The Ebonyi State Divine Mandate Campaign Council has congratulated Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on his recognition as the Governor of the Year by The Sun Publishing Limited, describing the award as a national affirmation of his visionary, people-centred and impactful leadership.
The Council, in a congratulatory message signed by its Director of Communication, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, said the recognition was a well-deserved honour and a testament to the governor’s commitment to good governance and the development of Ebonyi State.
According to the statement, the award goes beyond an individual recognition, as it represents public validation of Governor Nwifuru’s leadership philosophy and the achievements of his administration under the People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
The Council noted that the governor’s legislative experience as a two-term Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly had significantly shaped his inclusive governance approach, promoting participatory democracy, political reconciliation, social harmony and a sense of belonging among the people, irrespective of their political affiliations.
It highlighted the administration’s achievements across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, civil service welfare and economic empowerment.
Specifically, the Council identified the ongoing Vanco Flyover project, rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport runway, establishment of the ICT University and the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, massive housing projects, as well as extensive urban and rural road construction as evidence of the administration’s commitment to infrastructural development.
It also commended the governor for investments in healthcare facilities, overseas scholarship opportunities, school renovations, massive civil service recruitment, prompt payment of salaries, settlement of gratuities and empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.
The Council further praised the administration for promoting peace and stability across the state, while strengthening transparency and fiscal responsibility in public financial management.
It maintained that Governor Nwifuru’s achievements demonstrate that effective governance goes beyond physical infrastructure to include human development, peaceful coexistence, institutional reforms and the creation of opportunities for the people.
On the political implications of the recognition, the Council expressed confidence that the governor’s performance had strengthened the resolve of the people of Ebonyi State to support his re-election bid in 2027.
It declared that the people were prepared to stand firmly behind Governor Nwifuru and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.
The statement also reaffirmed the Council’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging what it described as the President’s support for Ebonyi State at a critical period in its development.
Describing Governor Nwifuru as a humble, humane and promise-keeping leader, the Council said his administration had given the people sufficient reasons to reciprocate his commitment to their welfare.
It added that the Igbo expression, “Onye ruo orie” (he who works deserves to reap the reward), aptly captures the people’s determination to reward the governor’s performance with continued political support.
The Council congratulated Governor Nwifuru once again and prayed for greater wisdom, strength and good health for him as he continues to lead Ebonyi State.
