By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
As part of activities marking his second anniversary in office, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Stanley Labechi Mbam has empowered 25 nano and small-scale business owners in the state with packages worth millions of naira.
The gesture, carried out through his Mbam Stanley Labechi Foundation, reaffirms his alignment with the People’s Charter of Needs policy of the state government, led by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Speaking at the empowerment event held on Friday morning, Engr. Mbam expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and Governor Nwifuru, describing his appointment as a “divine connection” and a symbol of unwavering trust.
“I will continue to give thanks to God who connected me to my destiny helper—the Governor of our dear state,” he said. “His Excellency showed me unconditional love by appointing me Commissioner for Works without consulting anyone. That decision came from a place of genuine trust and passion for service.”
The Commissioner also acknowledged his wife for her steadfast support, attributing his professional success to the peace and encouragement she provides at home.
“She always gives me her blessings to go ahead, even when I say ‘the Lord laid something in my heart’. Without peace at home, I couldn’t have gone this far.”
Recounting the Ministry’s achievements, Engr. Mbam said the empowerment program is only a part of the broader infrastructure transformation taking place in Ebonyi. He listed numerous projects—spanning urban renewal and rural road maintenance—as direct outcomes of the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
“We have worked tirelessly day and night with our engineers, administrators, and project staff to deliver quality infrastructure across the state. We have remained committed to our mandate and the expectations of our people.”
He highlighted the Vanco Project, a flagship infrastructure initiative under the Ministry’s purview, assuring the public that it will be completed and commissioned by May 29th next year.
“It will be one of the best projects of its kind in the Southeast,” he said confidently.
The event drew key political and community leaders. Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Occasion, lauded the Commissioner for prioritising people over personal luxury.
“Many would have taken this opportunity to fly to luxury hotels in Lagos or Abidjan, but you chose to empower your people instead. This is the mark of true leadership,” the Speaker noted.
In a similar vein, Senator Ngiji Ngele praised Engr. Mbam for focusing on youth development, skill acquisition, and education—describing these as “true pathways to lasting change.”
Also speaking, APC State Secretary, Charles Chukwuma Ofoke, commended the Commissioner’s impact-driven leadership.
“Some people go into the office and leave no impact. But Engr. Mbam has not only made an impact, he has laid a foundation that will stand the test of time,” he stated.