Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has highlighted what he described as significant investments by his administration in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, security and industrialisation as the state marks its 30th anniversary.
Nwifuru, in a goodwill message marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and Ebonyi’s 30th year of statehood, said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the state’s journey, celebrate its progress and renew commitment to building a better future.
The governor said Ebonyi was created 30 years ago through the aspirations, sacrifices and determination of its founding fathers and mothers, noting that the state had since demonstrated resilience and determination to create opportunities for its people.
According to him, his administration’s development agenda has been guided by the responsibility to build a state that would serve present and future generations.
Nwifuru said his administration had constructed more than 45 model 22-classroom blocks across the 13 Local Government Areas, in addition to over 50 12-classroom blocks and other educational interventions.
He also highlighted expanded scholarship opportunities for Ebonyi students within and outside Nigeria, the strengthening of Ebonyi State University and the development of new institutions, including the University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, and the University of Aeronautic Engineering.
On infrastructure, the governor said his administration had continued the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of roads and other critical infrastructure across the state, while advancing work on the VANCO Flyover and Tunnel and strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Works.
In the health sector, Nwifuru said investments had been made in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, personnel, health insurance and emergency response, with efforts also made to expand access for vulnerable citizens, pregnant women and children.
He further stated that the state had sustained payment of the ₦90,000 minimum wage and cleared pension and gratuity arrears inherited from the creation of the state, while improving workers’ welfare.
The governor also pointed to the commencement of work on the Abakaliki Cement Company as part of his administration’s industrialisation drive, saying the project was aimed at creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening Ebonyi’s productive base.
Nwifuru, however, said the state’s development journey was far from over, stressing the need to continue building a society where education creates opportunities, infrastructure drives prosperity, healthcare protects lives and industries create jobs.
He expressed appreciation to members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, members of the State Executive Council, traditional and religious leaders, elders, women, youths and the people of Ebonyi for their support.
The governor particularly acknowledged Ebonyi leaders who had distinguished themselves in national and international service, including former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON.
He also paid tribute to former governors of the state — Rtd. Navy Captain Walter Feghabor, CP Simeon Oduoye, Senator Sam Egwu, Chief Martin Elechi and Senator David Nweze Umahi — for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi.
Nwifuru commended his deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, for her diligence and astuteness, while expressing appreciation to his wife, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for her efforts towards the welfare of women, children and vulnerable members of society.
He equally expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his support for Ebonyi State and the partnership with the state in building a stronger Nigeria. President Tinubu also marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a national address on October 1, 2026. The governor called on Ebonyians to renew their faith in Nigeria and the state, saying the anniversary should inspire collective commitment to building a stronger future.
“Happy Independence Anniversary, Nigeria. Happy 30th Anniversary, Ebonyi State,” Nwifuru said, wishing the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ebonyi State continued progress and prosperity.
