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  • Nwifuru sets three-month deadline for projects, orders rural electrification — Omebe

    Nwifuru sets three-month deadline for projects, orders rural electrification — Omebe

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has directed all ministries handling ongoing government projects to ensure their completion within three months or face sanctions.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebe disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the fourteenth meeting of the Ebonyi State Executive Council (EXCO), presided over by the governor at the Government House.

    According to Omebe, the EXCO meeting featured the swearing-in of newly appointed government officials, including members of the State Civil Service Commission, a Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, and the Secretary of the Rural Electrification Board.

    He said Governor Nwifuru charged the new appointees to carry out their duties with diligence, dedication, and professionalism to ensure the overall success of his administration.

    Omebe stated that the governor specifically directed the chairman, secretary, and members of the Rural Electrification to immediately extend electricity to rural communities across the state as part of efforts to curb rural-urban migration and stimulate grassroots development.

    He added that the governor also urged the newly inaugurated members of the State Civil Service Commission to collaborate with the leadership of the commission to reposition the civil service for efficiency and improved service delivery.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    On education, the commissioner said the council received an update on the state’s foreign scholarship programme, noting that 104 beneficiaries of the first batch have completed their master’s degree programmes and are already proceeding to PhD studies under the fully funded scheme of the state government.

    He further disclosed that 98 indigent students are beneficiaries of the second batch of the foreign scholarship programme, adding that 55 of them had already departed the country for their studies as of February 2, 2026.

    According to him, the remaining beneficiaries would travel in batches based on their academic schedules, with others expected to leave by September 2026.

    Omebe also revealed that the council constituted a three-man committee to review a proposed bill seeking to prohibit the sale and purchase of metal and electric scraps, following extensive deliberations on the matter.

    He said the committee was expected to fine-tune the bill and present its report to the council at the next EXCO meeting.

  • Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has been commended for placing priority on human capital development through Ebonyi State’s overseas scholarship programme.

    The commendations were given in separate statements on Tuesday by the Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nduka Awuregu, and the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Barr. Valentine Okike-Uzo.

    The remarks followed the departure of 92 students in the second batch of the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, who were airlifted to the United Kingdom on Monday to undertake postgraduate studies.

    Awuregu described human capital development as the most critical form of development, noting that Governor Nwifuru has shown a consistent understanding that investment in people yields long-term benefits that extend beyond physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and flyovers.

    According to him, the administration’s focus on education reflects a deliberate strategy to equip young people with the skills and exposure needed to compete globally.

    He said the scholarship initiative has created opportunities for Ebonyi youths by removing financial and institutional barriers, enabling beneficiaries to access quality education abroad.

    Awuregu, who recently visited some Ebonyi students benefiting from the programme in the United Kingdom, said he was deeply impressed by the positive changes in their lives, adding that the initiative is already having a transformative effect on their families and communities.

    “I shed tears of joy seeing what these young people have become. The multiple ripple effects of this investment on Ebonyi State and beyond cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

    He highlighted the achievement of one of the beneficiaries, Victor Ama from Edda Local Government Area, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Greater Manchester.

    Ama, he said, was recently recognised for his outstanding software engineering project on real-time sign language translation and voice captioning using a multimodal artificial intelligence approach.

    According to Awuregu, the project—focused on inclusive communication through on-device deep learning systems—demonstrates technology transfer, skills export, and the global relevance of Ebonyi’s intellectual capacity.

    “This is Ebonyi to the world. This is technology transfer. This is skills and services export redefined,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to further validate the governor’s vision of sustainable development anchored on human capital.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Okike-Uzo, described the scholarship programme as visionary and people-centred, noting that it is transforming the educational landscape of the state.

    He recalled that exactly one year earlier, the first batch of about 300 Ebonyi students were sent to top universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to pursue Master’s and Ph.D programmes under full sponsorship by the Ebonyi State Government through the State Scholarship Board.

