Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s achievements in office are speaking louder than political rhetoric, despite his administration’s relatively quiet approach to publicising its accomplishments, according to Chooks Oko, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
In an opinion article titled “For Nwifuru, a Loud Silence Roars,” Oko argued that the Ebonyi governor has remained focused on delivering his campaign promises through strategic investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and the civil service rather than seeking media attention.
The veteran journalist said his assessment was prompted by a conversation with the head of a federal government-owned media organisation, who recently visited Ebonyi State and expressed admiration for the scale of ongoing development projects.
According to Oko, the media executive described the newly established ICT University at Oferekpe as one of the most impressive state government projects he had seen in the country.
Reflecting on the discussion, Oko questioned whether Governor Nwifuru’s preference for allowing his projects to speak for themselves had contributed to the limited national attention given to his administration’s achievements.
He noted that while previous governors of Ebonyi State each left distinctive legacies—Dr. Sam Egwu in education, Chief Martin Elechi in bridge construction, and Senator David Umahi in infrastructure—Governor Nwifuru appears to be carving out his own legacy through investments in human capital development and critical public infrastructure.
Oko said education has emerged as the cornerstone of the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, pointing out that over 1,000 Ebonyi indigenes are currently pursuing fully funded postgraduate studies in institutions within and outside Nigeria under the state government’s scholarship programme.
He also highlighted the recruitment of more than 2,000 teachers, the construction of 67 smart secondary schools and additional primary school classrooms, as well as the establishment of the ICT University at Oferekpe and the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering in Onueke.
In the agricultural sector, he said the government is constructing two-kilometre roads in more than 140 autonomous communities to improve access to rural areas, facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, and create opportunities for local contractors.
According to Oko, the administration is equally strengthening traditional institutions through the construction of 67 modern duplexes for traditional rulers across the state.
He further noted that the government has recruited over 2,000 civil servants, resumed staff promotions, and cleared outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired teachers and local government workers.
In healthcare, Oko said the state government has renovated general hospitals, employed doctors and other health professionals, procured ambulances, and provided Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to doctors serving in state-owned hospitals to improve healthcare delivery.
He added that the transport sector has benefited from the procurement of new buses, while road construction and rehabilitation projects continue across the state. He also cited the ongoing construction of more than 400 duplexes for civil servants in Abakaliki.
On security, Oko commended the administration’s sustained support for security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles and other logistics, which he said has contributed to the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in the state.
He maintained that although Governor Nwifuru’s leadership style is characterised by humility and restraint, the impact of his administration is evident in the numerous projects and reforms being implemented across Ebonyi State.
Oko concluded that the governor’s quiet approach to governance should not be mistaken for inactivity, insisting that the administration’s growing record of development demonstrates a commitment to delivering meaningful results for the people of Ebonyi State.
