The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nwifuru

  • Nwifuru, Umahi, Anyim, Onu, DSS spokesperson bag awards in Ebonyi

    Nwifuru, Umahi, Anyim, Onu, DSS spokesperson bag awards in Ebonyi

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and former Senate President, Anyim Pius were among seventeen notable dignitaries, sons, and daughters of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituency who were honoured for their services to the state and the nation.

    Others include former Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, the spokesperson of the Department of State Security (DSS), Peter Afunanya, and former PDP governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii

    They were honoured on Thursday, January 4, during the Maiden Ohanivo Cultural Carnival of the federal constituency held in Egunkwor central school.

    The event was sponsored by the member representing the constituency, Dr. Nkemkanma Kama.

    While Nwifuru bagged the Youths Oriented Leadership Award, Umahi was given the Iconic Leadership Award.

    Anyim received the Leadership Excellence Award while Onu bagged the Selfless Leadership Award.

    Afunanya who hails from the constituency received an award for outstanding performance.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state in the 2023 general election, Chukwuma Odii, received the Outstanding Humanitarian Award.

    A popular business mogul in the state, Dr. Gideon Osi was given the Illustrious Service Award.

    A businesswoman and philanthropist, Rosemary Nwakego Emmanuel was conferred with the Industrious Woman of the Year award.

    Addressing the people of the federal constituency, Kama who described culture as the lifeblood of any society said the aim of staging the event is to promote peace and unity in the community.

    He said: “Culture is said to be the lifeblood of any thriving society, and its best expressed in the way we tell our stories, celebrate, and entertain ourselves. It helps us remember the past and cast our imagination on the future. Our Cultural expression helps define who we are and helps the world see us through our own eyes.

    “One of my primary focus as your representative is to promote Peace and unity amongst ourselves. The Ohanivo Cultural Carnival which is designed to showcase our rich and diverse Cultural heritage is one of the means of promoting Unity and peaceful coexistence in Ohaozara/Onicha/lvo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.

    Read Also: Nwifuru reiterates priority for welfare of widows, others

    Undoubtedly, no meaningful and measurable growth and progress can be achieved amid crisis, chaos, bickering, and disunity.

    “As a people, we’ve come a long way. From 1976 through 1996, we existed as one indivisible Ohaozara Local Government Area (now referred to as Qld Ohaozara). The 1996 political expansion that split us into Ohaozara, Onicha, and lvo Local Government Areas couldn’t divide us as it brought us into the same Federal Constituency, Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency and we’ve continued to coexist peacefully.

    “Therefore, there’s now the need to make a unique definition of who we are through our Culture, and our way of life and tell our stories in our own unique way. This is what this Carnival stands for and promotes.

    “Moreso, this Carnival is expected to serve as a unifying symbol for our people, a reminder that we’re one indivisible people.”

  • Nwifuru reiterates priority for welfare of widows, others

    Nwifuru reiterates priority for welfare of widows, others

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of the elderly and widows.

    He spoke at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, during the elders and widows party.

    The governor reiterated his stance to better the lots of people, especially the elders, widows and other less privileged ones.

    He said the essence of the people’s charter of needs was to ensure an effective target mechanism.

    Read Also: Challenges before Aiyedatiwa

    Nwifuru commended the elders for their resilience and contributions to the development of the state.

    He said his administration would continue to honour the elderly and widows.

    “When we honour our parents, God will honour us,” he said.

    The governor acknowledged the current economic realities, its effects on the widows and the elderly and pledged an upward review of their welfare.

    “I assure you that I am with you, I am for you and I will work for you.”

    Mr Uchenna Igwe, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, said the governor was committed to ensure that the welfare of all classes of people of Ebonyi would remain constant.

    Mr. Steven Obasi, on behalf of the elders, appreciated the governor for the annual programme and identified their contributions in the state.

  • Nwifuru presents N202b budget estimate to Assembly

    Nwifuru presents N202b budget estimate to Assembly

    Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has submitted a budget proposal of Two Hundred and Two Billion, One Hundred and Twenty Seven Million, 

    Nine Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Nine Hundred 

    and Seven Naira to the House of Assembly for consideration and passage for the 2024 fiscal year.

    He said the People’s Charter of Need serves as the guiding principle of his administration in addressing diverse opinions in the areas of education, health, agriculture, ease of doing business, water resources, affordable housing, critical infrastructure and in the developmental strides of embracing information and communication technology.

    Read Also: Nwifuru’s Appeal Court victory excites Works Minister

    The governor said the budget is tagged: ‘Budget of innovation and progress.’

    He said the Ministry of Works would get the highest chunk of the budget- N21billion.”

    Nwifuru, noting that Health would get the second highest attention, said this becomes necessary to create access to health care services for the average citizens, in line with his People’s Charter of Needs blueprint.

