₦airaland Forum

Ebony STC, OGP Conclude joint Review Meeting, Develop Action Plan for Reform Sustainability

Ebonyi State Transformation Committee STC and the Open Government Partnership has concluded a three day review meeting with the development of a joint action plans to to sustain successes recorded through the programmes

Speaking at the three-day review meeting held at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu from 25th to 27th September 2024, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Grace Umezurike said the State has gained a lot from the programmes of USAID State2State. She noted the readiness of government to institutionalize the reforms that will further guarantee good governance and actualization of the people’s charter of needs policy of the State.

The SSG who is the Co-Chair of the State Transformation Committee (STC), also advocated for the extension of USAID State2State activities in the State, to allow for more capacity building and effective ownership of the reforms that have placed the State on a global map.
On his part, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Chief Mathias Adum thanked USAID State2State for their various intervention programmes, trainings and activities aimed at ensuring due process, standard and good governance as been witnessed in the priority sectors. He pledged that his office would continue to collaborate with the OGP team to achieve the objectives of State2state programmes in Ebonyi State.

In his opening remarks, the State Team Lead of USAID State2State, Dr. Sam Onyia said the joint meeting of the STC and OGP members was to harmonize their plans and activities for a greater synergy in achieving good governance in Ebonyi State.

“We expect that at the end of this review meeting, the outcome will be a joint action plan for effective coordination and collaboration between STC and OGP towards achieving sustainable development in the State.

“The State Transformation Committee is State2State's highest organ for promoting public financial management reforms in the state , coordinate governance issues, improving effectiveness, accountability and transparency, especially in priority sectors of primary health, basic education and WASH.

The Open Government Partnership (OGP)promotes better relations between the government and the people for transparency and good governance.in Ebonyi, Its pillars Fiscal Transparency, Access to Information, Citizens’ Engagement, Border Peace and Conflict Management.

“So, bringing both STC and OGP together is to enhance coordination, collaboration, synergy and sustainability of these reforms. When the two bodies come together to harmonize what they are doing, and have proper collaboration and coordination, the next task would be to achieve consolidation, institutionalization and proper sustainability”, he stated.

Also speaking, USAID State2State Communication Specialist, Nneka Acholonu Egbunna and the GESI Specialist, Ejiro Okotie, emphasized that the joint meeting would strengthen the platform for collaboration and synergy between STC and OGP members. They maintained that the two groups would jointly review the STC Reform Sustainability Plan and the OGP State Action plan to ensure that the drivers of these reform plans are working toward the goal of inclusive good governance in Ebonyi State.

On their part, the co-chair of OGP and Executive Director of DIGFoundation, Chief Oliver Aja Chima, and his counterpart in STC, Mr. Eleri Ewa who was represented by Lovenda Nnachi, said the collaboration between government and civil society organization organizations (CSOs) have been very fruitful. They noted that the joint review meeting was an important milestone and thanked Ebonyi State government for its commitment to implementing the reforms supported by State2State in the State. They harped on need for greater synergy to improve on the success so far recorded, through consolidation and sustainability plans.

Highlights of the three-day review meeting were the development of joint Action Plan for the effective implementation of the STC Reform sustainability plan and the OGP State Action Plan. Others include a seven point communiqué and recommendations on how government can own the reforms in the State, through the establishment of the State transformation office to be domiciled in the Governor’s office and to be headed by a Director in the State Civil Service.

Cholera outbreak: Ebonyi Senator donates 120million for provision of motorized borehole




The Deputy Senate Chief Whip and Senator Representing Ebonyi North at the National Assembly Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has donated One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Million Naira(120,000,000.00) only for the provision of motorized borehole in the selected community of within his Senatorial district.

The Senator also promised to distribute twenty five (25) hand pump boreholes across his Senatorial district as a way of giving his people portable water for better life.

Nwebonyi disclosed this in an interview with journalists while sympathizing with families of cholera victims within his Senatorial district.

He however urged the people of his Senatorial district to take precautionary measures to end the further spread of the disease.

"The outbreak of cholera is very unfortunate, I want to use this medium to sympathize with the family of those that have lost their dear one in the cause of the deadly disease. However, the Senator urged the people to take precautionary measures to end the spread of the disease. I have also contacted the ministry of Health for intervention and I am going home with drugs to immunize the people to avoid contacting the disease.

"Knowing that cholera is a water borne disease, and water is one of the essential needs, as I speak to you, I have voted 120million Naira for provision of motorized borehole in the selected community of Ebonyi North Senatorial district. Outside that, I have 25 hand pump boreholes that will be distributed across Ebonyi North Senatorial district all gears giving our people portable water for better life".

Chuba Okadigbo Airport flight resumption: We're waiting NCAA's approval for operations... Obichukwu





Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, has said that flight operations of the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, Onueke is expected to commence soon



Obichukwu who stated this in an interview with journalists shortly after the independence anniversary celebration of Nigeria at 64 and creation of Ebonyi State at 28, at the governor's office, centenary city Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State said "it is the NCAA and FAN that will give accurate date".


She said government had engaged the
necessary authorities and regulatory agencies and waiting their approval for flight operations .


She noted that the creation of Ebonyi State by the former head of state, late Sani Abachi brought greater development and progress to the people of the state.

