Yesterday 25th March 2024 the United Igbo Elders Council paid a courtesy visit to the new commissioner of police, Enugu State Police Command Mr. GU Giwa, a nice, dedicated and humble personality who received them warmly as they interacted with him, The visit was led by His Lordship Justice Alpha Ikpeama the Director General of UNIEC in company of Onochiengwu Obuna Esq, the Enugu state Representative of the organization.
purpose of visit
1. To trengthen Partnerships – Foster a working relationship between UNIEC and the Enugu State Police Command.
2. Present UNIEC’s Mission – Introduce the organization’s vision and explore areas of collaboration, especially in enhancement of security across Igbo land.
3. Introduction and Collaboration – they introduced the organization and discuss ways the police can provide security for UNIEC fourth coming legacy day celebration and future programs in Enugu State.
This visit signifies our dedication to foster positive change and promote sustainable development through collaboration with key security stakeholders.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has pursued governance with an unwavering commitment to the People’s Charter of Needs, a social contract that defines his administration’s vision and mission. His leadership has been characterized by a strong focus on human capital development and infrastructural transformation, ensuring that his promises are translated into tangible actions.
As the administration approaches its second anniversary on May 29, 2025, significant achievements have been recorded across multiple sectors, from education and healthcare to security, infrastructure, and economic revitalization.
Governor Nwifuru has prioritized education as a cornerstone of development, introducing bold reforms aimed at elevating Ebonyi’s academic landscape. In a historic move, his administration has sponsored over 200 Ebonyi indigenes for master’s and PhD programs in top universities in the United Kingdom (UK). Additionally, over 500 students are currently benefiting from scholarships in Nigerian universities. This initiative has been widely commended both within and outside the state. Recognizing the importance of foundational education, the governor has equipped the State Secondary Education Board and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) with adequate manpower to improve learning conditions in secondary schools.
His administration has increased subventions to state-owned universities from ₦150 million to ₦250 million. A further ₦700 million was allocated to help settle financial obligations in higher institutions. While other states are increasing tuition fees, the Ebonyi government has implemented a 10% reduction in tuition and approved a 20% salary increment for academic staff, alongside a 10% salary increase for non-academic staff.
The administration has established an Aeronautic University for aerospace engineering and a University of ICT in Oferekpe, attracting the National Institute of Aviation to Ebonyi State. Through these interventions, Governor Nwifuru has created an enabling environment for students to excel and make global impacts.
Before Governor Nwifuru assumed office, the healthcare system in Ebonyi was struggling with poor infrastructure, manpower shortages, and the mass exodus of medical personnel seeking opportunities abroad. His administration has made swift and strategic interventions to bridge the staffing gap by recruiting a significant number of doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists. To boost morale, newly recruited medical doctors, laboratory scientists, and anatomists were provided with brand-new SUV vehicles.
Ambulances have been distributed across general hospitals, while medical equipment and consumables worth over ₦10 billion have been procured and supplied. CT scans and other sophisticated diagnostic tools have been installed to ensure every zone in the state has a mini-specialist hospital. The administration has also strengthened primary healthcare centers, ensuring residents in rural areas receive quality medical attention without traveling to the state capital. Through these efforts, Ebonyi now boasts of a healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its people.
Upon taking office, Governor Nwifuru inherited a volatile security situation, exacerbated by the activities of non-state actors such as the so-called “unknown gunmen.” Their activities had crippled economic activities in the Southeast. To restore peace and order, he reinforced the Ebonyi State Internal Security and Neighbourhood Watch, providing them with operational vehicles and intelligence-gathering equipment, the same gesture was extended to the conventional security agencies; the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defense and military who now work in synergy with the state internal security.
Recognizing that criminals thrive in darkness, his administration has installed streetlights across major roads and communities. As a result, security in Ebonyi State has significantly improved, allowing businesses and social activities to flourish.
Governor Nwifuru has embarked on a massive road construction agenda to improve connectivity within the state. Over 700 kilometers of roads are currently being constructed, many built with durable concrete technology. The Ogbaga Road and the airport runway have been fully completed and asphalted, while over 100 kilometers of roads have been completed, with many more set for commissioning before May 29, 2025.
Each community in Ebonyi is receiving 2 kilometers of road construction to improve access and mobility. Gov Nwifuru is currently building 67 Palace-Duplexes in 67 communities of the state for the traditional rulers in Ebonyi state.
