, our administration has:
a. Revived sporting activities in the State, through the approval of the establishment of Ebonyi State Football team.
b. Approved Ebonyi State School-to-School Sports Competition.
c. Institution of Annual Governor’s Cup Competition.
d. Appointment of youths into various leadership positions.
Ease of Doing Business and Market Development Conscious of the need provide a conducive environment for ease of doing business in the State and assist our people in the growth of their businesses, our administration has;
a. Embarked on Local Government Areas Business sensitization and mentorship tours.
b. Initiated a major Agricultural project in each Local Government Area, as part of developing a product earmarked for support by the State Government, working with the Local Government Areas and the Bank of Industry who will provide funding.
c. Constructed a 40 number VIP toilets at the International Market Abakaliki for use by marketers.
ICT and Smart City
We are resolute in our mission to mainstream digital technology in service delivery, as such, to make Abakaliki a smart city. Following this mandate, we have been able to;
a. Approve and release funds for the ongoing installation of free internet service infrastructures in Ebonyi State University – EBSU Permanent Site, EBSU Campus CAS, EBSU Campus PRESCO, Centenary City and Old Government House.
b. Rehost and revamp the State’s website, leading to the eligibility of the State for the World Bank Project SABER DLI 1-7, and the Nigeria Governor’s Forum Assisted Program for Ease of Doing Business.
c. Approve the reactivation of four (4) ICT Centres in the three (3) Senatorial zones of the State.
d. Reactivation of the Server Based Sound and Visual System of the State Executive Council Chamber.
Solid Minerals
In Ebonyi State, we boast of rich mineral resources like lead, zinc, salt, limestone, etc. Our administration has;
a. Approved the feasibility studies for the establishment of
Solid Minerals Processing Plant in the State
b. Approved the feasibility studies for the establishment of a Solid Minerals Buying Centre in the State.
c. Approved the review of Community Development Agreements between mineral host communities and investors, to ensure interests of host communities and the State are protected.
Capital City
Abakaliki Capital City remains our pride for its neatness, safe environs, ease of doing business and aesthetics. In our collective bid to continue on this path of development, our administration has;
a. Approved the engagement of professionals to develop a strategic document for upgrading Ebonyi Capital City to a 21st Century Smart City.
b. Approved the procurement and installation of 102 prefabricated Bush Shelters at strategic locations across the Capital City.
c. Approved the incriting of the walkway, median and planting of ornamentals along the drain.
d. Approved for the rehabilitation of major round abouts within the City.
e. Approved the review of the Abakaliki Master Plan.
f. Ensured development control by conducting integrity tests on all buildings above one storey within the city to avert future collapse and crisis.
PALLIATIVES
5. Ndi Ebonyi, we are aware of the current troubling economic times in the country. We feel your pinches as well, because we are in it together. As part of measures to cushion the effects of the economic challenges, I mentioned earlier in this address, that our Government released N50m loan to assist traders and local business people.
In addition to this, we have palliative items from both our Government, re-bagged 10kg rice of the National Food Security Council and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI). Below is the list of palliative and food items in our warehouse, ready for distributions across the 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
They are: -
a. Ebonyi State Government Palliative Food Items:
Rice - 85,000 re-bagged 10kg bags of rice
b. NEMA Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) Ebonyi State Stock Balance for Phase one and two.