"The birth of Ebonyi State has brought so many good dividends in the State. Ebonyi has been in Goodluck having good governors that their administrations have played for the 28 years and I appreciate God for that. We are celebrating in Economic development, social development, regional development, general administration and we are thankful to God and we appreciate Gov. Nwifuru.

"We are already engaging necessary authorities regulation, regulatory that we give us the permission. So right now, we have passed almost all their tests we where waiting for the friction test and all the other test that was needed and now by the Grace of God, we are getting through.

"I plead with Ebonyi people Aviation is like hospital, we are talking about safety of lives, is not ordinary buy and sale in the market so everything that needs to be done should be done in accurate regulations.


Speaking on the amount spent by governor Francis Nwifuru on the rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo's airport, the commissioner said that it is not quantifiable and that there are other renovations going on at the airport.

"The runway cost N17 billion and we are happy that even the NCCA that came, they applauded our Governor Nwifuru for a good job well done, after the measured the road , shoulder, everything around the runway was accurate and we are happy.

"So the funds spent so is determined by federal ministry of aviation quantity surveyors are working on it. There are so many things that needs to be done and we are hoping to get through it. On how to generate IGR, the commissioner said " I am very sure of IGR. The airport is the catalyst to the economic development of any State.

"In the country we have 22 airport which 5 among them are international airports and Ebonyi is going to be one immediately we receive the license to start flying and looking at the strategy position of the airport, our catchment areas are not in doubt talk of ikom, Benue, kogi and Abia this are the areas we are hoping and is not only the human traffic we are talking of cargo airport in other to address the market flow of Ebonyi State.

"We are going to be linking with other countries and I have started receiving applications from Dubai so that they could be coming here to buy our produce and go back to their country. So the economic revival and boost cannot be emphasize once we commence flight operation" she stated.

NUJ Lauds Nwifuru's development strides



Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council has lauded Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his giant strides in infrastructure and human capital development.

Chairman of NUJ in the State, Comrade Nwafor Samson, made the commendation on Friday shortly after the tour of some projects of the Governor, across the State by members of NUJ, as part of activities to mark this year's 2024 Press Week.

Nwafor who led other Journalists to the project sites noted that the Governor had demonstrated capacity in delivering good governance to the people through his People's Charter of needs agenda.

At the site of the ongoing ICT University, Oferekpe, University of Aeronautic Engineering, Ezza, and the Vanco flyover projects, Comrade Nwafor described the projects as signature projects that would place the State on the global map.

According to him, the two universities when completed would create jobs for the teeming youths of the State.

The State NUJ boss also commended Governor Nwifuru on the aggressive road infrastructure scattered across the state as well as the Izzo and Amaze housing Units being constructed for displaced victims of communal crisis, even as he called on all the Contractors handling all the projects to deliver on time and according to specifications for the benefits of the people of the State.

Nwafor who condemned the slow pace of work at the Amaze section of the housing units, called on the contractors handling the projects not to take the Governor's magnanimity for granted.

"We strongly condemn the slow pace of work, particularly at Amaze housing units.

"From our findings, the State government was religious in meeting its own part of the contract terms, so it will be an act of betrayal on the part of the Contractors not to respect the contract terms.

"We understand that the State Government gave the contract of building the housing units to indigenous contractors to promote local content and stop Capital flight. We therefore urge the contractors not to take the Governor's magnanimity for granted," Nwafor said.

Speaking on the total renovation of the State owned Radio and Television station, Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), the NUJ Chairman described the total overhaul done in both infrastructure and equipment of the station by Governor Nwifuru as unprecedented.

He added that Governor Nwifuru had no doubt demonstrated his love for the Media and assured of the Union's readiness to sustain the support and partnership that exist between the government and Journalists in the State.

"As a body, we deeply commend the Governor for the priority attention his administration has given to the only State owned radio and television station. This total overhaul on the station as well as the approval for the reconstruction of the Director-General's quarters as well as other welfare interventions for the staff of the Corporation is a demonstration of his love for the Media, and we thank the Governor for this unprecedented feat and assure him of our continuous support and partnership", Nwafor added.

Other projects visited by NUJ include: Ezillo/Iyonu/Ezzagu road, ongoing construction of palaces for traditional Rulers in the State, Pulverization plant, Chuba Okadigbo airport runway, primary and school building projects, among other projects.END//

Ooni of Ife appoints Ebonyi man diaspora rep



The Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, has appointed an Ebonyi born business magnate, Ani Uzoma, popularly known as Soul 2 Soul, as his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on International Business and Culture (South East) on Diaspora Matters.


In an appointment letter dated 9th September, 2024 which became effective from 15th September 2024, the revered royal father noted that the appointment will offer Mr. Ani the opportunity to interface with his friends and business partners from the South East region who reside outside the shores of Nigeria.


This appointment underscores Ooni's love for the people of the South East region of Nigeria, and further proved his untiring commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria.


Ani, a former Executive Assistant (EA) to the immediate past Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, on Internal Security hails from Onicha Igboeze, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Ani had equally served as a Senior Technical Assistant to the former Governor on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment before his elevation as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security.