A signature legacy project, the Vanco Junction Tunnel and Flyover, upon completion, will be among the most iconic infrastructure developments in Nigeria. These infrastructural advancements are propelling Ebonyi State towards a modern, interconnected future.
For over a decade, Ebonyi residents struggled with access to clean water. Governor Nwifuru has reversed this trend with projects such as the Eziulo Water Scheme, now operational and providing water four times a week. The Oferekpe Water Scheme, a large-scale project previously vandalized and abandoned, has been reactivated to meet the state’s water needs. Other water projects, including the Ojuju Hill, CAS, and Isiagu water schemes, are undergoing rehabilitation to ensure a regular water supply across the state. These efforts will soon provide Ebonyi residents with a sustainable and reliable water supply.
Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated a strong commitment to industrial development and economic diversification. The Recycling Plant in Umuayara is transforming waste into wealth, creating jobs, and improving sanitation of the state. The Ebonyi State Fertilizer Plant is producing fertilizers for local farmers and selling to neighboring states. The Ebonyi Pipe Production Company is undergoing revitalization, while the Ebonyi State Hatchery has commenced egg production. Additionally, a new feed mill factory is under construction to support the poultry sector. These initiatives are fostering economic growth and job creation in Ebonyi State.
Upon resumption of office, the governor inherited a backlog of unpaid gratuity and pension which accumulated since 1996 to 2024 this amounted to over N5 billion Naira. The governor in his wisdom appointed a seasoned administratior, Prof. Mrs Hadley Idike who headed the committee. When the pensioners began to receive alerts, they joyfully nickname the governor “Oji alert agwo oria”. The governor has cleared all the accumulated arrears of pensioners.
The governor did not not stop there, he proactivitly create a prompt payment system, a system whereby any worker that has 3 months before retirement, the innovative payment system will automatically process the persons gratuity for prompt payment.
The governor has also made huge investment Human Capital Development, in 2024, where he assigned the ministry of Human Capital Development and Commerce and Industry to go round some major cities across the country to profile indigens of Ebonyi State for empowerment via skill development and job creation, and those who participated in that training received N3 million Naira and 300 persons were targeted.
The governor has made huge investment in agriculture, he procured mechanized equipment, trained over 300 Ebonyians on master craft in Enugu whom he empowered with N3 million Naira, he pay subventions and grants to encourage farmers.
Governor Nwifuru’s administration prioritizes the well-being of civil servants and pensioners. All civil servants received a one-time payment bonus of ₦150,000 and bags of rice in December 2024.
The governor has directed ALGON to carry out a comprehensive verification process for retired local government staff and UBEB teachers to facilitate prompt pension payments of local government workers. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to improving the lives of workers, retirees and general wellbeing of citizens.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has pursued governance with an unwavering commitment to the People’s Charter of Needs, a social contract that defines his administration’s vision and mission. His leadership has been characterized by a strong focus on human capital development and infrastructural transformation, ensuring that his promises are translated into tangible actions.
As the administration approaches its second anniversary on May 29, 2025, significant achievements have been recorded across multiple sectors, from education and healthcare to security, infrastructure, and economic revitalization.
Governor Nwifuru has prioritized education as a cornerstone of development, introducing bold reforms aimed at elevating Ebonyi’s academic landscape. In a historic move, his administration has sponsored over 200 Ebonyi indigenes for master’s and PhD programs in top universities in the United Kingdom (UK). Additionally, over 500 students are currently benefiting from scholarships in Nigerian universities. This initiative has been widely commended both within and outside the state. Recognizing the importance of foundational education, the governor has equipped the State Secondary Education Board and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) with adequate manpower to improve learning conditions in secondary schools.
His administration has increased subventions to state-owned universities from ₦150 million to ₦250 million. A further ₦700 million was allocated to help settle financial obligations in higher institutions. While other states are increasing tuition fees, the Ebonyi government has implemented a 10% reduction in tuition and approved a 20% salary increment for academic staff, alongside a 10% salary increase for non-academic staff.
The administration has established an Aeronautic University for aerospace engineering and a University of ICT in Oferekpe, attracting the National Institute of Aviation to Ebonyi State. Through these interventions, Governor Nwifuru has created an enabling environment for students to excel and make global impacts.
Before Governor Nwifuru assumed office, the healthcare system in Ebonyi was struggling with poor infrastructure, manpower shortages, and the mass exodus of medical personnel seeking opportunities abroad. His administration has made swift and strategic interventions to bridge the staffing gap by recruiting a significant number of doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists. To boost morale, newly recruited medical doctors, laboratory scientists, and anatomists were provided with brand-new SUV vehicles.