    In addition, he said that over 1,000 Ebonyi indigenes benefitted from similar postgraduate scholarship opportunities in Nigerian universities within the same period, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 1,400.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Okike-Uzo explained that the initiative is anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, the policy framework guiding Governor Nwifuru’s service delivery, with strong emphasis on education and human capital development.

    He stressed that the governor’s approach to governance aligns with the spirit of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which places the welfare and development of the people at the centre of governance.

    “Governor Nwifuru is not only building infrastructure but also building men and women for posterity. These young scholars will, in the coming years, positively impact Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and the global community,” Okike-Uzo said.

    He added that although the governor operates quietly, he has been adjudged one of the best-performing governors in the country, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, housing, education, health, infrastructure, aviation, diaspora relations, human capital development, security, good governance, and the rule of law.

    According to Okike-Uzo, Governor Nwifuru’s humility, simple lifestyle, and aversion to waste distinguish him among his peers and underscore his commitment to service and the long-term prosperity of Ebonyi State.

  • Why Ebonyi youths endorsed Nwifuru, Tinubu for second term – Commissioner

    Why Ebonyi youths endorsed Nwifuru, Tinubu for second term – Commissioner

    The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, has revealed how unity among youths in Uburu led to the unanimous endorsement of Governor Francis Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

    He described the development as a historic moment for youth solidarity and political stability in the area.

    Uburu, the hometown of the current Minister for Works and one of the three major towns in the Ohaozara local government area of the state.

    Speaking during an interview, the commissioner explained that Uburu is made up of four autonomous communities and that youths across these communities had previously operated under different youth platforms.

    “However, driven by shared interests and appreciation of the governor’s leadership, rival youth groups resolved their differences and dissolved into a single body known as the Uburu Youth Front

    According to him, the decision to unite was motivated by Governor Nwifuru’s inclusive governance and youth-friendly policies, which have seen many Uburu youths appointed as commissioners, senior special assistants, special advisers, and board members in the state government.

    “The governor is one of us. He has treated Uburu youths as his own, and we felt the best way to appreciate him was to speak with one voice,” the commissioner said.

    He noted that the unity of the youths culminated in a solidarity road work exercise and a formal endorsement of the governor for a second term.

    The Commissioner said the youths also resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, alongside the Ebonyi State governor.

    Mr Ori said the youths are happy with the president for appointing their son, Senator David Umahi, as Minister for Works.

    He noted that the Minister, working under the direction of President Tinubu, has been able to deliver massive infrastructural development to Ebonyi and the Southeast.

    “We are very grateful people, and the only way to show gratitude to the President is to give him our votes”, he said

    In the 2027 general elections, Engr. Francis Ori expressed confidence that Governor Nwifuru would secure a landslide victory, citing peace, unity, and developmental achievements across the state.

    He dismissed fears of strong opposition, arguing that the absence of a cohesive opposition party and the prevailing unity among stakeholders give the governor a clear advantage.

    “This is the first time Ebonyi State is enjoying this level of peace. The governor has united communities and stakeholders. There is no room for divisive politics again,” he stated.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    The commissioner also highlighted humanitarian efforts through his Orimatic Care Foundation, which recently organized a large-scale Christmas celebration for vulnerable widows across the four Uburu autonomous communities.

    He said the foundation, established in 2017, recently distributed rice, wrappers, cash gifts, and other items to over 600 vulnerable widows in Ebonyi State.

    “To ensure fairness, we asked the Presidents-General of the communities to select 150 widows from each of the four communities, ensuring that beneficiaries were truly in need,” he explained.

    He added that the foundation currently sponsors 36 university students—17 of whom have graduated in professional courses such as medicine, engineering, and law—as well as over 100 pupils in primary and secondary schools.

    The commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, social welfare, and unity, noting that the coming years would see even greater investments in education, humanitarian services, and community development. Ends

  • Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Saturday dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of Amasiri Community, Afikpo Local Government Area.

    This followed a violent attack on Okporojo Village,  Oso Edda Community in Edda Local Government Area on Thursday, during which four persons were reportedly beheaded.