Group felicitates Ekumankama on inauguration for 2nd term

--Urges him to consolidate on achievements


By Dave Uka

A socio political group, Mezie Edda Grassroot Movement, MEGA has felicitated the Executive Chairman of Edda council area,Prince Chima Ekumankama on his electoral victory and subsequent inauguration for a second term in office encouraging him to consolidate on his earlier achievements for Ndi Edda through more good works.


The Vice Chairman of the group, chief Ogbonnaya Eberechukwu who stated this in an interview with journalists in Abakaliki during the inaugural ceremony of the chairman, noted that Ekumankama’s victory at the poll was as a result of his outstanding performance in his first tenure in office.

He explained that the second term would give the chairman the needed time to consolidate on his developmental strides in the local government in his quest to build a stronger and united Edda.

He described Chima as a grassroot politician whose passion and dedication to service have set a high bar for leadership in the local government council.

He called the people of Edda Clan to continue to rally round Hon Ekumankama as he expressed confidence that his second tenure would surely bring even greater progress and transformative achievements that would uplift the lives of the people and set new standards of governance.

Chief Eberechukwu who reaffirmed the group unwavering support and loyalty to the administration prayed that the grace that marked his first tenure would continue to guide and strengthen him throughout his second tenure.

He also used the opportunity to thanked the state governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru and Chief Stanley Emegha, the All Progressives Congress state party chairman for providing a peaceful political environment for the emergence of Hon Ekumankama for second term in office.

He described the group Mezie Edda Grassroot Movement as a movement of the entire Edda towards solidification of the political platform of the entire Edda Clan so that they can speak with one voice and do things accordingly.

Izzo/ Amanze housing Project: Ebonyi govt vows to prosecute default contractors



By Ukah Dave

Ebonyi State government has vowed to arrest and prosecute default contractors delaying the completion of 140 housing units in Izzo and Amanze communities, Ishielu local government area of the state.

The State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Engineer Francis Ori, who disclosed this in Abakaliki during a joint press briefing with the State Commissioner for Information, Hon.Jude Chikadibia okpor
threatened that any of the contractor that fails to complete the project after 25th September, 2024, would be arrested and prosecuted.

The 140 three-bedroom bungalows which would be used to resettle the displaced persons in the Ezillo/Ezza Ezillo communal war that claimed thousands of lives and properties worth billions of naira which was resolved by the past administration in the state, were awarded to 87 contractors by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

Out of the 87 contractors, only 24 of them have completed their projects while 63 were yet to do so.

Ori said "you will recall that on 22nd September, 2023, Ebonyi State government awarded contracts to various contractors for the construction of 140 units of three bedroom bungalows for Izzo and Amanze autonomous communities. These one hundred -forty bedrooms were shared evenly 70/ 70 per autonomous community.

"These contractors signed contract agreement with the ministry and mobilized 50% first in the history and they commenced construction. Along the line, they started making some request from the ministry which we considered. We deemed it necessary to convey a meeting with the the contractors.

" We had a meeting with the contractors on the 22nd of January, 2024 when the contractors having stayed up to the required time at the site. They came complaining that they need a variation of the job and we said no, we paid you people 50% of the mobilisation upon that you are expected to have completed the sub structural and super structural work.

"It was a very a long argument and after the day, I briefed my boss whom out of grace said we should give them up till April and the contractors were mobilized back to site and if you have any certificate outstanding should indicate and some of the contractors applied and we paid them and they returned back to site. Little did we know that some of them did not complete the project.

"When we now conveyed another meeting of the contractors on June, the contractors started giving many excuses and we told them to go back to site and complete the job. Some of these contractors are still waiting to see what we will do up till few days ago when the Ojiji festival, the Governor directed that any contractor who fails to finish his job on or before 25th of September shall be arrested and prosecuted according to the law of the contract agreement.

"Yesterday, I was at the site for inspection, I saw some of the contractors coming back to site and I do hope they are coming back to site to complete the work.

"Immediately the contract was awarded, the contractors signed contract agreement with the ministry. That agreement was drafted from the ministry of justice of Ebonyi State government. The contractors were given to go through it before signing of which they did.

"There is a very important section of the contractual agreement, ie, article 5 subsection ( g) that stated that contractors has no reason to stop that work except if certificate generated is delayed on payment and they have minimum of three months to stay in that site. These contractors have spent close to a year in that site and some of them are not ready to finish this job if we allow them to go the way they are going about it. They are also aware that this is a contract and I do not see reasons contractors should default".

On his part, Okpor said the law will take it's course on the contract no matter whose ox is gored and urged the contractors to comply with the agreement with the state government.

"If the governor's well thought out intensions to accommodate local contents in execution of contract in the State is referred to as kinsmen, I do not understand. But the truth remains that Ebonyi is an economy all of us must make conscious effort to stimulate if the resources of the state are given access to participate in the execution of contract, it will go a long way to stimulate the economy of the state, because these people are going to buy materials from people of the state and invariably it will help them to pay their taxes and other obligations to the State.

" So, no matter who is involved as His Excellency said, the law will take its course at the end of the expiration of this time that has been set by the state government because nobody is going to drag the state government out because of its magnanimity to patronise local content", he stated.

Revenue Boss vows to Boost Revenue collection in Ebonyi

By Uka Dave

The Executive chairman of Ebonyi State Board of internal Revenue Services, Chief Christopher Omo-Isu has said the Board was striving towards increasing internally generated revenue in the State.