  • Nwifuru’s Appeal Court victory excites Works Minister

    Nwifuru’s Appeal Court victory excites Works Minister

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi has described the validation of the election of the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru at the Appeal Court as a divine sovereign will and the affirmation of the overwhelming choice of the people of the state at the March 2023 governorship election.

    Umahi, who is the immediate past governor of the state, in his congratulatory message on Friday to the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the state, said the victory is God’s sovereign will for the advancement of development in Ebonyi State through a passionate delivery of the People’s Charter of Needs by the Divine Mandate administration of the governor.

    The statement reads: “I received with profound joy and deepest gratitude to God Almighty, the heartwarming news on the victory of the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, GGCEHF, at the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos State.

    “I am therefore enthused to send my warmest felicitations to the governor, the government, and the people of Ebonyi State whose overwhelming votes at the 2023 governorship election have been reaffirmed by the verdict of the Court of Appeal this 24th day of November 2023.

    Read Also: Gov Nwifuru’s Appeal court victory excites Umahi

    “I am eternally grateful to God for His faithfulness upon the Divine Mandate family and our triumphant journey despite the machinations of the unprogressive forces and giants that were on our way to hinder but God in His infinite mercy has given us victory.

    “I also congratulate the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, and indeed the entire APC family at all levels for this victory which is God’s sovereign will for the advancement of development in Ebonyi State through a passionate delivery of the People’s Charter of Needs by the Divine Mandate administration of our Governor.

    “May God’s abiding grace continue to be sufficient for the leadership of the State and may He prosper the laudable programmes and aspirations of our governor as he steers the leadership of the state”.

  • Gov Nwifuru’s Appeal court victory excites Umahi

    Gov Nwifuru’s Appeal court victory excites Umahi

    The Minister of Works Dave Umahi has described the validation of the election of Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru at the Appeal Court as a divine sovereign will and the affirmation of the overwhelming choice of the people of the State at the March 2023 governorship election.

    Umahi, who is the immediate past Governor, in his congratulatory message to the Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the State, said the victory is God’s sovereign will for the advancement of development in Ebonyi State through a passionate delivery of the People’s Charter of Needs by the Divine Mandate administration of the Governor. 

    The statement reads: “I received with profound joy and deepest gratitude to God Almighty the heartwarming news on the victory of the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, GGCEHF, at the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos State. 

    “I am therefore enthused to send my warmest felicitations to the Governor, the government, and the people of Ebonyi State whose overwhelming votes at the 2023 Governorship election have been reaffirmed by the verdict of the Court of Appeal this 24th day of November 2023.

    “I am eternally grateful to God for His faithfulness upon the Divine Mandate family and our triumphant journey despite the machinations of the unprogressive forces and giants that were on our way to hinder but God in His infinite mercy has given us victory. 

    Read Also: Road construction: No controversy over asphalt, concrete use, says Umahi

    “I also congratulate the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, and indeed the entire APC family at all levels for this victory which is God’s sovereign will for the advancement of development in Ebonyi State through a passionate delivery of the People’s Charter of Needs by the Divine Mandate administration of our Governor. 

    “May God’s abiding grace continue to be sufficient for the leadership of the State and may He prosper the laudable programmes and aspirations of our Governor as he steers the leadership of the State”.

  • Abbas, Umahi, others unveil Nwifuru’s wife’s pet project

    Abbas, Umahi, others unveil Nwifuru’s wife’s pet project

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has unveiled the pet project of wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, named: “Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO).

    Also in attendance at the event were Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, wives of some governors, including those of Imo, Ogun and Cross River states, National Assembly members and other eminent Nigerians.

    The pet project was launched in Abakaliki, with Abbas, wives of Imo, Cross River and Ogun governors, Umahi, many National Assembly members and other personalities in attendance.

    The event was also used to launch Gender Based Violence (GBV) Centre, which Nwifuru’s wife is planning to build for rehabilitation, reintegration and empowerment of GBV survivors (victims).

    Mrs. Nwifuru hailed the eminent Nigerians for supporting her pet project.

    She said: “It is a collective effort of us that will actually help me to actualise my mission of stopping Gender Based Violence.  

    “The first thing I started immediately was stopping child trafficking, child labour, women abuse and men abuse because I am not first lady for women, I am equally first lady for all. So, I am for men and women.”

    The governor’s wife called for efforts to end GBV in the state through her pet project.

    Read Also: Yobe PDP lawmaker defects to APC

    Wife of Cross River State governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, praised Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project, which she said would serve as a beckon of hope, offering support and opportunity to those who needed it most.

    She described Ebonyi governor’s wife as a role model and an advocate for positive change, saying her dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality was commendable.

