I would like to reflect on a remarkable development pattern in human capital development that a friend from Enugu recently observed during his extended stay in Ebonyi State. Having spent over a month here, he shared some profound insights that truly resonated with me.
According to him, “The Government of Ebonyi State is gradually building a formidable and competent skilled workforce, much like how China began its transformation. I have visited several construction sites across the state, and what strikes me is not only the quality of work being done but also the processes – many of which are being executed by Ebonyi sons and daughters.”
He continued, “These people may not yet be Julius Berger, but this is exactly how China started, by building people and empowering them with practical, hands-on skills rather than focusing solely on white-collar jobs. I spoke with one of the workers engaged in direct labour at a road construction site, and I was astonished by his level of intelligence and technical knowledge – truly remarkable. You rarely find this level of competence where I come from, Leo. We are more of the elites who enjoy speaking English.”
He went on to recall, “The other day, when we were together, we saw a young lady, probably between 21 and 25 years old, confidently operating a concrete dispensing truck. That image stayed with me.”
He drew a parallel with China’s history, explaining that “In the 1950s, China embarked on a large-scale, government-led industrialization campaign that transformed its workforce. Later, the economic reforms of 1978 opened China to foreign investment and trade, accelerating manufacturing growth and diversifying its labour force through both domestic and international engagement. What your Governor is doing here in Ebonyi is not entirely different.”
He reminded me, “When China began its journey, people mocked the quality and productivity levels of its workforce, but the Chinese did not stop, they kept building. Today, the world is in awe of their capabilities. The same transformation is unfolding here in Ebonyi. These young people, gaining hands-on experience and executing major projects with confidence and precision, will shape the future. I read the criticisms online on your page, Leo and I can only laugh, because Ebonyi is on the verge of achieving a new level of productivity in the South East. Combined with the numerous scholarships the Governor has sponsored over the past year, you are building something truly extraordinary. Leo, jisinu ike (keep it up).”
I listened to him with rapt attention, deeply moved by his observations. His words were profound and insightful. In that moment, I felt a renewed sense of pride and gratitude, proud to witness this transformation firsthand, and grateful to Governor Francis OgbonnaNwifuru and the immediate past Governor, His Excellency, Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, for championing such visionary leadership in Ebonyi State.
© Leo Ekene Oketa