Omo-Isu who stated this while briefing Journalists in Abakaliki said the Board is
poised to boost the revenue generation of the state by greater percentage to enable the governor, Francis Nwifuru to execute more life touching projects in the State.

The chairman who decried the activities of fake revenue taskforce agents who go about extorting petty traders in the various markets in the state, said the Board is making efforts to checkmate them however charged security operatives to clampdown on them to avert further extortion.

He said the board had launched tax digital automation with the aim to block all revenue generation leakages in the state.


According to him: "When we were inaugurated, governor Francis Nwifuru, made it clear that there are categories of people that we should not tax in Ebonyi state, you can't go to market and tax people who are selling vegetables. We even had a writeups that we circulated, telling our agents not to tax people who are doing business that are not up fifty or hundred thousand.

"We made it as a point of duty, if you are working for this service, don't go to such people to tax them. We don't go to markets to ask somebody who is selling tomatoes, vegetables to pay tax. If any person is doing it, such person or people are not from this service, and they are not doing it on behalf of the board.

"We did not engage such person or people and they are not from us, this is because we know our targets. In issue of tax, you don't force people to pay rather you convince people to know that it is their social responsibility to pay tax, and definitely they will come to pay.

"So, all these people collecting taxes from the tomatoes, vegetable sellers and other petty traders are not from us and we can't encourage them to do such.

"We have set up our taskforce to go to the markets and we are working with the police to get those collecting taxes from peasant farmers and petty traders arrested.

"We are doing everything possible to make sure that our revenue generation is boosted. And what we are trying to do, is to make sure that all leakages are stopped. For instance some people will come here, in my office, I will be here, if you come to pay tax somebody may stop you there, and collect higher money from you and will come here to remit small money to us here.

"That's the leakage, but if you are paying directly through the tax digital automation to the government account, that won't happen. So we are doing all things possible to stop the leakages, so that, if you pay any tax, it will get to the state government directly.

Ebonyi Assembly house Committee on Public Account lauds ministry of water resources as it holds Budget tracking

By Dave Ukah

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts has held it's financial budget tracking with the ministry of Water Resources where the committee was satisfied with the efforts made so far in the provision of portable water supply to the people of the State.

The Chairman of the Committee and member representing Izzi West Constituency in the Ebonyi Stare House of Assembly Hon Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri harped on the importance of water to human life and therefore see it as an utmost importance to carry out the monitoring of budget provisions for water supply.

He asserted that the Public Accounts Committee remains the only Committee that was enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended and commended the state commissioner for water resources, Magnus Chinedum Nkah for revitalizing the moribund water ministry within a very short time urging him to sustain the feat.

Speaking also, the member representing Ebonyi North East Hon Mrs Chinyere Nwogbaga, the member representing Edda East Hon Stephen Orji Igwe, the member representing Ezza South Hon Friday Ogbuewu and their counterpart from Ohaozara East Hon Chikezie Igu all commended the State Goverrnor Rt Hon Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his doggedness in repositioning the state and making water supply available to the people of the state but equally urged the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure further reticulation of the water scheme to all parts of the state.

On his part, the commissioner for water resources , Hon Magnus Chinedum NKah chronicled the achievements and projects of the Ministry to include the reactivation and rehabilitation of Ezillo water scheme, emergency repairs of water treatment plants at central resaviourr in both Abakalik and Oferekpe to forestall further vandalization of equipments at the water treatment plants, provision of water supply to fourteen General Hospitals in Ebonyi State and revitalization of EBRUWASSA which has resulted into the sinking of Fourty Seven water boreholes in some rural communities among the projects lined up for the year.

He expressed gratitude to the Committee for the meeting which he said will ensure cross fertilization of ideas and thanked the State Goverrnor, His Excellency Rt Hon Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for the enabling environment created for him to carry out his duties.

In a vote of thanks , the Permeant Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources , Engr Chukwuma Ojeogu thanked the Committee Members and assured that the ministry learnt new things from the meeting which will be put into use for better performance.

Healthcare: Stakeholders advocate for increased budgetary line for ISS projects in Ebonyi


By Dave Uka

Participants at a day Media and Stakeholders roundtable on USAID funded ISS activities in Ebonyi State have called for increased budgetary line for Integrated Supportive Supervision, ISS
to enhance effective healthcare service delivery in the State

The stakeholders who reiterated their support to ensure proper implementation of Integrated Supportive Supervision, ISS in the State also called for the involvement of the private sector in the funding of the Integrated Supportive Supervision activities in PHCs in the State.

The Stakeholders/ media dialogue was convened by the Health System Strengthening Cluster of the SCALE ,a USAID funded project through Palladium, titled Improved Quality Healthcare Service Delivery through Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS).

The cluster comprises of six (6) civil society organizations across the country viz; Life Transformation for Africa Initiative (LIFT4AFRICA), Council for Affirmative Action (COFA), Women with Disability integrity & Development Initiative (WDIDI), Bauchi State Network of Civil Societies (BASNEC), She-Alert Care Foundation (SHE-ALERT) and Better Life Restoration Initiative (BERI) serving as the anchor organization.