    Speaker Abbas, represented by Amaobi Ogar, said the pet project would end GBV that had been on the rise in the state.

    He commended Mrs. Nwifuru for the pet project, which, according to him, would touch and save lives.

    Sen. Umahi congratulated the governor’s wife on the project and described it as apt.

    Governor Francis Nwifuru said the event was germane considering that it would create impact on the lives of the people, especially women, children and the less privileged, who were in need of care and support.

  • Nwifuru, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, Akpabio congratulate governor

    Nwifuru, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, Akpabio congratulate governor

    The governors of Ebonyi, Ogun and Lagos states, Francis Nwifuru, Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio have congratulated Governor Hope Uzodimma on his victory at the weekend’s  governorship election in Imo State.

    A statement by Governor Nwifuru’s Media Aide, Monday Uzor, quoted the governor as saying the result of the election reflected the will of the people of Imo State. The statement reads: “I am delighted to congratulate the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Sen Hope Uzodimma on his resounding victory at the just concluded governorship election.

    “The outcome of the polls is a true reflection of the implicit confidence the people repose in you. You have in the past four years offered quality leadership to your people through policies and programmes that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of the people.

    “This bold statement by the people at the polls has given you another opportunity to consolidate on your laudable achievements and continue with the reforms you have initiated in the state.”

    In his congratulatory message, Akpabio commended Uzodimma for his resilience and commitment to genuine democratic practices saying that good governance had triumphed over propaganda. He said: “I congratulate and rejoice with you and the people of Imo on your well-deserved re-election as the Executive Governor of Imo.

    “Your victory is testimony of your excellent performance in office in the last four years.

    “This victory is an affirmation by Ndi Imo of your sterling leadership qualities and confirmation of your outstanding performance and delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people.

    “It is also an indication that our great party, the APC is firmly established in the Southeast and accepted by the good people of the region.

    “This explains why despite threats, attempted strikes and manipulated blackmail from enemies of your people, God took control.”

    Governor Abiodun said Uzodimma’s re-election is a confirmation of the trust the citizens have in his APC-led government. He expressed delight that the resounding victory of Uzodinma attested to his leadership quality and delivery of the dividend of democracy to the people.

    Read Also: Inflation rises on soaring food, energy prices

    Governor Abiodun also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC for the hitch-free electoral process in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states on Saturday. He said: On behalf of the people of Ogun State, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your re-election as the governor.

    “Your resounding victory is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Imo State have in your ability to lead them towards progress and prosperity.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said Uzodinma’s re-election affirms his administration’s good performance in the last four years. He added: “I believe strongly that he was re-elected because he delivered beyond the expectations of the Imo people during his first term.

    “The APC candidate’s victory across the 27 local government areas in Imo State with over 400,000 vote margin against his main opponent is a confirmation of the trust and belief of the people in the APC-led administration in Imo State, having benefitted immensely from the various people-oriented programmes of his administration.

    “The real winners at the end of the day are citizens of Imo State because they have re-elected a ‘talk and do’ governor. It is an assurance to us that the APC government at the state and national levels is doing something right. We know there are areas of improvement and we are determined to ensure that we give Nigerians the best they deserve.”

  • Effium crisis: Nwifuru reads riot act as soldier goes missing

    Effium crisis: Nwifuru reads riot act as soldier goes missing

    One of the soldiers on peace keeping mission in the crisis-prone Effium community in Ebonyi State has been declared missing.

    Governor Francis Nwifuru had earlier threatened to deal with anyone responsible for his disappearance if he was not found alive before noon yesterday.

    The governor said this in a statement by his spokesperson, Monday Uzor, on Wednesday night.

    The people Efium and Ezza Effium in Effium town have been enmeshed in communal crisis, which has decimated the town.

    Read Also: Sit-at-home victim’s family begs Nwifuru for assistance

    Hundreds of lives have been lost, with thousands rendered homeless in the crisis which started in 2020.

    Efforts to restore peace to the area have not been successful.

    Governor Nwifuru also threatened to dissolve the peace committee mediating in the crisis if the soldier is not found.

  • Sit-at-home victim’s family begs Nwifuru, Nigerians for assistance

    Sit-at-home victim’s family begs Nwifuru, Nigerians for assistance

    The family of Henry Oko, one of the victims of the December 14, 2022 attack at Nwakpu market in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State by enforcers of sit-at-home order has cried out for help.

    The family begged Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi state and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to its aid as the condition of the victim worsens.

    The victim, it was gathered, underwent multiple surgeries at the National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu, following bullet wounds and deadly axe cuts and spent over four months in the hospital before he was eventually discharged.

    A family source said he was rushed back to the National Orthopedic Hospital on October 1, 2023, following complications as his condition is currently very critical.