    The attack has been blamed on the people of Amasiri who the Okporojo people have been having a boundary dispute.

    Houses and properties worth millions were also destroyed in the area.

    The governor announced the sweeping sanctions on Saturday, during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo Village, where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.

    Visibly saddened by the incident, Nwifuru described the attack as “most unfortunate” and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state.

    He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible; stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.

    Read Also: Individuals must file tax returns by March 31, employers, January 31 – Oyedele

    “I am very pained by this development. As a careful leader, when you are angry, you speak less. But I want to assure you that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it truly means to be a government,” the governor said.

    He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation.

    According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

    Nwifuru revealed that the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected.

    He noted that his visit was a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.

    Turning to the role of the Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution.

    He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching “a point of no return” if provocations continued.

    Consequently, the governor announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.

    He also ordered the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate and the removal of all village heads in the Amasiri autonomous community.

    He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri Community, from members of management committees up to commissioners serving in his administration.

    “For the time being, all these structures are dissolved. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are a government,” Nwifuru declared.

    Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four

    Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with the killing of four persons during a violent communal attack.

    According to the Police, four villagers—three men and one woman—lost their lives in the incident, while several mud houses were razed. Windows of a church building were also vandalised, and harvested paddy rice was destroyed during the violence.

    In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc, on January 30, 2026, visited the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage.

    Upon receiving the report of the attack, she ordered the immediate deployment of tactical squads and personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    The Police Command said the deployment has successfully restored calm and normalcy in the community.

    She disclosed that ten suspects had already been arrested in connection with the killings, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved.

    The Commissioner warned communities across the state against resorting to self-help or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that the Police would not tolerate acts of violence arising from communal or land disputes.

    She further assured residents that security presence in the area would be sustained until the situation is fully resolved.

  • Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of Amasiri Community, Afikpo local government area 

    This followed a violent attack on Okporojo Village,  Oso Edda Community in Edda Local Government Area on Thursday during which four persons were reportedly beheaded.

    The attack has been blamed on the people of Amasiri who the Okporojo people have been having boundary dispute.

    Houses and properties worth millions were also destroyed in the area.

    The Governor announced the sweeping sanctions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo village where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.

    Visibly saddened by the incident, Nwifuru described the attack as “most unfortunate” and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state. 

    He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.

    “I am very pained by this development. As a careful leader, when you are angry, you speak less. But I want to assure you that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it truly means to be a government,” the Governor said.

    He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation. 

    According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

    Nwifuru pointed out the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected. 

    He noted that his visit was a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.

    While commending security agencies for their swift response, the governor disclosed that security operatives had trekked long distances to track the perpetrators and had assured him of the safety of lives and property in the area. 

    He pledged the full support of the state government to security agencies to restore lasting peace.

    Turning to the role of Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution. 

    He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching “a point of no return” if provocations continued.

    He announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.

    He also ordered the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate and the removal of all village heads in Amasiri autonomous community.

    He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri Community, from members of management committees up to commissioners serving in his administration.

    “For the time being, all these structures are dissolved. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are a government,” Nwifuru declared.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Edda LGA and promised that by next year, the community would witness tangible improvements resulting from government intervention.

  • 2027: Reps member Nwobasi endorses Tinubu, Nwifuru for re-election

    2027: Reps member Nwobasi endorses Tinubu, Nwifuru for re-election

    The federal lawmaker representing Ishielu/Ezza North in the House of Representatives, Joseph Nwobasi, has endorsed the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.

    Nwobasi said President Tinubu has delivered significant infrastructure projects to the South-East geopolitical zone, noting that the achievements would translate into widespread support for the President in the 2027 general election.

    He explained that his decision to defect from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was influenced by what he described as the inclusive governance style of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.

    Speaking during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki, the lawmaker said Governor Nwifuru, upon assuming office, moved swiftly to unite stakeholders across the state, irrespective of their political affiliations.