In his remarks the Anchor and Programme Manager, Life Transformation for Africa Initiative, Mr. Chimezie Ezeani, said the media and stakeholders engagement was to seek the support of the relevant stakeholders for successful implementation of the ISS projects in the State.

"The roundtable is aimed to discuss the role of relevant stakeholders in the State, in contributing towards improving healthcare service delivery through the creation of a budget line for Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS), in collaboration with the private sector"


He explained that Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) is a USAID sponsored programme, through the Palladium, implemented in four states in Nigeria: Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto and Ebonyi, aimed at promoting effective and efficient service delivery in the health sector.

"The Cluster is implementing The Scale project a USAID-funded 5-year project (Oct. 2020 – Oct. 2025), implemented by Palladium in collaboration with Nigeria Resource Partners (RPs)."

"Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) is an intervention that facilitates quality improvement by ensuring adequate oversight as well as skills and knowledge transfer to health care service providers. ISS has been accepted, tested and proven to enhance the performance and effectiveness of health care workers".

Some of the traditional rulers including His Royal Highness Ezeogo Ajogbo Okoro and His Royal Highness Ezeogo Amah Otu-Uzo of Oso and Owutu-Edda communities respectively, reaffirmed their continued support, so as to ensure that the primary healthcare centres in their various communities are properly taken care of, and also disclosed their challenges in the Integrated Supportive Supervision exercise.

Also speaking the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Samson Nwafor expressed gratitude to USAID and the anchoring team for always bringing life touching projects for the people of Ebonyi State, and promised that the journalists in the state would continue to use their various media organizations to support the initiative.

Provost FCET Isu confer with Fellow Academy of Edu Mgt, Policy Practitioners


By Dave Uka


The Provost Federal College of Education Technical Isu Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi state Prof. Okey Reuben Okechukwu was on weekend conferred with the fellow of Academy of Education Management and Policy Practitioners.

The event took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.

Our reporter gartherd that Prof. Okey Reuben Okechukwu, Fcai, PHF, was born in Abonyi – Okpoto, Oke Reuben Edede Okechukwu hails from Okpoto in Ishielu L.G.A of Ebonyi State. He attended Boys Secondary School Ezzamgbo and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He holds M.Ed and Ph.D from University of Nigeria.


Prof. Okey Okechukwu as he’s fondly called is a scholar, humanist, chartered administrator, devout Catholic, Community Leader and philanthropist per excellence. He has touched many lives.


The Provost at the home front is a peace maker. He has resolved many nagging and seemingly irreconcilable differences among high worth individuals and returned peace to the land even at very trying moments be it politics, religion or supremacy tussle in Okpoto land and beyond. He is adjudged a kind hearted, honest and lover of God.


He have held many public and corporate leadership positions such as Chairman, Committee of return of schools to the missionaries, Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), SA to the Governor on Education, SA to the National Assembly on Insurance and Allied Matters, Provost Federal College of Education Technical in Ebonyi State, etc.

Prof. is always ready and available to serve and work for God and humanity Prof Okechukwu, the Provost of the Federal College of Education Technical in Ebonyi State has consistently advocated for peace and sustainable democracy in the nation’s leadership.


Prof. Okechukwu holds over 100 Awards and Honours namely: NYSC Honours Award, Award of Excellence in Effective Tertiary Education Administration by University of Nigeria Nsukka, Fellow Chartered Institute of Administration, Paul Harris Fellow, Platinum award for corporate leadership, HIGH CHIEF, IKE OKPOTO OF OKPOTO Ancient kingdom, Ozo Igbo Ndu, shield of the masses, pillar of the church, Award of excellence by CWON, the only man member of the National Council of Catholic Women Organization Nigeria (CWON), Ambassador of Catholic Television of Nigeria, among others.

Ebonyi: Edda West DC Coordinator hails Women's role in Nation building



The Coordinator of Edda West Development Center Hon. Jecklin Onwubiko Ukpai has commended women for the noble roles they play in nation building

Hon. Ukpai who stated this during the flag off of this year Itim Edda Development Union ( Women wing) annual August Women meeting at Umunnabuike Primary School field, Itim Edda said the doggedness and steadfastness of women towards building a better society could not be overemphasized.

He stressed that women, worldwide, have contributed immensely in the development of the society.

He congratulated the women on their special occasion which he described as a unifying event for the entire Itim Edda Women

He maintained that the annual August meeting has become a veritable platform for women to unite, reflect and interact on development issues as well as proffer solutions to the challenges confronting them in particular and the society in general.

He admonished them to be worthy ambassadors of peace in their respective homes and engender the virtues of uprightness and commitment towards the growth of Itim Edda


He pledged to support the building project of the women and thereafter donated 0ne Hundred thousand Naria and fifty bags of Cement


The Coordinator who reiterated his commitment to continue to partner women in all sectors of development for the common good of the people of the area called on them to continue to support and rally round the present administration in the State under the dynamic leadership of Chief Francis Nwifuru and wife Chief Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru for their good efforts in transforming Ebonyi State.



Highpoint of the event was a prayer from the women for the successful tenure of the Coordinator

Fuel subsidy removal made funds available for FG, states to function effectively– Sen. Eze

By Ukah Dave

The Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial district ,Senator Kenneth Eze, has defended the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government (FG) noting that it has made funds available for the FG and states to function effectively.