    Due to the severity of his case, the Management of the National Orthopedic Hospital referred him to the University Teaching Hospital Enugu, where a team of medical experts are currently battling to save his life.

    The father of four was at the Nwakpu market, Ikwo, when some masked gunmen who claimed they were enforcing the five-day sit-at-home order declared by a foreign-based Biafran agitator, invaded the market, shooting sporadically and setting vehicles ablaze.

    They set his vehicle on fire and gave him deadly axe cuts on the head and shoulder before shooting him on both thighs very close to his manhood.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges Senate to confirm Aliyu as ICPC chairman, two members of FJSC

    He was left in the pool of his blood but was rescued by a combined team of the Army and Police that later stormed the scene.

    Oko had a near-death experience as his thigh bone was shattered by bullets, 17 of which were later extracted from his body.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, his immediate younger brother and the Abia state correspondent of Vanguard Newspapers, Steve Oko, described the situation as “miserable.”

    He explained that fortunes had been spent in the battle to save his brother’s life since last December, lamenting that the family had run out of resources to take care of the victim’s medical bills and other exigencies.

    Steve noted: “Since last year, this incident happened, millions of Naira have been spent, and now we don’t know what to do again.

    “His condition is now very critical. The CMD of National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu headed the team that managed him before he was discharged. When he was rushed back to the hospital because of complications, the CMD himself made sacrifices and spirited efforts to manage the situation until they decided to refer him to UNTH for further attention.

    “We have run out of cash to buy recommended drugs which are very costly. MRI test alone conducted at the weekend was N130, 000 besides a series of other tests and drugs. He can’t get up from bed, can’t move his body, and hardly eats. I have lost count of pints of blood transfused to him, and all these involve money.

    “Attempts to get the attention of Ebonyi State Government then for possible assistance were unsuccessful. He needs urgent intervention. All we need now is help to save his life first.

    “It’s therefore, our passionate plea to the current administration in Ebonyi State to please empathise with us and help save the situation. We aren’t even talking of the education of his four children for now; all we need is how to save his life”.

    The family further appealed to public-spirited individuals to come to their rescue.

    According to the family, any financial assistance can be routed via the First bank account of the victim’s wife: Angela C. Oko; 3081462002. The family can also be reached through 08038725600/08102438417.

    Oko specifically appealed to South East Governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to, as a matter of urgency, set up a committee to identify victims of sit-at-home in the South East for possible rehabilitation.

  • NLC, TUC petition governor over murder of head teacher, teacher 

    NLC, TUC petition governor over murder of head teacher, teacher 

    Organised Labour in Ebonyi State has petitioned Governor Francis Nwifuru over the gruesome murder of a head teacher and a teacher at Nkaleke, Ebonyi Local Government, by hoodlums.

    It urged the governor to direct security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

    The state chapters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) made this known during a visit to the governor.

    NLC Chairman Ogugua Egwu, lamenting the killings, called for arrest and prosecution of the killers by security agencies. 

    Read Also; Buildings constructed without permit will be demolished – LASG

    He said: “The quality of life of teachers is poor. Their work environment is being threatened by the flamboyance of our nationality, and communities no longer support the safety of teachers. 

    “On October 13 we lost two teachers, including a head teacher. They were gruesomely murdered at Nkaleke in Ebonyi Local Government. 

    “We use this medium to ask you, sir, to ensure that the security agencies bring the perpetrators to book, to act as a deterrent to other haters of teachers.”

    It was learnt that the killers, suspected to be assassins, invaded Nkaleke Achara Community Secondary School in Ebonyi Local Government and shot dead the head teacher, Simon Ominyi, popularly called “Osmosis.”

    The assailants, after pumping bullets into the about 50-year-old head teacher, also killed a yet-to-be named teacher in the school.

    The incident caused tension in the area, raising concerns whether pupils and teachers would still return to the school.

    The community has been deserted, as its leaders and stakeholders fled, perhaps for fear of further attack or arrest by security agencies. 

    A source in the area said there was no trouble in the community before the gunmen stormed the school in a tricycle and killed the duo. 

    The source said the miscreants arrived on the school premises as if they were on a genuine mission, inquired about the head teacher’s office from someone who led them to a distance before pointing at the office. But shortly after, they began to shoot sporadically.

    “Immediately the assassins found their way into the head teacher’s office, they commanded the man and his guests from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) office to lie down. Ominyi, sensing danger, complied.

    “But surprisingly, in spite of the head teacher’s plea and non-resistance to their order, they still killed him on the spot,” he said.

    It was further gathered that the gunmen shot another person in the leg before making away with his motorcycle. 

    Police spokesperson Onome Onovwakpoyeya confirmed the incident. 

    She said the command had launched investigation with a view to arresting the killers.