Nwifuru's Policy Direction: What to Expect Beyond Two Years

The Government of Ebonyi State, led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has crossed the two-year ribbon in governance. Within the past 24 months, it has recorded unique successes. Importantly, the distinctiveness of the feats achieved has shed light on the Governor’s resolve to do more. And, yes, there is still room for improvement.

His two-year spell has been marked by the foundational strides of his policy direction – The People’s Charter of Needs. This answers the coveted question: ‘What is the direction of Governor Nwifuru’s Government?’ Preceded by brilliant leaders who beamed lamps of development on the yearnings of their times, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is bent on ensuring that he continues to tick the boxes of the People’s Charter of Needs, one after another, because it is a guiding manual to solving the complexity of our times.

The working document, which is a compendium of all sorts, is geared towards achieving one goal – MEETING THE NEEDS OF EBONYI PEOPLE. In terms of these varied needs, the Governor has tackled them in two phases – immediate needs and those for the future. This two-pronged approach has defined the balanced nature of his policy direction.

Immediate Needs

In common parlance, immediate needs refer to necessities essential for human survival and well-being. They include, but are not limited to, security, water, healthcare, shelter, food, clothing, transportation, and so on.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s penchant for peace has made Ebonyi State the safest state in Nigeria today. Both intra and interstate security concerns are now issues of the past. At any hour, the streets of Abakaliki and Ebonyi in general are safe for movement and businesses. The introduction of IJEOMA joint security operatives is itself a brand for peace in Ebonyi State.

Revitalization of the water schemes in Ebonyi State is evident. Of all the five water schemes in Ebonyi State, Governor Nwifuru has hugely invested in four of them. Ezillo water scheme is working, Oferekpe water treatment plant is revitalized, work is ongoing at the old Abakaliki water plants, and the Ivo water scheme is working. Only Ukawu is yet to receive attention, but it will. Some ancillary infrastructures for the schemes such as the Iboko Water reservoir and the Umuoghara reservoir, have been completely renovated. One of the main setbacks has been the laying of new pipes around town, owing to the fact that many people built on water pipelines as the sector was left abandoned for years.

One of Governor Nwifuru’s first strokes after taking office was the employment of 195 health workers for all general hospitals in the State. For the medical doctors among them, he approved an additional allowance of N500,000 minimum and donated brand new SUVs to them. Additionally, all the general hospitals now have brand new ambulances for efficiency in operation. Huge funds have been spent as well in equipping the general hospitals and in the procurement of hospital consumables.

In terms of provision of food, shelter, clothing and such essentials, the Governor has made these possible through clearing of arrears of gratuity of state civil servants from 1996 till date, employment of Ebonyians (1700) into the state civil service, increase in salaries at Ebonyi State University, reduction of fees at the University, increase of subvention at Ebonyi State University and College of Education, various forms of empowerment – the Agri-business trainees at Enugu, the skilled warlords from Edda and so on. All of these culminate in some degree of comfort in meeting various needs at home and in society at large.

The EBOCAB has provided a good alternative to the transportation system in Ebonyi State. It is a digitally-driven transport system that has not only given room for the employment of youths but also allowed Ebonyians, residents, and visitors to move effortlessly in and around the State. It is important to mention the Compressed Natural Gas buses procured by the Governor, which commute workers and students to and from their workplaces and Universities, free of charge. Roads within the capital city have been renewed as well to a great extent.

All these initiatives and more have formed a rock-solid foundation over the past two years in the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru. Interestingly, as he is tackling the immediate needs of Ebonyi people, he has his eyes on securing the future of Ebonyi State.

Eyes on the future

During the event marking the second anniversary of Governor Nwifuru, a former Governor of the State – His Excellency, Chief Martin Elechi, made a comment in his speech. He said to Governor Nwifuru and I quote, “You recognize that development and growth of a State are based on continuing from the beginning, repeating where necessary what the past had done, and changing where necessary what the future requires.”

This comment from Chief Elechi is to the effect that Governor Nwifuru has a habit of resurrecting uncompleted and non-functional projects of his predecessors, which have massive socio-economic potential for the state. These form part of the Governor’s quest to secure the future of Ebonyi people.

Today, Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Pulverization plant, Transport Corporation, Fertilizer and Chemical Company, Oferekpe Water Scheme, Broadcasting Corporation, Building Materials Market, Chuba Okadigbo Airport, and Trade Centre have all received attention from the Governor. These are massive projects with huge potential for the growth and development of Ebonyi State.

In the same vein, Governor Francis Nwifuru is courageously taking on some projects which are capital-intensive but potentially viable for the future. The industrial city is one, the Vanco junction project, 39 model schools, pilot primary schools, rural road infrastructures, foreign and local scholarship schemes, and so on.

Therefore, it is evident that the present administration of Ebonyi State is intentional about moving Ebonyi to the success stage by engaging in projects and initiatives that soothe the immediate and future concerns of Ebonyi people. In these two years, the Governor has shown his mettle in laying proper foundations. What then, are Ebonyians to expect in the coming years?

Beyond Two Years: What to Expect

Ebonyi people have high expectations for the coming years. For the successes already achieved, they clamour for more of the same and an increase. For ongoing projects, they want to see them completed as soon as possible and to the best standards possible. Within these stages, the Government is also expected to react and proffer solutions to immediate concerns as they arise. These are normal and rightly so.

On the side of the Government, there is the will and plan to do more for the people. The People’s Charter of Needs manifesto is in play. Governor Nwifuru will ensure an accelerated and proper process in meeting the needs of the people. The Governor recognizes the various successes recorded and the many concerns of Ebonyi people over the past two years.

Consolidation involves building upon existing achievements, listening to the concerns of the people, and adjusting to realities as time requires. The Governor is set on employing these strategies in confronting the next two years in office. He is going to up the ante and momentum in ensuring that ongoing projects are completed and of top quality.

While Ebonyians continue to laud the Governor on already achieved laurels and request more to be done in areas of concern, it is imperative to note that the Governor is ensuring that no sector is left unattended. He is ensuring there is evenness of development across sectors, to balance both the immediate and future needs of Ebonyi people.