    According to him, the governor’s first priority was to restore peace across Ebonyi State, adding that he also cleared the backlog of pensions and gratuities amounting to billions of naira owed to retired civil servants.

    The lawmaker said, “The performance of Governor Francis Nwifuru when he assumed office was to ensure that he maintained peace across the state.  He moved into action to settle areas where there were crises and make sure he restored peace. 

    “He also brought together all the stakeholders of Ebonyi State, irrespective of the party you belong to. He paid the pension and gratuity arrears of civil servants.

    “So, this is what attracted me. I said, not as if I had remained in APGA and contested for the second term, that I would not win. No. It is not like that.

    Read Also: Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    “But because of what he is doing, I felt it would be better if we were together. That’s why I said, let me join APC, so that we can at any time put things together and plan together on how to move Ebonyi forward”, he added.

    He recounted his achievements as the lawmaker representing Ishielu/Ezza North federal constituency to include, but not limited to, the award of scholarships to university students, distribution of cars, sewing machines, grinding machines, vending machines, and empowerment of widows.

    He said, “If I should begin to recount my achievements at the National Assembly, I think they are too numerous to mention, but let me mention but a few. I have done empowerment, which I think, as far as Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency is concerned, is one of its kind.

    “Empowerment, which includes motorcycles, vending machines, cars, sewing machines, and many other items, which I think His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, was the one who came and declared the empowerment open.

    ‘The scholarship is made from year one till they graduate, depending on the course of their choice. This scholarship started in 2024.   I’ve given the widows so many helping hands. I’ve also helped some to establish business and their shops are booming now”, he disclosed.

    He assured that he has plans to further empower his people in subsequent years.

    In terms of capital projects implementation, Hon. Nwobasi said that he has built and furnished six classroom blocks, and the ongoing construction of the Amuzu-Izo road, which, he said, would soon be asphalted.

    ‘Then, in terms of projects, I have also attracted a six-classroom block, which has been completed, and the desk has been completed. It was situated at the community secondary school, Oshiegbe.

    “Then, in terms of infrastructures also, I think I have the ongoing Amuzu Izzo Road, which is under construction. It’s ongoing. I think they’ve done the gutter. So in no distant time now, they will come for the asphalt,” he said.

    Nwobasi further commended President Bola Tinubu for the economic policy he has rolled out, which has revamped the economy, improved security

    He explained that President Bola Tinubu has addressed the outcry of marginalisation by the people of the Southeast by appointing people from the Southeast to key government positions, such as the Minister of Works.

    He also listed the inclusion of Southeast in the coastal highways and the fixing of numerous federal roads, stating that the people of Southeast are not marginalised under President Bola Tinubu.

    “But as soon as President Bola Tinubu came in, in terms of appointment, he considered the southeast, giving the Southeast the minister of works, which is first in history, which is one of the major ministers.

    “Then, in terms of infrastructure, he has awarded roads, like the coastal road, which he has awarded in the Southeast, fixing some other federal roads in the Southeast.

    “So, I don’t think the government of Bola Ahmed is marginalising the Southeast, as far as I am concerned”, he stated. Ends

  • Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Tuesday declared that the Southeast will vote massively for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state in the 2027 general election.

    He insisted that the region’s interests are better secured through strategy, unity, and constructive engagement rather than sentiments.

    Umahi made the assertion at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, while receiving various political, religious, and community groups who paid him a Christmas homage.

    Addressing the gathering, the former Ebonyi State governor said the Southeast has no reason to deceive itself about its political choices, stressing that President Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to the development of the region through major infrastructure projects.

    “You ask me what the President has done for the Southeast, and I will tell you what he has done for the Southeast,” Umahi said.

    Enumerating various ongoing federal projects as evidence of inclusion of the region, Umahi declared, “We are talking about real projects, not social media sentiments.”

    He listed the Second Niger Bridge, the Enugu–Onitsha (Nnewi) Road, the Owerri–Aba Road, and other major highways across the region as tangible achievements of the Tinubu administration, describing them as the “real Biafra” the people should focus on.

