Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru
Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the South-East Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Project, expressing optimism that it will stimulate industrial growth, revive moribund industries and strengthen the region’s economy.
Nwifuru made the commendation at the South-East Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Investment Ceremony held in Enugu State, where he was represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, GCEHF.
The governor also lauded the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) for initiating the project, describing the proposed gas infrastructure as a strategic investment capable of transforming the region’s commercial and industrial landscape.
He noted that the project, designed to connect commercial and industrial clusters across the South-East, would improve energy security, reduce operational costs for businesses and promote sustainable industrialisation.
Nwifuru lamented that energy shortages and high operating costs had forced several industries across the region to shut down, resulting in lost business opportunities and reduced economic activities.
He, however, expressed confidence that the gas pipeline project would help address these challenges, stimulate industrial production and create an enabling environment for economic growth.
The governor assured the SEDC and other stakeholders of the Ebonyi State Government’s commitment to providing the necessary support for the successful implementation of the project, noting that its completion would help reshape the region’s economic fortunes.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the SEDC was established to drive interconnected economic growth and promote development across the South-East.
Kalu explained that the gas pipeline project represented a federal response to appeals by governors in the region for the development of gas infrastructure to support industrial activities and revive manufacturing companies.
He urged the governors to sustain their collaboration and investments in regional development, stressing the importance of collective efforts in unlocking the South-East’s economic potential.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, represented by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru; and Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.Other dignitaries included the Chairman and Director-General of the SEDC, Chief Emmanuel Uguru; member representing Izzi/Abakaliki Federal Constituency, High Chief Hyacinth Ikpor; SEDC Board Member, Chief Elechi Nnanna Elechi; and Ebonyi State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.
The event underscored the importance of regional cooperation and strategic infrastructure investment in addressing energy challenges, strengthening industrial capacity and accelerating economic development across the South-East.