Ambulances have been distributed across general hospitals, while medical equipment and consumables worth over ₦10 billion have been procured and supplied. CT scans and other sophisticated diagnostic tools have been installed to ensure every zone in the state has a mini-specialist hospital. The administration has also strengthened primary healthcare centers, ensuring residents in rural areas receive quality medical attention without traveling to the state capital. Through these efforts, Ebonyi now boasts of a healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its people.
Upon taking office, Governor Nwifuru inherited a volatile security situation, exacerbated by the activities of non-state actors such as the so-called “unknown gunmen.” Their activities had crippled economic activities in the Southeast. To restore peace and order, he reinforced the Ebonyi State Internal Security and Neighbourhood Watch, providing them with operational vehicles and intelligence-gathering equipment, the same gesture was extended to the conventional security agencies; the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defense and military who now work in synergy with the state internal security.
Recognizing that criminals thrive in darkness, his administration has installed streetlights across major roads and communities. As a result, security in Ebonyi State has significantly improved, allowing businesses and social activities to flourish.
Governor Nwifuru has embarked on a massive road construction agenda to improve connectivity within the state. Over 700 kilometers of roads are currently being constructed, many built with durable concrete technology. The Ogbaga Road and the airport runway have been fully completed and asphalted, while over 100 kilometers of roads have been completed, with many more set for commissioning before May 29, 2025. Each community in Ebonyi is receiving 2 kilometers of road construction to improve access and mobility. A signature legacy project, the Vanco Junction Tunnel and Flyover, upon completion, will be among the most iconic infrastructure developments in Nigeria. These infrastructural advancements are propelling Ebonyi State towards a modern, interconnected future.
For over a decade, Ebonyi residents struggled with access to clean water. Governor Nwifuru has reversed this trend with projects such as the Eziulo Water Scheme, now operational and providing water four times a week. The Oferekpe Water Scheme, a large-scale project previously vandalized and abandoned, has been reactivated to meet the state’s water needs. Other water projects, including the Ojuju Hill, CAS, and Isiagu water schemes, are undergoing rehabilitation to ensure a regular water supply across the state. These efforts will soon provide Ebonyi residents with a sustainable and reliable water supply.
Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated a strong commitment to industrial development and economic diversification. The Recycling Plant in Umuayara is transforming waste into wealth, creating jobs, and improving sanitation of the state. The Ebonyi State Fertilizer Plant is producing fertilizers for local farmers and selling to neighboring states. The Ebonyi Pipe Production Company is undergoing revitalization, while the Ebonyi State Hatchery has commenced egg production. Additionally, a new feed mill factory is under construction to support the poultry sector. These initiatives are fostering economic growth and job creation in Ebonyi State.
Upon resumption of office, the governor inherited a backlog of unpaid gratuity and pension which accumulated since 1996 to 2024 this amounted to over N5 billion Naira. The governor in his wisdom appointed a seasoned administratior, Prof. Mrs Hadley Idike who headed the committee. When the pensioners began to receive alerts, they joyfully nickname the governor “Oji alert agwo oria”. The governor has cleared all the accumulated arrears of pensioners.
The governor did not not stop there, he proactivitly create a prompt payment system, a system whereby any worker that has 3 months before retirement, the innovative payment system will automatically process the persons gratuity for prompt payment.
The governor has also made huge investment Human Capital Development, in 2024, where he assigned the ministry of Human Capital Development and Commerce and Industry to go round some major cities across the country to profile indigens of Ebonyi State for empowerment via skill development and job creation, and those who participated in that training received N3 million Naira and 300 persons were targeted.
The governor has made huge investment in agriculture, he procured mechanized equipment, trained over 300 Ebonyians on master craft in Enugu whom he empowered with N3 million Naira, he pay subventions and grants to encourage farmers.
Governor Nwifuru’s administration prioritizes the well-being of civil servants and pensioners. All civil servants received a one-time payment bonus of ₦150,000 and one bag of rice in December 2024.
The governor has directed ALGON to carry out a comprehensive verification process for retired local government staff and UBEB teachers to facilitate prompt pension payments of local government workers. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to improving the lives of workers, retirees and general wellbeing of citizens.
Today is a joyous day for many companies in Ebonyi state who received their certificate from Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The event which took place at Cabinet office Old Government House Abakaliki, SON have certified 17 out of 29 companies that applied for for certification in Ebonyi.