Eze, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Information made stated this at his home town, Ohaigbo Amagu in Ezza South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state during his one year constituency briefing and presentation of agricultural and empowerment items to his constituents.

The Senator said, though the effects of the subsidy might be hard, its overall benefits would soon be acknowledged by the citizens of the country.

"The removal was an unavoidable measure to prevent the government from running out of resources.

“States in particular could not had seen funds to run its operations if the subsidy was not removed. I join other leaders in the country to urge the citizens to be patient".

He explained that the economic problems Nigeria is facing currently did not begin with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but had built up for several years.

“Nigerians should know that the leaders feel their pains but with time, the policies of the present administration would manifest fully and things would be better.

"It takes a courageous and responsive government to take endearing economic policies which would not only correct the mistakes of the past but would secure the citizens's future".

Eze during the briefing, distributed over 1000 bags of fertilizer to farmers across the four LGAs which make up his constituency, assuring them of continued provision of democratic dividends.

He explained that the recent nationwide protest affected the transportation of the fertilizer from the depot in the North ahead of the event,but assured that as more of the fertilizers arrive the State, more farmers would benefit.

He noted that 220 bags of fertilizer was allocated to Ezza North, LGA, 220 to Ezza South, 400 to Ikwo, and 320 to Ishielu LGAs.

"I have made a financial allocation of N10 million to ease the transportation of the fertilizer to your various wards."


Senator Eze further said: "I have played pivotal roles in the passage of five significant bills in the National Assembly, co-sponsored several other important bills and stopped the passage of bills detrimental to my constituents' interest.

"I have facilitated the employment of over fifty Ebonyi people in the federal civil service as part of ongoing efforts to combat unemployment in the state,".

He thanked the State Governor, Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, for fostering unity and adhering to the people’s charter of needs manifesto, noting that the governor would always have his support and that of his constituents.

"We wouldn’t have gotten our share of his magnanimity if not for the unity he entrenched in the state, as he created an enabling environment that allows leaders serve their people effectively,"

The Chairman of the Association of Local Government Of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Chief Moses Ogbdo- Ali Nome commended the senator for his magnanimity towards his constituents, noting that such was the hallmark of effective representation.

"The people are yearning for good governance from their leaders and would always appreciate those who enhance their wellbeing especially in these hard times,".

Mrs Jane Igboke, a Beneficiary at the event, thanked the senator and pledged to judiciously utilise the item in her farming endeavour.

Other Stakeholders who spoke at the event including a business Mogul,Arc. Christian Asaga, Deputy Principal Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Hon Ereke, former Commissioner for Local Government, Hon Celestine Nwali, Commissioner for Rural Development in Ebonyi State, Barrister Ikeuwa Omebe, Commissioner for Environment in the State, Hon Victor Chukwu, Council Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo, Council Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Dr Obinna Onwe, among others, commended Senator Eze for offering effective representation to the people of the zone and assured of their support. END//

Ebonyi govt flags off training of CSD projects management committees



By Ukah Dave

Ebonyi State government has flaged off training of Community and Social development projects implementation management committees for 54 communities qualified for CSDA support under the NG-CARES programme,a world Bank Assisted project.


The training was meant to empower the committees of the benefiting communities with the prerequisite knowledge on how to carry out the world Bank Assited projects in their various communities in line with the world Bank approved standard.


Flagging off the training at Re Meritona Hotel Abakaliki, the governor, stated that the event anchored by Ebonyi State Community and Social Development Agency, EB-CSDA in collaboration with Ministry of Human Capital Development and Monitoring would not tolerate sharp practices.

Nwifuru who was represented at the event by the state Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs Ann Aligwe who said that the programme is in line with the People's Charter of Needs agenda charged the benefiting communities to make judicious use of the fund to execute their choice projects.


She stressed that the fund would be paid into communities's account after the training and warned the benefiting communities against shuddy job stating that government would not tolerate sharp practices.

The General Manager,Ebonyi state community and social Development Agency, EB-CSDA, Mr James Iroh, said that fifteen members of Community Project Management Committee were selected from each of the communities for the training as to ensure proper monitoring and implementation of the projects and added that with the support of NGOs and units that the project would be properly supervised according to the global standard of the Agency.

The chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi state chapter, Comrade Samson Nwafor who is also the chairman implementation committee of Amuzu Community in Ezza South Council Area described the training as impactful stating that the opportunity was to direct committee on the best approach to executing the project and promised to protect them for the fulfilment of the purpose it was executed.

Also, Mr Ewa Nworie, who represented Eka-Awoke community in Ikwo, and Mrs Nwabugo Nwankwo of Ezza-Ofu Community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi state who said the intensive training was meant to empower the committees with the prerequisite knowledge on how to carry out the world Bank Assited projects in their various communities in line with the world Bank approved standard and promised to carry the assignment optimally.

Our Correspondent reports that the one day training programme was organized for community project management committee (CPMCs), Local Government Desk Officers,(MDA DOCs) in the third batch of 54 communities that qualified for Agency support under the NG-CARES programme of World Bank Assisted Projects.

