Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Princ. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called on Ebonyians to preserve the history of the state and ensure that future generations understand the struggles, sacrifices and achievements that culminated in its creation.
Governor Nwifuru made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the public presentation of the book, From Shadows to Stardom: The Ebonyi Story, authored by Distinguished Prof. Emmanuel Chike Onwe.
The Governor, who contributed the foreword to the book, described the publication as an important documentation of the history and transformation of Ebonyi State, stressing the need to preserve the memories of the men and women who played significant roles in the struggle for the creation of the state.
The book was reviewed by Dr. Mark Abani, while the occasion was chaired by former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON.
Nwifuru commended Prof. Chike Onwe for documenting the Ebonyi story, particularly the contributions and sacrifices of the founding fathers and the young people of that generation who remained resolute in their pursuit of state creation despite the challenges they faced.
According to him, Ebonyi’s journey has been one from “the shadows to stardom” — from a people once associated with the imagery of dust to becoming “the salt of the nation,” contributing taste, value and distinction to Nigeria.
He emphasised that the sacrifices of the founding fathers must never be forgotten, noting that preserving the history of the state remains a collective responsibility.
The Governor therefore encouraged Ebonyians to acquire copies of the book for their personal and institutional libraries.
He also advocated for the book to be made available in public schools across the state, saying this would enable young Ebonyians to learn about and appreciate the struggles, sacrifices and achievements that shaped the state’s history.
Nwifuru noted that a people who understand their history would be better positioned to appreciate their present and confidently build for the future.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building on the sacrifices and achievements of the state’s founding fathers while taking Ebonyi to greater heights.