One of the awardees of Standard Organization Of Nigeria Mr. Rapuruchukwu Chiemerie Nwabueze the Managing Director of Rachina Food and Beverages Limited, upon receiving his certificate expressed his joy.
His words:
“I feel so happy and fulfilled today remembering that I started at a very small scale, when I returned from Lagos after trying other businesses without success, I was without money, I started by buying a few cups of suya milk powder, I prepared it in a liquid form and started selling it in the streets of Abakaliki, people were laughing at me especially at the mechanic village but I was not discouraged but told them that a day will come when they will see my products at important shops in Abakaliki and beyond, they laughed even more, I’m very happy today that has finally came, as a reputable organization in Nigeria, have certified our products. By so doing, they have empowered to go beyond our boundaries by this certification.”
We are appealing to federal and state government, especially to His Excellency Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru the governor of Ebonyi State to support us financially. Lack of adequate funding is restricting our growth and productivity.
With government support we can explore beyond our scope; they can give us grant, loan facilities or they may procure production equipment for us while we pay them back instalmently, this will be a great help us towards stabilizing our business.
Mr. Rapuruchukwu Chiemerie Nwabueze the Managing Director of Rachina Food and Beverages Limited
Today is a joyous day for many companies in Ebonyi state who received their certificate from Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The event which took place at Cabinet office Old Government House Abakaliki, SON have certified 17 out of 29 companies that applied for for certification in Ebonyi.
One of the awardees, Mr. Rapuruchukwu Chiemerie Nwabueze the Managing Director of Rachina Food and Beverages Limited, expressed his joy.
His words:
“I feel so happy and fulfilled today remembering that I started at a very small scale, when I returned from Lagos after trying other businesses without success, I was without money, I started by buying a few cups of suya milk powder, I prepared it in a liquid form and started selling it in the streets of Abakaliki, people were laughing at me especially at the mechanic village but I was not discouraged but told them that a day will come when they will see my products at important shops in Abakaliki and beyond, they laughed even more, I’m very happy today that has finally came, as a reputable organization in Nigeria, have certified our products. By so doing, they have empowered to go beyond our boundaries by this certification.”
We are appealing to federal and state government, especially to His Excellency Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru the governor of Ebonyi State to support us financially. Lack of adequate funding is restricting our growth and productivity.
With government support we can explore beyond our scope; they can give us grant, loan facilities or they may procure production equipment for us while we pay them back instalmently, this will be a great help us towards stabilizing our business.
Mr. Rapuruchukwu Chiemerie Nwabueze the Managing Director of Rachina Food and Beverages Limited
Today is a joyous day for many companies in Ebonyi state who received their certificate from Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The event which took place at Cabinet office Old Government House Abakaliki, SON have certified 17 out of 29 companies that applied for for certification in Ebonyi.
One of the awardees, Mr. Rapuruchukwu Chiemerie Nwabueze the Managing Director of Rachina Food and Beverages Limited, expressed his joy.
His words:
“I feel so happy and fulfilled today remembering that I started at a very small scale, when I returned from Lagos after trying other businesses without success, I was without money, I started by buying a few cups of suya milk powder, I prepared it in a liquid form and started selling it in the streets of Abakaliki, people were laughing at me especially at the mechanic village but I was not discouraged but told them that a day will come when they will see my products at important shops in Abakaliki and beyond, they laughed even more, I’m very happy today that has finally came, as a reputable organization in Nigeria, have certified our products. By so doing, they have empowered to go beyond our boundaries by this certification.”
We are appealing to federal and state government, especially to His Excellency Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru the governor of Ebonyi State to support us financially. Lack of adequate funding is restricting our growth and productivity.
With government support we can explore beyond our scope; they can give us grant, loan facilities or they may procure production equipment for us while we pay them back instalmently, this will be a great help us towards stabilizing our business.
Upon resumption of office, the governor inherited a backlog of unpaid gratuity and pension which accumulated since 1996 to 2024 this amounted to over N5 billion Naira. The governor in his wisdom appointed a seasoned administratior, Prof. Mrs Hadley Idike who headed the committee. When the pensioners began to receive alerts, they joyfully nickname the governor “Oji alert agwo oria”. The governor has cleared all the accumulated arrears of pensioners.
The governor did not not stop there, he proactivitly create a prompt payment system, this is system whereby any worker that has 3 months before retirement the governor will automatically process the persons gratuity for prompt payment.