Ebonyi: NGO Calls for Private Sector engagement in Primary Health Centers supervision

Uka Dave


A Non- Governmental Organization, Life Transformation for Africa Initiative (LIFT4AFRICA) has called for the establishment of a private sector engagement unit within the Primary Health Centers Departments of Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State to assist in mobilizing resources for Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) activities in the State.


The Program Manager of LIFT4AFRICA, Mr. Ezeani Chiemezie who made the call over the weekend at a media roundtable organized by the foundation in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi state said non-inclusion of private sector partners in funding and supporting ISS activities in the state is depriving the state of valuable resources.

He said that the initiative, anchored by the Better Life Restoration Initiative (BERI), aimed at achieving the USAID-funded five-year Health System Strengthening Cluster project in the state.

He said the project, implemented by Palladium in collaboration with Nigeria Resource Partners (RPS), is titled “Improved Quality Healthcare Service Delivery through ISS.”

He explained that the unit, would play a crucial role in mobilizing resources for ISS activities, thereby reducing the heavy reliance on donor funding.

“Domestic financial support for ISS in Ebonyi is inadequate, leading to high dependency on donor funding,” Ezeani noted. “While donor support is important, it is mostly unsustainable and has debilitating effects on ISS continuity.”

Ezeani identified several challenges facing ISS activities in Ebonyi, including the high cost of fuel and transportation, which has negatively impacted the frequency and coverage of supervision, especially in hard-to-reach communities.

He also pointed out that supervision activities are primarily conducted in facilities receiving the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and other interventions, leaving many health clinics and health posts without adequate oversight.

He pointed out that Ebonyi state has 504 primary health centers (PHCs), but only 171 of these centers, which amounts to one per ward, receive adequate supervision.

This lack of comprehensive supervision, he argued, severely undermines the quality of healthcare delivery across the state.

Ezeani stressed that without dedicated funding for ISS, the state’s healthcare system would continue to struggle with inefficiencies and poor service delivery

“The reliance on donor funding for conducting supervision is unsustainable,” he said.

“The non-inclusion of private sector partners in funding and supporting ISS activities in the state is depriving the state of valuable resources. Additionally, the absence of a Technical Working Group to plan and implement ISS activities in the state is having a negative impact.” He stated.

Nweze applauds President Tinubu on signing South-East Development Commission bill

By Dave Ukah


The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement South East, Mrs. Chioma Nweze has applauded President Bola Tinubu for signing the South-East Development Commission bill into Law

Mrs Chioma in a statement praised the President’s commitment to addressing the region’s development challenges and fostering unity noting that the assent of the bill represents a significant stride towards addressing historical disparities and promoting inclusivity which would
engender greater sense of belonging to the Nigerian project among the southeastern populace.

The Statement reads: "I am delighted to convey my heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving assent to the long-awaited bill for the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission.

"The landmark endorsement of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) represents a significant stride towards addressing historical disparities and promoting inclusivity which would engender greater sense of belonging to the Nigerian project among the southeastern populace.

"Mr President’s action in giving the SEDC Act the full force and effect of the law clearly embodies a commitment to uplifting marginalised communities and fostering national cohesion under the Renewed Hope agenda.

"I expect that the expeditious coming into force of the Commission, in addition to addressing the developmental challenges faced by the South East region of Nigeria, will provide a clear roadmap for targeted interventions to promote economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare in the region.

In a related development, the SSA to the President on Community Engagement South East, Nweze, however applauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Andy Uba and others for their contributions in ensuring that the bill is given an accelerated passage.

"I specially salute the National assembly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District Chief Andy Uba and forerunners like Senator Stella Odua and others, for working tirelessly to ensure that the Bill survived its turbulent and protracted legislative journey which began since 2017, and for giving it accelerated passage" she stressed.

Gov Nwifuru disburses N2.055bn Micro project, labour welfare Work fund

By Dave Ukah

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has flagged off the disbursement of N2.055 billion Naira to 100 communities for micro projects and 2,040 persons for Labour Intensive Public Welfare work in the State .


Governor Nwifuru while disbursing the cheques to the beneficiary communities, implored them to make judicious use of the funds for the development of their communities and the good of Ebonyi State.

The governor who was represented by the speaker Ebonyi state House of Assembly,Moses Ije-Odunwa said that the state wide micro-project and fund disbursement would be beneficial to 100 qualified communities to the tone of 12.5 million naira for each community for the development of the rural projects.

The Speaker also noted that 2,040 labour intensive public workfare beneficiaries would receive the sum of one hundred and eighty (180,000) per individual and said that the decision was in line with the governor's people's charter of needs mantra.

"Our government is committed to embarking on community-driven development projects and taking care of the people's welfare in Ebonyi State. Just imagine when the 100 projects are simultaneously embarked on and completed in the 100 qualified communities in this state."

Earlier, the state Commissioner for human capital development and monitoring, Mrs Ann Aligwe said that the areas of focus in the community projects were chosen by the people who know the basic needs of their communities.

She commended Governor Nwifuru for embarking on humanitarian services, noting that the empowerment of the 100 communities would bring in different social amenities including pipe-borne holes, electricity, health centers, schools, among others in the state.

He added that the disbursement of 180,000 Naira to each of the 2,040 Labour Intensive Public Workfare beneficiaries were selected across the 13 local government areas and would receive alerts in two batches, making it 360,000 Naira per person.

