₦airaland Forum

The Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Speakers' Forum, and the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Chinedu Onah, and other Members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, joined the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru FNIOB, GGCEHF, at the Banquet Hall, Old Government House, Abakaliki, for a gala night in honour of the Honourable Attorney General/Minister of Justice, Attorney Generals/Commissioners for Justice, and other participants at the South East Special Policy Summit on Criminal Justice Reforms.
#Photo Speaks...

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
November 21, 2023.

EBONYI SPEAKER EXTOLS FIRST LADY FOR BERWO

The Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, has extolled the First Lady, and Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief (Mrs) Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru, on the official flag-off of Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), and launching of Gender Based Violence (GBV) center, which took place in Abakaliki.

The Speaker on his goodwill message, extolled the foresight and benevolence of the First Lady in initiating the astounding programme, adding that beneficiaries of the pet project shall continue to testify the impacts, especially for rescuing people from diseases and ill-timed demise.

"Your Excellency, I extol your foresight and benevolence in initiating this astounding programme. Many women and children, including generations unborn will always testify that during the Administration of His Excellency, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, his wife and First Lady of Ebonyi State rescued them from diseases and untimely death."

Chief Odunwa said, that the pet project was apt, given the present high cost of living, when many households find it difficult to afford astronomical medical bills, occasioned by spiraling inflation, and when a breadwinner can no longer meet a basic responsibility of providing the basic needs of the family due to joblessness. He also prayed that God should guide and protect the First Lady, and grant her more grace, to carry the programme to fruition.

Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO) is a pet project of the First Lady, and Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief (Mrs) Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru, to establish a multi purpose youth hub, improve health outcomes for women and youth, reduction of Gender Based violence (GBV), and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases, empowerment for women and youths, supporting the internally displaced persons and persons with disability, and work with other partners within and outside the state, to identify funding opportunities to improve the lives of women, children, and youths.

The official Flag off ceremony, and the launch of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Center, which took place at Christian Ecumenical Center Abakaliki, was graced by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt Hon. Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Former Governors, First Ladies of so many States, National Assembly Members, Founding fathers, state exco members, State House of Assembly Members, Local Government Chairmen, Elders of the state, the business community, and esteemed men and women of Ebonyi State.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
November 15, 2023.

MARY NWANCHONU ALOBU LOWERED TO THE MOTHER EARTH

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt Hon. Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has encouraged the family of Mr Nwafor Alobu to sustain the legacies of honour and integrity, which their late mother was known for, as a way of immortalizing her. He said this at Affia-Nwalobu Playground, Enyim Okpoitumo, in Ikwo Local Government Area of the State, during the funeral service of Late Mrs Mary Nwanchonu Alobu.

The Governor, who was represented by the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, said that the deceased will be remembered for her resourcefulness, uprightness, and discipline, which she instilled in her children. He consoled the bereaved family, saying that their Late Mother has lived a life that is worthy of emulation, adding that the spirit of the Late Woman will be happy, if they sustain the legacies she left behind.

"The Governor's message is that, the family of Alobu should take heart. Mama has lived a life that is worthy of emulation. Today, she is gone, but let us not depart from her legacies. Mama will be happy if you sustain the legacy she left behind."

The Governor described the deceased as a dedicated christian, who introduced Deeper Life Bible Church within her area, and thus, was widely known as "Nwanyi-Deeper Life" in Ikwo lingo, and remained consistent in faith till her demise.

Late Mrs Mary Nwanchonu Alobu until her demise, was an industrious and enterprising woman, who was widely known for her peaceful approach to issues, and a mother to Barr Wilfred Alobu, the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State.

The burial attracted the presence of different dignitaries, including the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice E. A. Ngene, and Honourable Members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
November 3, 2023.

EBHA CONFIRMS THE GOVERNOR'S NOMINEES INTO THE STATE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION
... Refers Letters from the State Auditor-General, Local Government Auditor-General To The Appropriate Committees

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly, has screened and successfully confirmed the nominations of HRH, Eze Emmanuel Nwamiti Nwojiji, and Mr Elias Igwe into Ebonyi State Judicial Service Commission.

Reading the letter of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to the Honourable Members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, at the Legislative complex, Nkaliki Road Abakaliki, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Moses Ije Odunwa, principally invited the nominees, and after routine screening proceedings, they were screened and successfully confirmed.

Reporting progress shortly after the confirmation, the Speaker, Rt Hon. Moses Odunwa said, that the house has screened and found the nominees worthy for the designated position, and therefore, directed the Clerk of the House, to draw up a memo, notifying the State Governor, Rt Hon. Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru about the successful screening and confirmation of his nominees.