The governor has also made huge investment Human Capital Development, in 2024, the governor assigned the ministry of Human Capital Development and Commerce and Industry to go round some major cities across the country to profile indigens of Ebonyi State for empowerment via skill development and job creation, and those who participated in that training received N3 million Naira and 300 persons were targeted.
The governor has made huge investment in agriculture, he procured mechanized equipment, trained over 300 Ebonyians on master craft in Enugu who he empowered with N3 million Naira, he pay subventions and grants to farmers to encourage farmers
The state Commander Ebonyi State Internal Security and Neighbourhood Watch, Hon. Prince Victor Nwenyi eulogizes Gov. Nwifuru while recounting the state security breakthrough and for making security his number one priority in the state.
He said, “upon taking office, Governor Nwifuru inherited a volatile security situation, exacerbated by the activities of non-state actors such as the so-called “unknown gunmen”. Their activities had crippled economic activities in the Southeast. To restore peace and order, he reinforced the Ebonyi State Internal Security and Neighbourhood Watch, providing them with operational vehicles and intelligence-gathering equipment, not only for the neighbourhood watch and the state internal security but also for all the federal security agencies in the state: the police, civil defence and even the military were not left out.”
“Recognising that criminals thrive in darkness, his administration has installed streetlights across major roads and communities, which also improved nightlife and productivity. As a result, security in Ebonyi State has significantly improved, allowing businesses and social activities to flourish.”
“Though we are not conventional security operatives, we also have our means of identification through which the public will know our members via our uniforms and identity cards, and I regularly supervise those working with us, ensuring that they don’t hide under the auspices of state internal security to perpetrate crime.
The State Commander of the Neighborhood Watch, Ebonyi State Internal Security, Hon. Prince Victor Nwenyi, has praised Governor Nwifuru for his unwavering commitment to security, which has led to significant breakthroughs in crime reduction across the state.
According to Nwenyi, Governor Nwifuru assumed office at a time when Ebonyi was grappling with severe security challenges, exacerbated by the activities of non-state actors, including the so-called “unknown gunmen.” Their operations had severely disrupted economic activities in the Southeast. Determined to restore peace, the governor strengthened the Ebonyi State Internal Security and Neighborhood Watch by equipping them with operational vehicles and advanced intelligence-gathering tools. His support extended beyond state security outfits to include federal agencies such as the police, Civil Defense, and even the military.
Understanding that criminals thrive in the cover of darkness, the administration has also prioritized the installation of streetlights across major roads and communities. This initiative has not only enhanced security but has also boosted nightlife and economic activities, creating a safer environment for businesses and residents alike.
Although we are not conventional security operatives, we maintain clear identification through our uniforms and identity cards. Additionally, I personally oversee the activities of those under our command to ensure that no one exploits their affiliation with state security for criminal purposes.
Governor Nwifuru’s proactive approach has positioned Ebonyi as a model of effective security management, demonstrating that a well-coordinated strategy can restore peace and foster economic growth.
Today is a dream come true for over 30 deserving companies certified to be awarded certificates from the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital, on Friday, 21st March 2025.
Mr Joshua Akachukwu Otu, the CEO of DMS International Limited, the manufacturer of Dimess table water, a subsidiary of DMS International Limited, and one of the awardees, expresses his gratitude as he narrates his ordeal.
“He said that it is a rare privilege to be identified with SON and MANCAP; I see it as a lifetime investment and an opportunity to explore the business world.”
“I can’t forget the hurdle I went through for not having SON and CAP certificate when I was doing importation, if I contract some distributors to market my products, the moment they find out it’s not SON or MANCAP certified, they wouldn’t distribute it, they simply avoided me so they won’t get into trouble, that makes me sad but I was not discouraged, it was a great challenge to me, so when MANCAP came to my factory and saw what I was doing and they were impressed, they advised me to apply for these certification, I went through the requisite processes until I obtain the certificates and we are here to celebrate the victory with my beautiful wife, and my staff, you can see others celebrating theirs too. It was not an easy process”.
“This feat that I have attained today has given me the leverage to approach big companies like Shoprite and many others, and they gladly accept my products. I even export my products without prejudice.
“What this certification means for me and my company is an opportunity to explore the business world. For instance, our operation base was limited; we were only operating in Ebonyi State before. After the certification, we have moved to Enugu and Anambra. You can see that we are growing. In a few years to come, we will be everywhere in Nigeria; that’s my vision.”
“I am very grateful to SON and MANCAP for giving me the opportunity to leverage it, and I encourage small business owners to follow the steps we have taken; in the end, they will be happy they did.”
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