S/N FOOD ITEMS ONE TWO TOTAL HH
1 RICE (25KG) 1350 (BAGS) 1850 (BAGS) 3200 (BAGS) 3200
2 BEANS (10KG) 1350 (BAGS) 1850 (BAGS) 3200 (BAGS) 3200
3 GARRI (10KG) 1350 (BAGS) 1850 (BAGS) 3200 (BAGS) 3200
4 OIL (2 LTRS) 1350 (BAGS) 1850 (BAGS) 3200 (KEGS) 3200
5 TOMATOES/4 5400 PCS 7400 PCS 32800 PCS 3200
6 MAGI PKTS 1350 (PKTS) 1850 (PKTS) 3200 PKTS 3200
7 SALT (1KG) 1350 (KG) 1850 (KG) 3200 (KG) 3200
NON-FOOD ITEMS
S/N ITEMS ONE TWO TOTAL HH
1 BUCKETS/2 1500 PCS 1004 PCS 2504 PCS 1252
2 BATH SOAP/6 4500 PCS 3052 PCS 7512 PCS 1252
3 OMO (500G) 750 PCS 502 PCS 502 PCS 1252
4 COOKING STOVE 750 PCS 502 PCS 502 PCS 1252
5 COOKING POTS 750 PCS 502 PCS 502 PCS 1252
6 MOSQUITO NETS/4 3000 PCS 2008 PCS 2008 PCS 1252
7 NYLON MATS/4 3000 PCS 2008 PCS 2008 PCS 1252
8 BLANKETS/4 3000 PCS 2008 PCS 2008PCS 1252
9 FOAM MATRESS/2 1500 PCS 1004 PCS 2504 PCS 1252
LIVELIHOOD
S/N ITEMS ONE TWO TOTAL HH
1 SEWING MACHINE 650 PCS 700 PCS 1350 PCS 1350
2 GRINDING MACHINE 650 PCS 700 PCS 1350 PCS 1350
SEEDS
S/N ITEMS ONE TWO TOTAL HH
1 CASSAVA STEMS 75000 - 75000 1500
2 HERBICIDES 1 LTR 1500 - 1500 1500
3 GROWTH ENHANCER 1500 - 1500 1500
4 KNAPSACKS 1500 - 1500 1500
1 RICE SEEDS 650 BAGS - 650 BAGS 650
2 HERBICIDES 2 LTRS 1300 LTRS - 1300 LTRS 650
3 PESTICIDES 1 LTR 650 LTRS - 650 LTRS 650
4 GROWTH ENHANCER 1300 LTRS - 1300 LTRS 650
5 FERTILIZER 2 LTRS 1300 LTRS - 1300 LTRS 650
6 PUMPING MACHINES - - - 650
1 YAM SEEDLINGS - - - 1500
2 HERBICIDES 1 LTRS 1500 LTRS - 1500 LTRS 1500
3 GROWTH ENHANCER 1500 LTRS - 1500 LTRS 1500
4 KNAPSACKS 1500 PCS - 1500 PCS 1500
Some items like Maize and Rice that are yet to be rebagged are still in our Warehouse in 100kg and 50kg respectively.
Today, we are flagging off the distribution of these palliatives and I want to assure all of you, my people, that no kobo from this fund will be misused. The items will be shared judiciously. These palliatives will be shared in a way to favour both the middle class and the poorest of the poor among us.
Let me reiterate that we acknowledge the plights of Ebonyi people, especially as it concerns the difficulty workers face in transporting themselves to work. That is why today, we have procured 4 number of 100-seater INNOSOM CNG Buses for the transportation of our workers from Abakaliki metropolis to the Airport, College of Education Ikwo, Ebonyi State University, Centenary City and other areas. We are working on getting more to suit your needs, as provided for by the Federal Government.
IN WRAPPING UP…
6. I will not end this address without eulogizing the modest efforts of our past leaders, who not only laid solid foundation for the creation and development of our State, but helped in putting the State on the path of irreversible progress.
I must commend the pioneer Military Administrator of Ebonyi State, Retireed Navy Captain Walter Feghabor and his predecessor CP Simeon Oduoye for their concerted efforts at giving Ebonyi statutes of a State. The first civilian
Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Sam Ominyi Ewgu deserves a pat on the back for the revolution he carried out in education and healthcare service delivery. I must appreciate the second civilian Governor of our dear State and one of the foremost founding fathers of the State, His Excellency, Chief Martin Nwanchor Elechi, for improving the infrastructure of the State, especially, the unity bridges.
Our administration is anchored on Divine Mandate, Continuity and Consolidation. Therefore, I am immensely grateful to the immediate past Governor, my boss and the Honourable Minister of Works, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, who worked tirelessly to lift the face of Ebonyi in the midst of daunting challenges.
7. Let me cease this opportunity to appreciate the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for taking decisive steps in bringing The Renewed Hope Agenda to reality. My felicitation goes as well to His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima – Vice President; His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio – President of the 10th Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas – Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, for their tireless effort in reshaping our Nation to its former glory.
8. Martin Luther King Junior reminded us all, that “everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” – We are together in this quest to serve our State, that is the only way we can be great as a people. I therefore continue to call on your selfless collaborations for us to achieve The People’s Charter of Needs. I have said this over and over again, I cannot do it alone. That is why we have appointed men and women of repute to help us drive these human-interest policies. I therefore continue to seek your collaboration to take our Ebonyi State to the success stage. To get there, we must make sacrifices, so I implore all of us to be patient as we move on.
9. It is my earnest prayer, that God Almighty who brought us to this stage of service, will give us the enabling strength of mind and body, to discharge our duties creditably, for His greater glory and the service of His people.
10. God Bless Ebonyi State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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