Abakaliki, Nigeria – Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi says his administration has deployed huge resources to drive government policies, including that on environment.
Nwifuru disclosed this on Tuesday in Abakaliki at celebrations marking Nigeria @64 and Ebonyi @ 28.
The governor said that steps such as the rehabilitation and deployment of the Ebonyi municipal waste sorting plant at Umuoghara Recycling Plant were taken to get it right in the environment,
He added that procurement, installation and operation of a recycling Plant in the sorting plant at Umuoghara was also made to enhance environmental policy.
“Through our dogged effort to improve our environment, Ebonyi emerged as leader in South East.
“Ebonyi is also second in Southern Nigeria and third in the entire country in climate governance performance rating for 2024,” Nwifuru said.
He further disclosed that payment of N 200 million counterpart fund for the continuation of flood control with the European Investments Bank, among other interventions, were made to support and ensure progress in the project.
On road development, the governor said “We’re presently working on 700km of roads across communities in the 13 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
Appreciating the contribution of the forefathers to the development of the state, the governor said he was committed to delivering on the “Peoples Charter of Needs” of his administration.
He expressed joy at the state of advancement that Ebonyi had achieved since its creation, and called on all stakeholders to support his policies for a better state and Nigeria at large.
According to him, in areas of roads and bridges, “we are determined to expand our roads infrastructure to rural areas and to strengthen our economy.
“Within the last one year and few months we are proud to say that we are effectively present in over 700km of roads in the State.
“Some have been completed while the others are under construction. Some of the roads includes: Ishielu water works road, Nnorom Street, Udude-Ukwuakpu Street connecting Emefor, and Alo Streets.
“The Pavement section of some of the roads has been completed.
On human capital development, Nwifuru said he would continue to promote vocational and technical education for skills enhancement, paying attention to the well-being of the people (Stomach Infrastructure).
“We have worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for our youth and women through skills acquisition programs, financial grants, and entrepreneurial support.
“The empowerment of 500 people of Ebonyi with N2 million each is yielding significant results.
“We have also empowered 1,500 Ebonyi Youths drawn from across the 13 LGAs of the State with N1 million each,” the Governor added.
In his goodwill message, Dr Sam Egwu, the first civilian Governor of the state, hailed the numerous achievements of Nwifuru and urged him to keep the flag flying.
“We are enjoying peace today in the state because we have Nwifuru as our Governor. When the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice,” Egwu said.