By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Wednesday led citizens in celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary and the 29th anniversary of Ebonyi State, pledging deeper commitment to the “People’s Charter of Needs Agenda” and unveiling key milestones of his administration.
Speaking at the anniversary event in Abakaliki, the Governor paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s founding fathers and the heroes of Ebonyi State creation, noting that their sacrifices had laid the foundation for today’s progress.
Nwifuru commended former governors of the state Senator Sam Ominyi Egwu, Chief Martin Elechi, and Senator David Umahi for their contributions to education, unity, and infrastructure development.
Education and Human Capital
Nwifuru highlighted education as the “compass” of his government, recounting reforms such as the demerger of the Ministry of Education to allow for a new Ministry of Tertiary Education.
He announced that hundreds of Ebonyi youths are benefiting from local and foreign postgraduate scholarships, with many already in the United Kingdom and other partner countries.
The Governor said construction of 22-classroom blocks in 39 model secondary schools and 12-classroom blocks in primary schools was underway across the state.
He further disclosed that Ebonyi had established the University of ICT at Oferekpe Agbaja and a University of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering, with academic programmes and admissions already in progress.
“We believe no Ebonyi child’s potential should be wasted. Education remains our surest path to development,” Nwifuru declared.
Infrastructure Development
On infrastructure, the Governor reported aggressive road construction in all 13 local government areas, including rural link roads and the ongoing VANCO Flyover project in Abakaliki.
He said bridges and culverts were being built to connect communities, while streetlight installations and urban renewal efforts were transforming the state capital.
“These milestones represent access to markets, safer communities, and greater dignity for our people,” he said.
Healthcare and Social Welfare
Nwifuru described health as a “sacred priority,” citing the revitalization of primary healthcare centres across all LGAs, equipped with drugs, solar power, and diagnostic tools. He announced a ₦500,000 monthly allowance for doctors and improved welfare for health workers.
The state, he added, had expanded Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, recruited new medical personnel, and rolled out public health programmes including free maternal and child healthcare under the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA).
“These investments are not statistics they are stories of lives saved, babies delivered safely, and communities made healthier,” he said.
Youth Empowerment and Economy
The Governor also reeled out youth-focused initiatives, including the Hawkers’ Fund which has supported over 700 street traders with capital packages up to ₦2 million, and a Vocational Skills Acquisition Programme that trained 1,500 youths with ₦2 billion in start-up grants and kits.
In agriculture, he noted that 300 farmers across the 171 wards were trained under the Integrated Farming Model, while the Nkaliki Hatchery and a feed mill project were revitalized.
Security and Governance
Nwifuru assured that Ebonyi remains one of the safest states in the South-East, crediting collaborations with security agencies, vigilante groups, and the strengthened Neighborhood Watch.
On workers’ welfare, he announced that civil servants now earn a minimum wage of ₦90,000, while arrears inherited from past administrations have been cleared. Traditional rulers, he said, are being honoured with new palaces to strengthen cultural heritage and community governance.
A Call for Unity
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, the judiciary, elders, civil society groups, and citizens for their support. He also praised his wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, for her role in empowering widows and supporting the less privileged.
“As we celebrate Nigeria at 65 and Ebonyi at 29, let us recommit to peace, unity, and productivity. With education, modern infrastructure, healthcare, empowered youths, and transparent governance, Ebonyi shall rise as a model for Nigeria and Africa,” Nwifuru said.