However, the House also received a letter from the State Auditor-General, on the submission of the 2022 Auditor-General Audit Report, and also a letter from the Local Government Auditor-General, on the Submission of the report of the Auditor-General for Local Governments on the financial statements of the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas on the year ended 31st December, 2022.

Meanwhile, the letter from the State Auditor-General, on the submission of the 2022 Auditor-General Audit Report was referred to the House committee on appropriation, while a letter from the Local Government Auditor-General, on the Submission of the report of the Auditor-General for Local Governments on the financial statements of the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas on the year ended 31st December, 2022 was referred to the House Committees on Local Government, Finance and Appropriation.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
October 20, 2023.

2ND DAY OF EBHA MEMBERS RETREAT
Wednesday, the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, joined the Members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Former Honorable Members of the House, resource persons, former Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and his counterpart in the old Enugu State House of Assembly, in continuation of the 3-day retreat for Honourable Members of 7th Assembly of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, with the theme:
"Enhancing Standard of Legislative Practice and Procedures for Better Legislative -Executive Relationship, which was flagged off by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt Hon. Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru at Abakaliki on Tuesday.

Delivering the first delightful topic on Legislative Oversight and investigation, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, and former Lawmaker, Chief Matthias Adum said, for an effective oversight function to be carried out, the Lawmaker should be studious so as to be well equipped. He maintained that oversight function helps for proper accountability, transparency and policy management, and also, to evaluate the impact of programmes and targets, among other advantages he highlighted.

The Second paper, on the Role of Legislature in Budgeting, Appropriation and Public Account Management was delivered by the Former Honorable Commissioner for Finance, Ebonyi State, and former Lawmaker, Hon. Obinna Nwachukwu, while the third paper, on Legislature and Civil Society Partnership in Legislation, was consummately delivered by a Professor of Political Science, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Eugene Nweke.

Also, the former Speaker of the Old Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. J. E Nwonumarah delivered the fourth paper on Rules and Procedures of the House of Assembly, the fifth paper, titled Managing Legislature - Media Relations, was delivered by a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Oliver Nwachukwu, while the last paper of the day, on Ethics and code of conduct for Legislatures, was delivered by the former Deputy Speaker of the house, Rt Hon. Blaise Oji.
The retreat was sponsored by the State House of Assembly.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
October 18, 2023.

EBONYI MEDIUM-TERM EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK FOR 2024-2026 FINANCIAL YEAR RECEIVES SPEEDY PASSAGE.

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly, was on Thursday, at the Legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road Abakaliki, passed a Resolution for the adoption of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for the duration of the 2024-2026 financial year by the State Government.
The Resolution which received extensive deliberations was unanimously endorsed in a vote by most of the Assembly members.

Quoting the State Fiscal Responsibility Law which provides for Medium Term Expenditure Framework in the State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa said, the passage of the Resolution would engender the implementation of the political promises and People's Charter of Needs Manifesto of the State Governor. Speaker Odunwa maintained that the medium-term resolution was a conscious way of applying discipline by the government in its expenditures and described the speedy passage as deserving.
Rt Hon. Odunwa, eulogized the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, for his developmental strides so far for the advancement of the state, and however, voiced the resolution of the house, adding that the resolution will empower the state Executives to go ahead, with the fiscal planning of the State budget for 2024.

"So, to this end, the house is resolving today to give this resolution, that the Medium Terms Expenditure Framework from 2024 - 2026 is hereby approved."

Earlier, the Leader of the House, Rt Hon. Kingsley Ikoro said, the presentation of the medium-term resolution for passage by Governor Nwifuru showed his prudent disposition in handling the meager resources of the State and expressed optimism that the outcome of the passage would benefit the State and enjoined his colleagues to support the motion.

"His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has done well with coming up of this idea because, it is a guide that tells the government, look at the projection, look at what we are going to do, look at the revenue we are going to generate overtime. So Mr Speaker and the Honourable Colleagues, let us give a speedy passage to this Medium Term Framework because, it is for our own good. It is going to enable the government of Ebonyi State to plan for the citizens of Ebonyi State."

In their remarks, the Chief whip of the House Rt Hon. Nkemka Onuma, the member representing Ezza South State Constituency, Hon. Friday Ogbuewu, and his Izzi West counterpart Hon. Godwin Abiri, opined that the resolution was apt given the current economic reality in the country. They strongly maintained that the resolution would improve budget formulation and curtail the culture of extravagant spending, and as well, improve the economy of the State.

Hon. Chikezie Igu representing Ohaozara East State Constituency, and Hon. Onyebuchi Ogbadu of Ivo State Constituency, inferred that the resolution was in line with the International Monetary Standard and a financial clear road map through which the State could rely on during budget.

Now that the House of Assembly has passed the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for 2024-2026, it is expected that the state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies would reflect the same in their 2024 budget preparation.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
October 5, 2023.

