By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Chidi Onyia says the administration of Governor has continued to transform the state through people-oriented policies, rural development and strategic economic reforms under the People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
Speaking in an interview in Abakaliki as part of activities marking Governor Francis Nwifuru’s third year in office, Onyia said the administration inherited security and communal challenges but had steadily restored peace and public confidence across different communities in the state.
According to him, Governor Nwifuru confronted major communal conflicts including the Ezza-Effium crisis and clashes involving Ebaomege and Ishinkwo communities, stressing that peace had gradually returned to the affected areas through the governor’s intervention and commitment to dialogue.
On the solid minerals sector, the commissioner described Ebonyi as one of Nigeria’s leading states in mineral production, particularly in lead and zinc deposits. He noted that the administration had restored investor confidence through policies that promote ease of doing business and stronger relationships between mining companies and host communities.
Onyia further commended the governor’s proactive approach to security, revealing that Ebonyi currently hosts over 500 foreign nationals working in the mining sector without any reported security threat, a development he attributed to improved security architecture in the state.
He maintained that the achievements of the administration in infrastructure and rural development were largely underreported, noting that several road projects and critical infrastructure were ongoing across rural communities to open up neglected areas and improve economic activities.
The commissioner also highlighted interventions in healthcare and education, including the revitalisation of general hospitals, deployment of resident doctors to rural hospitals, provision of ambulances and the revival of scholarship programmes for Ebonyi students studying within and outside the country.
He expressed confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s re-election prospects, insisting that the administration’s policies and programmes had continued to gain acceptance across the state, while urging political appointees and stakeholders to support the governor’s vision by contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities.