₦airaland Forum

UMAHI @ ASO VILLA: To resolve National Security Issues

The Chairman of South East governors forum and the executive governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Engr. David Nweze Umahi at the banquet hall, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja for the continuation of security meetings aimed at resolving the Igbo quit notice issued by the Northern part of the country as organized by the acting President, Prof. Osinbajo.


All the 36 governors in the country and top national leaders attended the meeting.

In Prof. Osinbajo opening remarks, the following were extracted as the ways to move the country forward and stronger.

*Job creation for the youths which will in turn divert their attention towards crime and violence
*Avoidance of blood shed of any type
*Unity of the country
*Security of lives and properties of those who are not indigenous of each state
*solidifying the security of the country.

pussyeater:
3rd Picture. Second from left, the lady carry something oh
Congrats Bro!

Never knew you see what am saw.

Umahi to churches: Don’t join the bandwagon of hate speeches

 

 

  Governor of Ebony State, Engr. David   Umahi, has called on churches not to join the bandwagon of those spreading hate speeches across in the country.

 

 Umahi, at the  2017 Father’s Day celebration by the Christ Embassy in Abakaliki on Sunday, pointed out that hate speeches were capable of igniting war in the country.

 

“We need to pray for our nation,” the governor went on to admonish churches, pointing out “that war is not a good thing.”

 

Umahi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, added: “ I want us as a church not to join the bandwagon of such spreading of hate. No matter how much you are despised or maltreated, the word of God still tells us to show love.

  “Those who are beating the drums of war have not witnessed war before . If there is war, the church will no longer come together  I believe with our prayers, we can avert every plans of the devil."


Umahi  also used the occasion to encourage  the people not to depend so much on government but to work hard  to overcome the economic challenges facing the country. He urged Ebonyians  and non-Ebonyians resident in the state   to take advantage of his  administration’s empowerment schemes  by engaging  in productive  ventures.
The governor also   advised those who are making it big in various fields   to carry others along, pointing out that such behaviour would help in the propagation of the gospel.

His words: "We need to work hard. The economy is not getting better. Of course, that's what the Bible says. We leaders   get text messages everyday telling us that ‘we worked for you;we made you to be governor; we made you to be commissioner; we made you to be this and that. We want opportunity to serve.’

“But let me tell you that  there  are many international finance houses that are not ready to give money to government but ready to give to the  private sector. Those  who are doing something can accommodate one or two persons and lead them in the ways of the trade and the kingdom of God will expand."


Earlier, in her  sermon, the Pastor in charge of  the  church, Mrs. Eunice Oyeyemi,  advised fathers to be alive to their responsibilities in order to have  peaceful homes.
  While she  also  admonished them to have respect for their marriage vows, she told the women to respect and support their husbands even in time of difficulties.

Governor Umahi, in company with his wife, Rachel, later visited the   Motherless Babies Home in the city to celebrate the day with the children there.

He prayed    and made a cash donation to them.

Igbo Quit Notice: Gov. Umahi, Ekweremadu and other igbo leaders met with Osibanjo.

The chairman of South East governors forum and Ebonyi State governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, Deputy Senate president, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, other South East governors, leaders of ohanaeze ndigbo and clergy men met with the Acting President, Chief Yemi Osibanjo over the quit notice given to the Igbos by a coalition of Northern youths a week ago

The Acting President had on Tuesday met with the northern leaders and deliberated extensively on the issues.

It is expected that official statement will be made on the matter later.

GOVERNOR UMAHI HONOURED BY HIS BENUE STATE COUNTERPART GOVERNOR ORTOM

ZERO HUNGER FORUM: Orton decorates Obasanjo, Umahi and Kenton

As a mark of unity, peace and honor, the governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom welcomes the former two times president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi and Kenton Dashiell to Benue state with Benue state traditional peace attire signaling Unity, Peace and Love.

In the pictures are:
1. Ortom decorating Gov. Umahi
2. Gov. David Nweze Umahi Shortly after the full decoration with Gov. Ortom and a member of Benue EXCO.
3. Obasanjo and Gov. Umahi after decoration of the duo.

oshe11:
This Umahi na Nigerian?



This is the kinda governor that shud be allowed to steal(cos its normal) after workin wich is evident

What sort of rubbish are you vomiting with your mouth?

Gov Umahi, the Agricultural Revolutionist

The Governor with a difference. Under His Exellency, Engr Chief David Umahi, FNSE, FATE as Governor, Ebonyi State has become the towering light in Agricultural Development.

Ebonyi is representing South East & South South in the Zero Hunger Initiative of the World bank.

Other States are Benue, Ogun, Sokoto & Bornu. Today, 09/06/17 the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi, flanked by the former President, His Eexcellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Benue State Samuel Otorm, other Governors had a working visit to the Agro- allied industries & farms in the State, to monitor Agricultural development level in the state. Places visited are, Integrated Feedmill, Fertilizer plant, Oracle farms, Uni Agric Orchards, NASME Barracks, Meva Rice mill, Seraph oil mills. His Exellency Chief Engr David Nweze Umahi has towered greatly in Agriculture.

Support the over-commer,vsupport the extra- ordinary leader, support Governor Umahi today for a better Ebonyi State.

Godprotectigbos:
we will get there

Amen

Just panting out from the Katako Lead/Zinc tunnel in Wase, Plateau state. Tunnel is 300m long and 42m deep.

One of the methods of exploiting solid minerals. Governor of Ebonyi state is passionately committed to leveraging the solid minerals sector towards industrialization of Ebonyi state.

We are ready, willing and able to drive the dream.



Hon. Francis Orji
Commissioner for Solid Mineral

GOVERNOR UMAHI STORM BENUE STATE WITH FORMER PRESIDENT OBASANJO ON HIS BID TO BOOST FOOD PRODUCTION IN THE NATION

#LIVE

ZERO HUNGER: Obasanjo,Gov.Umahi drives to end hunger in the country

As it is currently happening in Benue State, the Chairman of South East governors forum and the Ebonyi state governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi and the former President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo are currently on a mission to end hunger in the nation, they are being taken around the farms in Benue state popularly known as the food basket of the nation by the benue state governor, Samuel Ortom.

The stage is set as the ebonyi governor recommends possible ways for the improvement of the already existing farms in the state. More details later.

PICTURES: The pictures were taken at their visit to Feeds and Cassava processing plant at Makurdi, Benue state.

God bless our workaholic Governor.

Ebonyi is on the rise

Sports Activities will soon take a new shape in Ebonyi.

Governor UMAHI transforming Ebonyi State.

May 29: How Abakaliki Township Stadium became tourist centre in Ebonyi

NOT minding the meagre federal allocation to the state on monthly bases, Governor David Umahi decided to give a face-lift to the state capital, Abakaliki, to the admiration of both citizens and foreigners in the state. As the state capital is gradually undergoing intensive transformation in terms of outlook and aesthetic value, the governor through the state Ministry of Youth Development and Sports is also embarking on massive transformation of the Abakaliki Township Stadium which has currently become a tourist centre in the State.

This development, South East Voice learned was because of the innovation, nature of work, aesthetic choice and amazing display of creativity injected into such project for the first time since the creation of the state in October 1, 1996.

A view of new Abakaliki Township Stadium The 10,000 capacity size stadium, following its former state was no longer attracting the attention of event planners, celebrities and or Ebonyi people to the environment but the diverse innovation of Governor David Umahi had reawakened a new zeal and passion from the members of the public to the area.

The place has surprisingly become a tourist attraction for many people both in the state and outside as the governor had given an international outlook to the stadium as it had indeed become a cynosure of all eyes in the State. The number of people trooping into the stadium has every reason to evoke a line of thought that the present administration was determined not only to set a pace in developmental strides but also set a precedence of ingenuity that democracy dividend was possible even in the face of obvious economic challenges.

Upon completion of the work at the stadium, Ebonyi State will join the league of states with the capacity to host both local and international events of any standard.

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly, weekend commended Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State for his enormous contributions toward giving a facelift to the Abakaliki township stadium which over the years had been in a sorry state before the present administration came on board. Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Nwifuru, who went on tour of the stadium with all the members of the State House of Assembly described the renovation work at the stadium as massive and wondered how the Governor was able to manage the meagre resources of the state to achieve such feat.

Aesthetic values “After our sitting today, we decided to take a tour of the stadium. We are surprised at what we have seen especially the aesthetic values showcased by those handling the project. I am surprised at what we have seen. Governor Umahi wants the stadium to be international in outlook. “We are not only supervising but over sighting. As person, looking at the stadium, we need to commend the commissioner for youth and sports; he is doing a good job and he is still doing it. He is a very creative person. With the magnitude of work done here, am very confident with him.

The stadium can host any international events. Also, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Chief Charles Akpuenika said the ongoing renovation work at the Stadium was intended to boost sporting activities including local league matches across the LGAs of the state adding that the present administration was fully committed to empowering the youths to be self reliant and economically viable for the betterment of the State. -Via Ebonyi Gist

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU SIR. FOR 'A 10 YEARS ACHIEVEMENT' YOU MADE POSSIBLE IN JUST 2 YEARS.
#PRAMATIKGOV #TALK&DOGOV #WORKAHOLIC #GODFEARING
By Orlando Nweze

Gov Umahi desolves 64 development centre coordinators, inaugurates 13 LG chairmen

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, has sacked the coordinators of the 64 Development Centres in the state.

He announced this during the grand finale of this year's Democracy Day celebration and two years of his administration held at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

Umahi, who also dissolved the Caretaker Chairmen of Local Government Area on Sunday, swore-in the newly elected 13 chairmen and their vice-chairmen.

He directed the new council chairmen to inaugurate the councillors within 24 hours to ensure effective service delivery in the third tier of government.

A statement on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted him(Umahi) as saying, "Coordinators of Development Centres are hereby dissolved. Secondly, the Local Government Council is also dissolved. This will pave way for the swearing-in of elected chairmen in matter of hours now and tomorrow (Tuesday), activities should be at their highest in Ebonyi State and the councillors must be sworn-in tomorrow(Tuesday) in their various LGAs."

The governor also inaugurated 46 Senior Technical Assistants and Technical Assistants; some advisory committee members, board members of Ebonyi State Blending Plant, Senior Special Assistants comprising the immediate past caretaker chairmen and others during the occasion.

While he charged the LG chairmen to align themselves properly with the developmental programmes of his administration and replicate same at the grassroots,he said that the political appointees were not appointed for political patronage but to assist government in its effort of repositioning the state.

His words," The STAs, TAs and Special Assistants we brought in should know that it is not for political patronage but to fill some gaps in our task of repositioning this state". It's not going to be business as usual. We're going to divide you into sectors and appoint leadership so that you meet up to challenges upon which you're appointed."

Umahi stated that "in the next three months, we're going to install additional fertilizer blending plant while we pursue two other organic fertilizer plants."

Engr. Umahi, who outlined his achievements, appreciated the people for their solidarity and solicited for their continued cooperation for more democracy dividends.

He disclosed government's intention to establish a minimum of four cement factories and industrial clusters in the three senatorial zones of the state for meaningful engagement of youths.

"We have so far tackled our water, education, security, the welfare of our people, agriculture and beautification of our capital city among other achievements," he said.

"We're going to have a minimum of four cement factories in the months ahead and we're going to focus also on the establishment of factories, including pencil factories and water factories."

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion and the Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial zone, Dr. Sam Egwu, said the people were happy over the achievements of Governor Umahi in the last two years and called for more support to ensure their sustenance.

Trending Now:


Open Street Night Dinner to Celebrate 2017 Democracy Day and two years Anniversary of Governor. David Umahi led Administration. Event happening @ the class Udensi Roundabout, Abakaliki.

PhotoSpeaks:

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi state has proven to be a pathfinder and pacesetter of our time.

The new ultra-modern stadium constructed by his led administration completed and ready for all sports activities.

Ebonyians never had it so good like this before.

HAPPENING NOW:

Ebonyi State Praise Night at the New Ultra -Modern Township Stadium, Abakaliki with the famous gospel singer, Bro Felix Ndukwe.

*The New Township Stadium in Abakaliki is one of the numerous visible infrastructural developements of the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi.

Join Ebonyi state in praising God tonight.

*The program is currently aired live on NTA and Salt TV, you can join us through any of the above means.

Ebonyi is on the rise.

#Agwu Francis

Permanent secretary: Aspirants to write examinations

Ebonyi civil servants aspiring to be permanent secretaries may have to write a series of examinations to evaluate their competence in handling sensitive positions.

And to anchor this is the Head of Service, Dr. Chamberlain Nwele, who the Governor of the state, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, on Thursday directed to conduct the examination.

Umahi, in a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, explained that the tests would help the government to select the best hands to drive its developmental policies.

The governor spoke after the ministries and some departments in the state made live television and radio presentations of the activities in the past two years at the Abakaliki Township Stadium.

Umahi stated that each of the 13 local government areas in the state would produce a permanent secretary to ensure equity in the appointment of civil servants.

His words, "I want to ask Head of Service to go ahead with a committee to set written examination for all those that want to be permanent secretaries. They have to write the exam and you will mark it and the best in each LGA will emerge as Permanent Secretary. There will be no lobbying for it. It has to be the best person who has the vision of his ministry. The aspirants will go through about three different kinds of tests. They will not be tested by only one body.".

He observed that there was poor attendance of civil servants at the event and directed that they would have to queue behind their commissioners in subsequent presentations.

"It is very unfortunate that many civil servants are not here. Next time we do it, all the civil servants will come and stand behind their commissioners to do your presentations," he said.

The governor, who applauded the Commissioners for their efforts to deliver in their mandate, pointed out that it was important for the public to know the extent of their achievements.

In her presentation, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali, assured the people of the state that the ministry would commence pumping of water from Oferekpe water scheme to Abakaliki capital city next month.

On his part, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Fidelis Nweze, said that construction work on Nkalagu-Umuhuali-Ehamufu road would be completed and inaugurated before the end of this year.

Other members of the state executive council, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Benard Odoh, reiterated their commitment to make life more meaningful to Ebonyi people through their service .

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State (second left); his wife, Rachel; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Franklin Ogbuewu, during a service to mark the 2017 Democracy Day at the St Peters Presbyterian Church in Abakaliki on Sunday.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State ( left); his wife, Rachel; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Nnenna Igwe and her husband, Kelechi Igwe during a church service to mark the 2017 Democracy Day at St. Peters Presbyterian Church in Abakaliki on Sunday.

PhotoNews:

1.Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State (second left); his wife, Rachel; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, Franklin Ogbuewu, during a service to mark the 2017 Democracy Day at the St  Peters  Presbyterian Church in Abakaliki on Sunday.



2. Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State ( left); his wife, Rachel; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Nnenna Igwe and her husband, Kelechi Igwe during a church service to mark the 2017 Democracy Day at St. Peters  Presbyterian Church in Abakaliki on Sunday.

Ekweremadu, Umahi ask Biafra agitators to shelve sit-at-home call





The Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu and Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, have again  appealed to Biafra agitators  calling for a sit-at-home compliance  on Tuesday  to allow people to go about  their normal business.

 

Ekweremadu  and Umahi made the appeal during an Interdenominational church service organized  by the Ebonyi State Government to mark this year’s Democracy Day in Abakaliki.  


They  noted that bad approach to genuine struggle was not good, encouraged the Igbo  to work in unity in order to achieve their aim irrespective of how long it takes.


Ekweremadu said, "On the issue of IPOB and stay at home order, I just have one advice. You cannot have two governments in a state. If anybody says you should stay at home, if you are a trader you can choose to stay at home or go out. But if you are a civil or public servant ,you are under obligation to go to work.

" I addressed the World Igbo Congress in Enugu and I told them that we all condemn the marginalisation of our people. We can never support it and we will continue to fight against it wherever we find ourselves. It is our life but  I advise that no one or group should   engage in any arm struggle no matter the level of provocation. The  idea of trying to force people to do your will, I don't think it's right.

"Those who want to stay at home should please stay at home but those who want to work should be allowed to go out.  I believe that if we have a struggle which I believe we have, it may take us a long time to get there but surely, no matter how long the darkness is, the day will eventually break."

A statement the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted the Senate Deputy President as  commending  Umahi for his infrastructural development and the mature way he has piloted the affairs of Ebonyi State, adding that the state has changed for good.

In his remarks,    Governor Umahi said  he had  directed that markets should be opened  on Tuesday and that  residents should   feel free  to go about their lawful business

He condemned the idea of asking people to stay at home and advised  IPOB members to embrace dialogue rather than pursuing their genuine struggle the wrong way.

  Umahi maintained that the leaders of South-East were handling the concerns of IPOB, assuring  that   efforts  to solve the problem would soon materialize.

" Let me say it;  I  have  all the lists of their agitations and most of what they are saying are correct but the way they are saying it may not be correct.  I met with the market people yesterday (Friday) and I said our market will remain open on 30th of May.

"The governors of South-East are not noise makers behind the scene, we are tackling our problem with National Assembly members and our other leaders and I'm very sure that the modest effort we are making is fast yielding result. We  believe that we can win this war not through violence but through persuasion and dialogue and understanding."

The governor appreciated the  state executive  members, the  legislators  and   the Judiciary for their commitment  to  service delivery.

In  his  sermon, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion and Welfare Matters and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, eulogized the governor for his achievements within two years in office.


 

Dignitaries who attended the church service include  former Governor of the state, Senator Sam Egwu;   Senator Obinna Ogba; Chief Judge Aloy Nwankwo and heads of security agencies in the state.

Widow delivers baby at Ebonyi stadium, Umahi donates N1m.

There was shout of joy at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Abakaliki on Thursdays when Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State announced the birth of a baby during a state launch party for elders and widows in the state by his administration. The baby arrived just minutes before the governor called out about 1,710 widows to be empowered by the government as part of the efforts to lessen their burden. An elated Umahi drew his wife, Rachel close to him and named the new born girl, Rachel Mgborie David, a combination of the names of his wife and himself. Umahi, according to a statement on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, advised that the mother of the baby girl , Regina Patrick, should add the name of her late husband as the surname of the baby. Immediately, he announced a donation of N1m to baby Rachel and directed his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Matters and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria , Ebonyi State chapter, Very Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, to open an account for the baby with the money.

Regina Patrick,one of the 1,710 widows drawn from the all the political wards in the state, lost her husband six months ago. Umahi said, "There is a woman whom I was told gave birth in this celebration ground and as I was deliberating with my wife on how Jesus wife should be pregnant, they said she took in before her husband died six month's ago.

"We will give that child a name. Her name will be four, Rachel Mgborie David plus her late dad's name. Rev Father Nwali will use the sum of N1m to open an account for the child."

The governor also offered scholarship to her from secondary school to university levels, saying, "If it pleases God that we are in power after her schooling, wherever we are, we will make her enjoy scholarship for secondary and university".

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Barr. Samuel Okoronkwo, who coordinated the programme,which is part of the activities marking Umahi's two years in office and the 2017 Democracy Day celebrations, was full of gratitude to God for his mercies. He said that the widow and the baby were taken to the hospital.

In an Interview on Friday at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Patrick from Amagu Izzi in Abakaliki Local Government Area, said that both her and her baby were in stable condition. She explained that she did not get any sign of the baby's arrival when she arrived Abakaliki until 2pm when she started noticing some changes and decided to rush to any nearby hospital. The lady was full of praises for the governor and his wife for their kind gesture and prayed God to promote them to a higher level. She said, "We went to the stadium because they told us to go there that governor wants to see the widows and it was by 2pm that I started having pains. I was was trying to go to hospital but when we were about to come out , there was big traffic and I gave birth there. "They told me that governor and his wife gave my baby N1 million and gave her scholarship. I am so happy because of how God remembered me through the governor and his beautiful wife. I am thanking him and his wife and I am praying that God will elevate them more.". While she confirmed that her husband died six month's ago, she revealed that she has five children. Her first son, she said, was electrocuted not too long ago.

olarababi:
Am just laughing at people that are praising this man......u have no idea of what he told me he would do when he is re-elected again.......u just have no idea

Your hatred for his administration can't make any difference. continue wailing.

ALEX 0KEMINI'S MANY LIES



By Philip Nweze



Last week, one Alex Okemini, claiming to be a Chieftain of Ohaneze Ndigbo saturated the media with venom. This time, the subject of his attack was the 

Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi. The Governor came under unflattering epithets and torrents of insults from this trenchant critic. This social media "attack dog" summarised Umahi's two years stewardship in the state as a complete failure and disservice to the people of Ebonyi state.


The media trial superintended by Alex Okemini (or whatever his real name is) pronounced the Governor guilty of so many "evils" namely: putting street lights on the streets of Abakaliki and initiating numerous developmental projects across the state. In what seems like an attempt  to deflect the governor's achievements, the critic claimed that these projects were cosmetics and white elephant projects. Again, he stepped up his attacks, accusing the governor of placing more value and regard on traffic lights than on citizens. 


Reading his comments, you could observe a sadistic streak in the words. His allegations were phony to say the least. They can only provoke at best, angry laughter. Mr Alex Okemini is indeed a drama queen. All the allegations he levelled against the governor are mostly infantile and laughable. He conveniently ignored the truth and instead displayed remarkable expertise in lying, to justify his tag on the governor as a failure. But such is the fate of leaders.


Like a writer once opined, "...Those who are appointed to lead great institutions are like criminals condemned to torture, only this difference, that the latter receive punishment due to their crime and the former for their selflessness..."


If a man who started an agric revolution programme that has placed Ebonyi on the agric map of the world is a failure, then let me become one. The so called failure of the same man increased the salaries of workers by 5% at a time when other state governments were borrowing to pay salary,  it also pays workers on 15th of every month, roles out 13th month salary bonus every year, and pays pensioners their up-to-date entitlements. Out of same failure, he has erased the sad memory of the past and ended the reign of bad roads in Abakaliki metropolis, including the road leading to Okemini's residence here in Abakaliki. This is unusual feat accomplished in the history of Ebonyi. If this is a failure then it is a positive failure which considers the people first.


Same Okemini went ahead urging political leaders to kick-start the process of shopping for a candidate that will replace Chief Umahi in 2019.  Governor Umahi is not perturbed, neither is he moved because he knows that it is the people that would deliver him when the time comes. He has remained in touch with the people, listening to them and ensuring that their wishes and aspirations are taken care of. And this is all that matters to him.


Apparently, Mr Alex Okemini has problem with the full lit-up road too. In the course of broadcasting his hate speech, he told the world that Ebonyi state government uses N60M to service street lights monthly but spends little to empower people. First, I wonder where he got his figures from. Understandably, he is operating from a position of prejudice. If he were not weighed down by excruciating load of prejudice, he would have tried to find out the actual figures from the state Ministry of Power and it's officials. Too much reliance on hearsay is very unhelpful, and this is the main affliction, which Alex and his like suffer from.


Alex must however realise that the street light is not luxury but a transport and security solution and that it takes money to run a government and maintain public facilities. 


His claims that the state government places less value on human empowerment is the height of mischief making. It is indisputable that Governor Umahi has set an impressive record in human capital development. As a practical step, the state government has  budgeted N3 billion for the rehabilitation of Ebonyi indigenes hawking in major cities of Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Aba and others across the country and those doing  all kinds of dehumanising jobs such as house helps, or worse. Recently, he also floated the empowerment of widows with 100, 000 monthly stipend. The governor is also empowering close to 3,000 women and youths drawn from the 171 ward's of the state. The administration of Chief Umahi has also uplifted and catered for the poorest and most vulnerable ebonyians through the Department of Religious and Welfare Matters. Indigent patients have had their hospital bills settled or even flown abroad for treatment. It is imperative too to state that before his foray into politics politics, the governor was already financially stable and has a fat purse that supports the needy around him. Chief Umahi also commands profound respect among the youth, more than hundred of who he has empowered through appointments as Technical Assistants and Senior Technical Assistants.


On infrastructure, the Governor owes Okemini no apology for putting in place a sound infrastructure to take the state to the next level in line with the government's agenda for prosperity. Governor Umahi has the guts and vision to do what is necessary for his state without minding the malice-ridden public commentaries of any chattering nonentity exercising his freedom of speech.


One of the problems of Alex Okemini is that he lacks the nobility of character, that living force that spurs one to act with understanding leniency. He is one-track minded and the danger with such a person is that with poor power of perception, his thoughts are often subject to passion. One would wonder why Mr Alex Okemini hasn't looked in the direction of harnessing his wisdom to offer alternative solution to any of the inefficiencies he cited. 


In the said article, the governor was also carpeted in the media over allegation of over taxation. But I rather say that every government has to manage to keep its state's finances afloat and governor Umahi is no exception. Therefore, Okemini's criticism of multiple taxation in Ebonyi state in a bid to whip up sentiments smacks of sheer mischief. The economic meltdown and dwindling of oil revenue resulting in sharp drop in the monthly allocation to states hit many states like thunderbolt resulting in austerity measures and alternative sources of revenue. Even those at the federal level are not spared of this inconvenience. Statistics has also showed that Ebonyi collects the least IGR in the whole of South East.


Interestingly, the joyous disposition of the people as the city begins to wear new look contradicts Okemini's lies. Therefore anyone throwing jabs of non-performance is making a fool out of himself. Alex Okemini has become a clear case of a character seeking fault and seeing it even among the saints.


The author is free to inject many more lies into the media. But the truth cannot be hidden. Like Abraham Lincoln once said, "You can deceive some of the people some of the time, all the people some of the time, but you cannot deceive all the people all the time..."

GOV. UMAHI CELEBRATING WITH WIDOWS & OCTOGENERIANS

*Set to empower 1710 indegent widows with the sum of 100,000 naira each.

As Gov. Umahi celebrates with Ebonyi state elders who are above 80years, he is also empowering 10 indegent widows from each of the 171 wards in Ebonyi state to start up small scale businesses.

Gov. Umahi is leaving no stone unturned in Ebonyi state.

DAY2 REPORT: INSPECTION/COMMISSIONING OF EBONYI CENTRAL PROJECTS

*Nkalagu/NigerCem Road made up of 15.5KMs and a total of 6 bridges

Todays Inspection/Commissioning was another day of surprises, we never finish ongoing and completed projects in each senatorial zone in one day.

When we got to the road Nkalagu/NigerCem Road, the first executive governor of Ebonyi state, Dr. Sam Egwu took to the microphone and said '"During my time as the governor of Ebonyi state, I just managed be doing some maintenance on the road, I never had the mind to embark on such a huge project because of it capital intensiveness, in fact Gov. Umahi "Inwere obi" meaning that Gov. David Nweze Umahi get mind to have embarked on such a huge project.

You will certainly be shocked if you are to go round the state to just see how projects are going one here and there. Indeed, Engr. David Nweze Umahi is a blessing to Ebonyi State.

UMAHI,S INSPECTION AND COMMISSIONING TOUR TO MARK HIS TWO YEARS IN OFFICE.



The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, has inaugurated two bridges recently completed by his administration at Amangwu Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area.

He performed the ceremony during inspection of projects in Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone as part of activities marking the 2017 Democracy Day celebration.

Umahi was accompanied on the visit on Tuesday by some National Assembly members, including Senator Sam Egwu; members of the state Elders Council and journalists.

The governor, who also inaugurated street light at the Presbyterian Joint Hospital Road, Uburu in Ohaozara LGA, inspected some ongoing road projects in the town.

A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Umahi, quoted the governor as explaining that the contract for the 28.5 kilometre Oshiri - Ezzama Road awarded to Nigucrem Nigeria Limited was terminated because the company failed to execute the job according to specifications. Umahi added that the contract had been awarded to another company.



While the governor explained that he embarked on road construction and other projects to reduce the suffering of the people, he announced that four-kilometres should be added to the road to link up a nearby community.

He said, " This one(road) is going through here to Oshiri and Ezzama in Ezza South Local Government. His Excellency, the then Deputy Governor, Prof. Ogbu, once told me of particular point of the road where a man drowned. When we took over this job, it was terrible that even bicycle could not pass through it. So let this road be linked by four kilometres to the one going to Isu and the market."

He further stated that his aim of using indigenous contractors in the execution of projects was to empower them. "It is a debt I owe Ebonyi people to also empower indigenous contractors to come of age."

On his part, a former governor of the state, Dr. Egwu, commended Umahi for his performance, saying his achievements within so short a time had repositioned the state.

At the border between Amasiri and Okposi , Egwu who was highly impressed with the thickness of the concreted part of the road, said, "I must confess that you have surpassed all of us."

He thereafter after asked Umahi to walk along with him on the road and jocularly told him:"I think with the long stretch and smoothness of this road that I am seeing ,it can be a tarmac. Aircraft can land it."

Umahi had told the team that the road, when completed would last 75 years.

Also, a member representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, Linus Okorie, appreciated the governor for the projects being executed in the area.



Other projects inspected were the Abakaliki Afikpo Road, 11.2km Okue-Nzerem-Akaeze Road and water treatment plant in Ivo Local Government Area; 25.3km Amasiri-Okposi- Uburu Road; a six- span bridge across Ebonyi River in Ishinkwo, Onicha LGA and St. Mary Road in Afikpo North LGA.

GOVERNOR. UMAHI,S INSPECTION OF ROADS

FIRST EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE SENATOR DR SAM OMINIYI EGWU WITH THE EBONYI NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS COMMENDS GOVERNOR UMAHI INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS IN THE STATE

During the inspection/commissioning of Ebonyi South Projects by the Ebonyi National Assembly Members led by the First Executive Of Ebonyi State Senator Dr Sam Ominiyi Egwu with His Excellency Chief Engr David Nweze Umahi.
At Amasiri/Okposi/Uburu Road awarded to KONROK NG LTD, it is currently being build to last for more than 75 years...

Dr. Sam Egwu on sighting the project was shocked and excited as he said to the Governor ""Do you know that Aircraft can land on this road comfortably because of it smoothness and thickness.

Note: The concrete based road is on the thickness of 8 inches.