According to her, each of the Labour Intensive Public Workfare beneficiaries was supposed to be receiving 30,000 Naira every month, but the state governor decided to pay them in long sums in two batches due to the harsh economy to cushion the effects.

She assured that the beneficiaries would receive alerts for the second batch after Six months, urging them to utilize the fund for economic-driven development purposes for the benefit of humanity.

Other speakers at the event included the General Manager of Ebonyi State Government and Social Development Agency (EB-CDA), Mr James Iron, the State Commissioner for Finance - Dr. Leonard Uguru, a member representing Ebonyi North West Constituency in the State Assembly - Barrister Nwodo Aloysius Nwodo, among others, commended Governor Nwifuru and described his administration as the people's orientated one.

In an interview, some of the beneficiaries including,Mr Abraham Ovuoba and Dr Fidelis Nwankwo said that the intervention of the state government in community projects most especially on health sector would help to save lives by curtailing mortality in health centres and appealed that the governor should give special attention in rural electrification, rural road networking and primary school renovations.

Reps. Ogah distributes fertilizers to Constituents

By Ukah Dave


The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Comrade Chinedu Ogah has distributed 800 bags of fertilizers to members of his Constituency to aid their agricultural exploits in the State.

Distributing the farm inputs , Hon. Ogah who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, urged the recipients to make judicious use of the agricultural input.

He said the gesture was meant to complement the efforts of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in the Area of Agriculture, among other sectors of the economy.

On the forthcoming July, 20, 2024 Local Government Area election in the State, Hon. Ogah charged his Constituents to come out in mass and vote during the election.

“We are here to share the 600 bags given to us from the National Assembly. It will be shared along Party lines, stakeholders and different support groups. We want it to benefit everybody. Our own is to complement the effort of our Governor. Please ensure you use the farm input judiciously.

“Everybody that believes in me should come out and vote. Every stakeholder that didn’t go home for the voting doesn’t believe in me. He stated.

Reps. Ogah distributes fertilizers to Constituents

By Ukah Dave


The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Comrade Chinedu Ogah has distributed 800 bags of fertilizers to members of his Constituency to aid their agricultural exploits in the State.

Distributing the farm inputs , Hon. Ogah who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, urged the recipients to make judicious use of the agricultural input.

He said the gesture was meant to complement the efforts of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in the Area of Agriculture, among other sectors of the economy.

On the forthcoming July, 20, 2024 Local Government Area election in the State, Hon. Ogah charged his Constituents to come out in mass and vote during the election.

“We are here to share the 600 bags given to us from the National Assembly. It will be shared along Party lines, stakeholders and different support groups. We want it to benefit everybody. Our own is to complement the effort of our Governor. Please ensure you use the farm input judiciously.

“Everybody that believes in me should come out and vote. Every stakeholder that didn’t go home for the voting doesn’t believe in me. He stated.

Tinubu committed to improving Nigerian roads... Umahi



By Ukah Dave


The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has stated that, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is much Committed to improving the State of Nigerian roads.

The Minister also said the Ministry would always ensure that contractors handling construction and rehabilitation of roads across the country, deliver quality roads that will facilitate the country’s economic development.

Umahi who stated this in his keynote address at the 29th meeting of the National Council on Works in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state called on stakeholders to work together to turn around the sector and to facilitate access of Nigerians to roads for economic prosperity and national unity

Umahi said that as a way to improve on the Nigeria roads, the ministry has abolished surface dressing and price variations by contractors handling various road projects across the country.

The theme for the 29th meeting of the National Council On Works is ‘unlocking infrastructural potentials and opportunities as a catalyst for sustainable development under the Renew Hope Agenda’

Umahi said, “This is the first time and a major feat in Ebonyi State. It involves permanent secretaries and commissioners of works of the 36 states and the representative of the federal capital territory.

“I commend the presence of the director of the Ministry of Works for re-writing the history of the ministry. There is a need for stakeholders to work together to turn around the sector and to facilitate access of Nigerians to roads for economic prosperity and national unity.

“It is our responsibility to improve the state of our roads. Mr President is not deterred; he is committed to working on abandoned projects, especially those within the economic zone.

“We have abolished surface dressing in the Ministry of Works. Within one or three months you complete the road, and the surface starts failing. We also abolish the variation of price in the Ministry of Works. On the issue of mobilisation, we have come up with a condition of mobilisation. People mobilise and run away. There is a need for training and re-training of our supervisors. It is important. The gains of this conference will be seen in our radical progress in the road infrastructure”, he said.

While declaring the meeting open, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru said that the meeting will address issues relating to contract deficits and ensure the timely execution of contracts.

He said, “The National Council on Works has drawn a road map for sustainable development of projects. It is a commitment of the dear President towards addressing the deficits on our roads. I thank Mr President and David Umahi for the national emergency on our roads. Our minister is operating on familiar terrain. He gave us the best road network and opened our rural communities.

“The entire state is receiving infrastructural attention. This is because the quality of infrastructure is needed for sustainable development. Works is the tripod on which other sectors are hinged. We have completed 700 kilometres of roads across the state.

Speaking earlier, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works, Stanley Lebechi, who appreciated stakeholders in the works sector, assured of judicious use of resolutions that will be reached at the end of the meeting.