Chieftain of the All progressives APC, and Member, Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, PCAC in Ebonyi State, Barr. Chukwuorji Igodo has expressed reservations over what described as under reportage of lofty and notable achievements of Governor Francis Nwifuru's administration in the state.The Legal luminary who wasn't comfortable with the low coverage of Governor Nwifuru's administration by the media handlers explained that Nwifuru's governance philosophy was anchored on integrity, accountability, and the "Ebonyi People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, which has ushered in unprecedented development in the state.
According to him, despite this administration’s groundbreaking achievements across critical sectors, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has been given a low media profile, not minding how he has been delivering real progress for the people of Ebonyi.
On Welfare and Human Capital Development:, Barr. Igodo stated that Governor Nwifuru’s administration has prioritised the welfare of Ebonyi citizens, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the elderly, students, and civil servants.
"His government cleared all outstanding pensions and gratuities from 1996 to date; a feat that had been neglected for decades."
He further added that "In education, the Governor has sponsored over 260 students on foreign scholarships (including in the UK) and 700 students in Nigerian universities, while also reducing tuition fees and increasing subventions to institutions.
"Additionally, first-class graduates are granted automatic employment, a policy that incentivizes academic excellence."
He said: "Recognizing the importance of a motivated workforce, Governor Nwifuru lifted embargoes on employment, conversion, and promotions, recruiting 1,000 health workers (including doctors whose salaries were upgraded to match national standards) and 800 civil servants. Such interventions have revitalized the state’s workforce, ensuring efficient service delivery.
He described Governor Nwifuru's infrastructure revolution in the area of roads, Housing, and Urban Renewal as nothing short of revolutionary.
According to him: "His administration has embarked on:
- Construction of a double-decker flyover at Vanco Junction, set to be one of Nigeria’s most iconic road projects.
- Aggressive urban renewal, with over 70% of Abakaliki’s internal roads reconstructed using 9-inch concrete pavement for durability.
- Mass housing schemes, including 140 three-bedroom bungalows for Izzo and Amaze communities (97% completed) and estates for civil servants and victims of displacement from the ICT University project.
"Moreso, every autonomous community in Ebonyi now has a 2-kilometer road project underway, ensuring connectivity across rural areas.
"Education and Healthcare: Foundations for the Future - Governor Nwifuru’s vision for education is transformative. He established two new universities—the ICT, Science & Technology University (Opherekpe) and the Aeronautical University (Onueke), while also attracting the Nigerian Navy Secondary School to Ebonyi.
"His government also built 22-classroom blocks (three per LGA) in secondary and primary schools, complete with laboratories, libraries, and boreholes.
"In healthcare, he has sponsored life-saving surgeries and organ transplants for Ebonyi citizens, including flying patients abroad for treatment, a gesture often kept away from media glare. His administration’s employment of medical personnel and provision of SUVs to doctors in general hospitals have significantly improved healthcare access.
"Agricultural Revival, Power, and Security
The governor’s agricultural interventions include the revitalization of the Nkaliki Poultry, now producing 5,000 eggs daily with over 10,000 birds.
"In power supply, he established the Ebonyi Electricity Board, mandating the connection of all communities to the national grid, a project already improving electricity in Abakaliki.
"Security has also improved under his watch, with peace restored in previously warring communities and 64 duplexes built for traditional rulers to strengthen grassroots governance.
"Diaspora Engagement and Social Interventions: Governor Nwifuru’s administration has actively engaged Ebonyians abroad, holding town hall meetings in London and facilitating the repatriation and rehabilitation of trafficked victims and displaced citizens (such as the 800 Ebonyians affected by the Ilaje demolition in Lagos).
"Additionally, his mass transit system (featuring 400 buses) and empowerment schemes, including ₦2 million grants to 1,000 beneficiaries and ₦3 million to 200 Agbani-trained youths, highlight his commitment to economic inclusion.
"A Governor Who Prefers Action Over Publicity: Regardless of all these monumental achievements, Governor Nwifuru’s media presence remains minimal and i don't know why. There's need to trumpet every accomplishment, even though His Excellency prefers to focus on substance over spectacle.
"Whether it’s the Ebonyi Pipe Production revival, the Ebonyi International Airport’s certification process, or his numerous unsung humanitarian gestures, his work ethic reflects humility and dedication.
"This administration’s legacy, built on education, infrastructure, healthcare, and welfare, speaks for itself.
While critics may overlook his achievements due to limited media coverage, the people of Ebonyi are witnessing real progress.
"As his transformative projects near completion, history will remember Governor Nwifuru as a leader who chose service over fame, and whose silent labor laid the foundation for a greater Ebonyi State", he concluded.
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