AMIDST RECESS, EBHA CONVENES:
....Passes A Bill For The Establishment Of Ebonyi State Road Fund (EBSRF) And Ebonyi State Road Fund Board And Administration (EBSRFBA), &
.... A bill, for the Establishment of Ebonyi State Drugs And Medical Commodities Management Agency, And Other Related Matters 2023

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly, has passed A Bill for A Law To Establish Ebonyi State Road Fund (EBSRF) And Ebonyi State Road Fund Board And Administration (EBSRFBA), for the purpose of funding, management, planning, development, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and maintenance of class B, C, and D roads in Ebonyi State and other Matters Connected therewith 2023.

The event, which took place at the Legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, on Wednesday during an emergency plenary, was presided by the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa.

Reading the Letter of the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to the Honourable Members of the House, Speaker Odunwa said, that the bill was for funding, development, rehabilitation, construction, and maintenance of the categories of roads in Ebonyi State. Speaker Odunwa added, that the bill was pivotal to the actualization of the agenda of the State Chief Executive, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, as contained in the People's Charter of Needs, and therefore, emboldened support for expeditious passage of the bill.

Supporting the Bill, the Chief Whip of the House, Rt Hon Nkemka Okoro Onuma said, that they paused their ongoing recess to attend to the executive bill as was sent by the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. He highlighted the importance of the bill when passed into law, and implored the House members to support the speedy passage.

On his part, the Member representing Ohaozara East State Constituency, Hon. Chikezie Igu, identified good road network among the campaign promises of the Governor of the State, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, as contained in the People's Charter of Needs. Hon Igu said that budget can not be implemented without fund, adding that it is not just about making budget, but implementing it, and therefore, extolled the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, emphasizing that the establishment of the road fund will go a long way in ensuring that the road projects of the state Government are Completed in due time.

Meanwhile, the Member Representing Ezza North West State Constituency, Hon. Chikaodiri Nomeh, while supporting the bill, recalled that the State House of Assembly, had earlier passed a bill for the establishment of Ebonyi State Rural Access Road Authority, and maintained that the current bill will light the functionality of the earlier bill that was already Passed into law. He said that administration of fund was the pivotal aspect of the bill, noting that absence of a body that ensures proper implementation or administration of the fund, government may not easily actualize the goals, and however, underscored the much importance of the bill, hence, the needs to support the passage.

Contributing to the bill, the member representing Ivo State Constituency, Hon. Onyebuchi Ogbadu, the Member representing Afikpo North East State Constituency, Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, The Member representing Abakaliki North State Constituency, Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke, and Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, of Ikwo North State Constituency, highlighted the importance of the bill, and it was unanimously accepted by the Members of the House.

Similarly, A bill, for the Establishment of Ebonyi State Drugs And Medical Commodities Management Agency, And Other Related Matters 2023 was also passed into law.

Reading the letter of the State Governor, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to the House Members, the Speaker, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa said, that the bill was for regular availability of quality medicine and medical commodities at affordable cost for supply to all healthcare facilities in Ebonyi State.

Speaking in support of the bill, the Chief Whip of the House, Rt Hon Nkemka Okoro Onuma said, that the bill will go a long way, in minimizing counterfeit drugs. He said that Ebonyians will have access to affordable drugs, and therefore, asked his colleagues, to support the expeditious passage of the bill.

On his part, the Member representing Ezza South State Constituency, Hon. Friday Ogbuewu said, that the bill was timely, recounting the recent employment of medical practitioners by the Governor of the State, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, adding that the bill will as well, go a long way, in reviving General Hospitals in the State.

Contributing, the Member representing Izzi West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Abiri, and his Ivo State Constituency counterpart, Hon. Onyebuchi Ogbadu, emphasized the importance of the bill, and lauded the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and however, implored their colleagues to support the bill.

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, therefore, put the unanimous approval of the House on voice votes, for A Bill To Establish The Ebonyi State Drugs And Medical Commodities Management Agency, And Other Related Matters 2023 to be passed into law, and it was favorably accepted.

While granting interview from the Press at the end of the successful passage of the bill, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, said that both bills were correlated, adding that when government is building infrastructures, there is need to consider the health of people that will be using the infrastructures, and thus, the essence of the bills. Speaker Odunwa Said, that the bills were an ingredients for the agenda of the People's Charter of Needs to succeed.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
September 20, 2023.

EBONYI SPEAKER EMERGES THE APC SPEAKERS' DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

The Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa has emerged the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Speakers' Forum.

Speaker Odunwa emerged in a competitive, transparent, and democratic election, which took place at Abuja, alongside the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, as the Chairman, the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem as the Treasurer, the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji, as the Vice Chairman (South), the Speaker of Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Ciroma A. Buba as the Vice Chairman (North), among other elective positions.