    “The road to Onitsha is Biafra. The Second Niger Bridge is Biafra. These are the Biafra we are looking for — not the Biafra of sentiments or social media,” he said.

    Umahi emphasised that Nigeria is built on a tripod and warned against any action that would weaken one leg of the nation.

    He noted that the Southeast has been marginalized historically but argued that such marginalization can only be addressed through wisdom, political strategy, and national engagement.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Umahi appeals for reflection, harmony, shared progress

    “We can never win by sentiment. We can never win by hate. We can only win by strategy. When it is our turn to become President, we must be wise enough to position ourselves.”

    The minister called on Southeast people across the country to obey the laws and cultures of their host communities, urging them to remain humble, courageous, and law-abiding wherever they reside.

    “Nigeria belongs to all of us. Nobody should intimidate us, but we must also respect the culture and laws of wherever we find ourselves,” he added.

    Umahi assured his visitors that the Southeast is now more included at the federal level and urged the region to reciprocate the current administration’s gestures with massive electoral support.

    “Our votes will not be wasted on sentiments again. The Southeast will be strategic, and the Southeast will vote massively for President Tinubu,” he declared.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu meets Fubara, Nwifuru behind closed doors in Abuja

    JUST IN: Tinubu meets Fubara, Nwifuru behind closed doors in Abuja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday met separately with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, at the State House, Abuja. 

    The engagements, held behind closed doors, came amid mounting political tension in Rivers State and renewed speculation over Governor Fubara’s future in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Fubara was sighted entering the State House at about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before proceeding to the President’s office. 

    He departed around 5:45 p.m., but details of the discussions were not disclosed as at press time.

    Minutes earlier, Governor Nwifuru had also been ushered in for a separate meeting with the President. 

    The purpose of his visit similarly remained undisclosed.

    The meeting with Fubara came on the heels of Friday’s defection of 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    The shift in party alignment has altered the balance of power in the state legislature and heightened uncertainty around Fubara’s political standing.

    Only three lawmakers viewed as loyal to the governor remain in the PDP, and they have not resumed sitting since emergency rule in the state was lifted on September 18. 

    Governor Nwifuru, a former Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly and now an APC governor, has in recent months held several engagements with the Presidency, focusing largely on infrastructure development and security coordination in the South-East.

  • Nwifuru presents N884.8bn 2026 proposed budget to Ebonyi Assembly

    Nwifuru presents N884.8bn 2026 proposed budget to Ebonyi Assembly

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on Tuesday presented a total budget estimate of ₦884.868 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

    Christened the budget as “Budget of Actualisation and Hope,” the governor said it aims to accelerate infrastructure expansion, strengthen human capital, and consolidate ongoing reforms across key sectors.

    Presenting the Appropriation Bill at the State Assembly complex, Governor Nwifuru said the budget was crafted in strict alignment with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs philosophy.

    He noted that it reflects the priorities and aspirations gathered from citizens across the state.

    With a capital outlay of ₦749.49 billion, representing 84.7% of the total budget, and a recurrent expenditure of ₦135.37 billion, the governor said the proposal would drive industrialisation, deepen economic recovery, and elevate the standard of living for Ebonyians.

    Governor Nwifuru recalled the inherited debts, unsettled pensions, and longstanding financial obligations that confronted the administration on assumption of office, noting that thousands of pensioners had now received their long-awaited gratuities.

    “We restored not just their financial stability but their dignity,” he said, praising the State Assembly for its consistent legislative support”, he said.

    Highlighting achievements from the 2025 fiscal year, Nwifuru said over 5,000 Ebonyians benefitted from the state’s empowerment programme, receiving between ₦1 million and ₦100 million to support entrepreneurship, trading, and artisanal work.

    He added that vocational and agribusiness training has equipped many youths and women with life-changing skills.

    “We are building not just roads and schools, but resilient people empowered to be globally competitive,” he said.

