Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Nigerian Government and Ebonyi State have vowed to strengthen partnership in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, with fresh commitments to boost infrastructure, economic empowerment, and social investment across the South-East.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, gave the assurance in Abakaliki on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Francis Nwifuru, leading a high-powered delegation from key federal information and security agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency, Voice of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission.
Malagi hailed Nwifuru’s role in promoting public understanding of the President’s policy reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate, stressing that while the measures were tough, they were already delivering fiscal savings, creating jobs, and improving project funding.
He revealed that over 400,000 Nigerians have benefitted from new education support schemes, with more than N86 billion disbursed for tuition and accommodation to students from poor backgrounds, alongside over N200 billion released to revitalise small and medium-scale enterprises.
The Minister assured that the South-East remains a priority for the Tinubu administration, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and inclusive appointments that have placed more young people and South-Easterners in key national roles.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru welcomed the federal delegation and reaffirmed Ebonyi’s readiness to align with the Federal Government to ensure reforms translate into tangible benefits, particularly for the youth.
“We must ensure that policies bring real change to our people. We will continue to strengthen systems and build on existing foundations,” the governor said.
The meeting, attended by senior state officials, security chiefs, and community leaders, is expected to pave the way for expanded collaboration in road construction, healthcare, education, and enterprise development across the state.