EBONYI AS A MODEL FOR PRACTICAL GOVERNANCE



By Philip Nweze




It's another May 29. Expectedly, Ebonyians will be beaming their searchlight on the occupant of the state number one hottest executive seat and by extension, how well the state has fared in her climb forward in the last two years, under his watch. His ingenuity and determination would be sampled, analyzed and scrutinized by critics and admirers alike to ascertain if he has passed or failed the test of leadership. This is because leadership is a service rather than a status. 


Our governor understands this fact. That's why he leads ahead of others in the crusade of development. Like a specialist doctor, the Governor has administered Ebonyi state as a hospital of sorts, his priority his patients. His patients are youths who needed the bridge of start-up capital to cross from idleness and crime into entrepreneurship. Farmers who needed bags of fertilizer to increase their yield from one hectare. Villagers that thirst for a source of portable water. The promising child deprived of education due to poverty. The widow stripped of livelihood by death of her breadwinner. He is actually playing the role of a timely interventionist who inherited a state without any tangible critical infrastructures on ground.


No doubt, Ebonyians calculated well when they filed out in 2015 to redraw the political map of the state. They needed a leader who can tap into the special blend of Ebonyi confidence and optimism that has enabled generations before us to meet their toughest challenges. A leader who can help us show ourselves and the world that with ingenuity, creativity and innovative spirit, there are no limits to what is possible in Ebonyi. Someone to push behind them the pains and agony of underdevelopment. As it were, Governor David Umahi proved a worthy messenger for this special assignment. First, he survived the onslaught perfected by the opposition to ridicule him and swam to the finish line of victory.


His emergence and decision to run for the exalted position took years of careful analysis, consultation and graphic arrangement in order to deliver superlative performance. The outcome of the election brought a breath of development to the salt of the nation. The man ascended to the oval office with a rich dossier of leadership skills garnered from his stewardship at various levels of public office earlier in life. 


Signs that Umahi was going to be a successful governor manifested in certain actions he took  in the early life of his administration. One of such was the appointment of members of the opposition into his executive council, including those who oiled the opposition machine that fought him. He regrouped and offered an olive branch to those who persecuted him at the political Golgotha. Another move was joint measurements and  tour of abandoned and ongoing projects scattered across the state, with a promise to inherit and complete them. I dare to say that history will judge Governor Umahi fairly in Nigeria for the maturity displayed to his adversaries and for seeing governance as a continuum.


Also, Governor Umahi is a performer par excellence. While other governors see their position as an ATM machine for taking money out of the treasury, Umahi sees it as a channel to make a difference. Although Ebonyi state is not where she desired to be, she is certainly not where she used to be before Umahi took over the mantle of leadership. The obvious impact of the focused and committed leadership has written a new song both in the hearts and on the lips of indigenes of the state. He is doggedly harnessing the opportunity offered by democracy for development. All attempts by the economic recession to deflect his efforts have not been successful so far.


He has kept his promise in building and maintenance of roads and bridges in the state. Signs of development hits a first time visitor to the state first with galaxy of streetlights racing their way into the state capital. Similarly, upon assumption of office, he plunged head on to attack the deplorable and dilapidating conditions of infrastructural facilities in the state, especially roads. There is no single road he inherited from his predecessor that he abandoned. The administration has asphalted over 200 roads and is active on over 20 ongoing road project sites.


True riches they say do not hide. Just as the proverbial true riches which is often likened to a goldfish hardly hide it's stature or presence, the current huge construction site and beautification of the entire state and Abakaliki in particular leaves much to be desired. The incredible unfolding beauty in the metropolis bears testimony to the insightful leadership qualities and the performance streak of Chief David Umahi. 


The three flyovers in Abakaliki speak eloquently of his ambition to transform Ebonyi with world class infrastructure.  The nearly completed flyovers is not only a beauty to behold but a monument to the pride of our people. But the massive physical infrastructure or his generosity, also known as stomach infrastructure is not the focus of this piece. It is about the silent evolution in the consciousness of the average Ebonyian. This is gradually reconstructing the mentality of the average Ebonyian that he is not a second class citizen. At all fora, he has marketed the image renaissance he is championing within and outside the state.


This is what I call mental infrastructure - the new can-do spirit, pride and self confidence which has facilitated the escape from mental poverty that has imprisoned the capacity of Ebonyi man for several decades.


Whether you like Umahi or not, believe in his achievements or not, you can't deny the fact that he has repositioned Ebonyi in national consciousness and reckoning as a model for others to copy.

Goahead:
You served in Izzi with this poor arrangement of grammar?

Some people reason with their anus instead of their brain.