    Read Also: Umahi, Nwifuru, Diri mourn pioneer Ebonyi military administrator Feghabo

    The governor disclosed that Ebonyi State had achieved a historic leap in educational development.

    He listed some of them as: Establishment of the University of ICT, Oferekpe, with over 20 accredited courses; Commencement of the University of Aeronautic Engineering, Ezza, positioning the state as a rising hub in aviation technology.; Construction of 43 model secondary schools equipped with ICT labs, libraries, and solar power; Award of over 1,000 scholarships for local and overseas postgraduate studies, the largest in the state’s history.

    Governor Nwifuru reiterated that pregnant women now enjoy free maternal care statewide, while emergency medical response has improved with the deployment of fully equipped ambulances.

    The administration, he noted, has also upgraded general hospitals, recruited additional health workers, and revived the drug revolving fund to ensure the availability of essential medicines.

    The governor highlighted the mechanisation of farming across the 13 LGAs, distribution of fertilizers, and support to cooperative farmers.

    He announced the ongoing construction of an Ebonyi Feed Mill and the revitalisation of Nkaliki Hatchery, which is expected to create 2,000 jobs.

    On infrastructure, Nwifuru reported significant progress on major projects, including the VANCO Flyover and Tunnel, described as a transformative urban project for Abakaliki; Completion of the Iziogo Tunnel and ongoing works at Nwezenyi and Nwofe Junction flyovers and rehabilitation of township roads, rural feeder roads, and bridges across the state.

    Governor Nwifuru commended security agencies for maintaining peace and announced that the demarcation of the Effium–Alioma boundary was underway to consolidate lasting peace.

    The governor also confirmed progress on the Ebonyi Industrial City, the state-owned cement factory, and the reactivated Waste-to-Wealth Plant in Umuoghara, all geared towards job creation and economic diversification.

    Nwifuru said the administration had revived key water schemes, including Oferekpe, Abakaliki Lowlift, and Ezill, while new reservoirs and reticulation works are underway in Iboko and Ivo.

    According to the proposal, the Administrative Sector will get ₦137.37bn (15.52%) while the Economic Sector will get ₦492.93bn (55.71%)

    The Law and Justice sector will get ₦5.03bn (0.57%), the Regional Sector, ₦1.56bn (0.18%), and the Social Sector, ₦247.97bn (28.02%).

    Governor Nwifuru said the budget reflects “determination, discipline, and sincerity” despite national economic challenges.

    While urging the lawmakers to give the bill accelerated consideration, the governor said the goal is to lift Ebonyi higher and ensure that every citizen feels the impact of the government.  

  • Nwifuru, CDS Musa, Keyamo, Kingibe, Dangote, Tonto Dikeh, others honoured

    Nwifuru, CDS Musa, Keyamo, Kingibe, Dangote, Tonto Dikeh, others honoured

    In recognition and appreciation of selfless service, patriotism, contributions to the security, peace and unity of Nigeria and overall wellbeing of humanity, some government officials, entrepreneurs, movie personalities, climate change activists and philanthropists, were on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, honoured with Nigeria’s Pride Awards at a ceremony that took place in Abuja.

    The Awards wereborganised by First Green White Resources (FGWR), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine and Nationwide Reports; and chaired by Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator of Amnesty Programme while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris was Guest Speaker.

    Ebonyi Governor  Francis Nwifuru, was honoured in two categories as Best Governor on Road Infrastructure and Best Governor on Community Empowerment; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa- was honoured as ‘Shield of the Nation’ while others include Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo- Most Impactful Minister of the Year, Senator Ireti Kingibe- Most Grassroots-Oriented Politician of the Year and Dangote Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina-Most Impactful Corporate Marketing Officer of the Year.

    Others who received awards were Dr. Sarah Jibrin – Most Outstanding Female Politicians of the Decade,  veteran Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, in two categories for her philanthropic activities, Directors-General of NTA, Salihu Abdulhamid Damboos- Outstanding Leadership Award, Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Sir Jideani Agabaidu- Most Gender-Inclusive Chief Executive Officer of the Year; and Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Hon. Rinsola Abiola- Exemplary Young Corporate CEO of the Year; as well as President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Emeka Rollers- Most Impactful Entertainment Personality of the Year, Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson- Most Outstanding Movie Producer of the Decade, Chi-Tola Roberts- Pillar of Support and Empowerment of Women in Agriculture, Hajia Mariam Aliyu Abdullahi (Jagaban Matan Zaria)- Champion of Hope for the Needy and Hajia Zainab Abdulrahaman- Outstanding human oriented public service award.

     Nwifuru, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike, praised the organisers and thanked them for honouring Nwifuru in two categories, a gesture she said was well deserved, in view of the massive transformation taking place in the State.

    Prof. Umerurike said Nwifuru has achieved massive development in the state within just two years and few months of his administration and transformed many communities, increased minimum wage to N93,000, empowered women and youths and provided water facilities, hospitals and other dividends of democracy across all senatorial districts. She urged Nigerians play their parts in nation-building, promising people that Governor Nwifuru has more to offer them in the years ahead.

    Boroh said Nigeria’s Pride Awards was a well-thought initiative to honour those who have served the nation well and contributed to nation-building. He commended the Chief off Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa for his efforts in rooting terrorism and other criminalities I the country and suggested that the awards be an annual event.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation who was represented by the Director, Publications, Production and Documentation, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, praised CDS Musa for his patriotism and multi-dimensional approach in securing Nigeria. He commended the organisers of the awards for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria and for honouring citizens who have contributed t the development of the nation.

    Senator Ireti Kingibe, while appreciating the honour done to her by the award, reiterated her commitment to the people of the FCT and promised to continue to provide quality representation at the national assembly by ensuring that rights of residents were protected through quality legislations while at the same time pledged to attract more projects from the federal government to make the city and satellite town better.

    Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to Aviation Minster said Keyamo was committed to ensuring continuous improvement of Nigerian aviation sector and airports, safety of air travelers and compliance to global best practices by airline operators and other stakeholders in the industry.

    The Chief Executive Officer of First Green White Resources and Founder of Nigeria’s Pride Awards, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said, although Nigeria is a country in need of quality leadership, many Nigerians are doing well and making the nation proud both at home and other parts of the world.

    He said the idea behind the awards is to identify those good leaders, in the public or private sector, and honour them as a way of encouraging them to do more while at the same time, encourage others to wake up.

    Ahaziah Suleiman, Chairman of the organizing committee, in his welcome remark, said Nigeria’s Pride Awards is a way of rewarding hard-work and patriotism, adding recipients are nominated through rigorous and painstaking process to ensure that only those who merit the honour are selected.

    While NTA DG was represented by the Executive Director, Special Duties, Kalil Ibrahim, the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu was represented by Engr. Dr. Sabo Mahmoud.

    Also honoured were Emeka Duru- Most Impactful Movie Personality of the Year, Gloria Chisom Okafor- Best Movie Producer of the Year, Sandra Okunzuwa- Best Actress of the Year, Empress Njamah- Lifetime Outstanding Nigerian Actress, Hajia Rekiya Ibrahim Attah-Lifetime Motivational Personality in Movie and Entertainment Media Production, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu- Outstanding Leadership Award, Emeka Okoye- Best Actor on Comedy, Etinosa Idemudia- Best Actress on Comedy; Chidi Anyanwu- Best Movie Director of the Year, Luchy Donalds- Best Motivational/Innovative Actress of the Year and Chief Honorus Obasi- Meritorious Corporate and Community Service Award.

    Awardee corporate organizations were Dangote Group- Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa; NTA- Best Television Station on Culture, Weather, Defence and Security Coverage; CLTC- Meritorious Long Service Award on Human Development; and Rural Electrification Agency- Most Improved Service Delivery Agency of the Year.

    Highlight of the event was music and dance drama performances by FCT NYSC cultural group.