In a communiqué released and signed by the Speakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Houses of Assembly at the end of the election, the forum identified the crucial roles of legislative autonomy in upholding democratic principles and ensuring effective governance, and also reaffirmed its responsibilities of upholding the autonomy of the legislative arm at all levels of government to promote good governance that would engender the progress and development of Nigeria.

The Conference also deliberated on resolutions, which are not limited to capacity building, legislative reform, public engagements, and intergovernmental cooperation, and however, reassured their commitment, to maintain the resolutions in their various States, so as to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in all the APC states.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
September 16, 2023.

EBONYI LOCAL GOVERNMENT WINS THE 2023 GOVERNOR'S CUP

Ebonyi Local Government Football Team, has emerged winner of the grand finale of Ebonyi State Governor's Cup 2023 Inter Local Government Football Competition, which took place at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium Abakaliki on Sunday.

Speaking on the event, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, expressed the preparedness of his Government, to establish a formidable football team in the State. The Governor said, that the stride will begin with the establishment of standard football teams in each of the three Senatorial zones of the State, adding that formation of the state team, will come from the best, which will be selected among each of the three Senatorial Zones, who will be given all the necessary requirements that are needed to function effectively.

Governor Nwifuru expressed firm believe, that football can guarantee peace and unity among people, and however, announced the approval of utility bus, for the state ministry of Youth Development and Sports, to ease sporting activities in the state.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Ugo Idike, said that the competition was organized to foster unity in the state, and to select and discover bonding football talents, who will play in the proposed state football club, to complement the vision and sports loving and developmental initiatives of the State Governor, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. The Commissioner also commended the State Governor, for inaugurating Committees to restore peace in all the war ravaged communities and areas in the state, and for approval of immediate employment of Workers in most critical sectors of the State economy. He also thanked him for extending road construction network to all the neglected rural places in the state, additional ten thousand naira to the monthly salary of Civil servants, and for approval of the 2023 Governor's Cup Competition, and the state participation in the 2023 National Youth Games, which will be coming up this month at Asaba, Delta State.

Highlight of the event was an award of medals to the players and officials, and also, presentation of trophies to the winners.

The event, attracted dignitaries in the State, including the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa.

Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
September 10, 2023.

Ebonyi Speaker Bags EBSHIA Ambassador

The Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, has received in his office at the Legislative Complex Nkaliki Road Abakaliki, in company of his Deputy Rt Hon.Chinedu Onah and some other members of the Assembly, the Executive and entire staff of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency(EBSHIA), who came to felicitate with him on his new position as the Speaker of the State House and as well, inform him of the current status of the Agency and the need to collaborate the twenty-four House members for effective Healthcare service delivery in their various constituencies.

According to a message, released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe at Abakaliki on Monday, the Speaker described Health Insurance as a Panacea for healthy living and economic growth of Ebonyi State residents. The Speaker said, that Ebonyi residents could attain wellness at a minimum cost with the present active health insurance scheme in the State. He reassured of the readiness of the House members to partner the Agency to deliver quality health-care service to their constituents as their way of complementing what the State Governor Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is doing in the State's health sector. He promised to include health insurance as their constituency projects in their next budgets and to liaise with the governor to ensure that health resource personnel is enhanced for optimal service delivery, especially in Primary health centres of the state. He equally enjoined the Agency to ensure that they operate on a standard cadre while considering rural dwellers as the most beneficiaries of their services.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Divine Igwe, acknowledged that the Agency has leveraged the Basic Health Care Provision Fund(BHCPF) to equitably enroll forty-eight thousand beneficiaries in the State but lamented that the number is about five percent of the vulnerable group in the State and less than one person of the population of the State hence the need for collaboration. He therefore solicited for the House members' adoption of vulnerable persons from their different constituencies into the scheme as that would contribute to the reduction of their health challenges.
The Executive Secretary said that the integration of the formal and informal sectors of the State into the scheme by the State government would go a long way in beefing up the enrollment status of the Agency which he said would have a positive impact on the State at the national level and pleaded on the State actors to harmonize toward equity fund release.

On his part, the Consultant to the Agency Dr. Ibiam Azu-Agwu emphasized that the adoption of health insurance for the residents of the State will not only engender a better health tone, and a reduction in huge out-of-pocket payment during ill health for the citizenry but more importantly accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage which he said is a global target of ensuring that everyone irrespective of his financial and social status and location would have access to quality and affordable health care service. He maintained that the health-seeking behavior of the people would also be changed for the better with operational health insurance in place and enjoined House members to consider the adoption of less privileged constituents into the scheme rather than material gifts.

The visit was used to confer on the Speaker the Health Ambassador of the Agency, and appealed to preside over the Ebonyi Health Insurance Summit slated to be held in November 2023.