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Tag: Ebonyi State

  • Children’s Day: Ebonyi Govt. to review policies against child bullying

    Children’s Day: Ebonyi Govt. to review policies against child bullying

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that government has commenced efforts to review the existing policies against child bullying.

    Nwifuru gave the hint on Tuesday, during the this year’s Children’s Day celebration, with the theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

    The governor, represented by Deputy Gov. Patricia Obila, frowned at the rampant cases of bullying in society and mandated the Commissioners for Education and Women Affairs to set up a committee to work out the modalities to review policies against bullying.

    He said that the committee would introduce a help-line to assist victims and enable the appropriate authorities to take action.

    He called on parents, teachers, and caregivers to always listen to children and gave assurance that the safety of children remained a top priority of his administration.

    In a remark, the Wife of the Governor, Mary-Maudline, promised a safe learning environment for children and urged them to speak up in order to inspire change.

    Nwifuru said that her foundation would be expanding mental health awareness by training teachers across the state to dictate bullying and take step to intervene.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwamkpuma, said a bullying-free generation is a collective action and urged children to speak up when molested in order to get justice.

    The Speaker, Ebonyi Children Parliament, Victor Obasi, and his deputy, Elvis Nnanna, appreciated the governor for the children-friendly policies in the state, describing children’s needs as multi-dimensional.

  • Salt-seasoned classrooms: Reimagining education in Ebonyi State

    Salt-seasoned classrooms: Reimagining education in Ebonyi State

    By Jeff Ukachukwu

    Ebonyi State, known across Nigeria as the “Salt of the Nation,” is undergoing a profound transformation—an educational awakening that is redefining what it means to belong to this southeastern state. This change, far from being a mere whisper, is being built in concrete, spoken in classrooms, and carried in the dreams of pupils tapping away at donated laptops. It is education, and in Ebonyi today, education is not a sector—it is a strategy, a symbol, and a source of collective pride. In villages that once knew only corrugated roofs, 22‑classroom concrete blocks now rise with quiet authority, their laboratory benches still smelling of fresh varnish. Teenagers wander through half‑finished corridors and claim them as their own, whispering that these are “the nicest buildings in our place.” This pride is not a coincidence; it is the heartbeat of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s unwavering determination to string a single narrative across every learning tier—start them young, train them well, and watch them invent the future. This is not mere rhetoric. It is a comprehensive vision that links early-grade literacy to postgraduate research, digital inclusion to rural empowerment, and classroom learning to self-reliant livelihoods.

    The story begins in the primary years, where six pilot schools —smaller in scale but just as thoughtfully designed— sit like test kitchens for a new pedagogy. Here, chalkboards share wall space with smart screens, and six‑year‑olds grapple with laptops before they have mastered long division. Their teachers—some of the thousand new recruits—arrived only weeks ago, buoyed by a three‑day crash course in early‑grade reading that replaced rote phonics drills with songs and story games. One tutor joked that she now teaches sounds instead of letters. The joke hides a serious pivot: Ebonyi wants comprehension, not just recitation. With 12 classrooms apiece, they reflect a renewed seriousness about foundational education. This is where habits are shaped, where a child’s self-image begins to form. It is no coincidence that these primary schools are equipped with tools that many rural schools across Nigeria still lack—furniture, technology, and even playgrounds in some cases.

    In every local government area of the state, new structures are rising. These are not just physical buildings but symbols of intent. Thirty-nine model secondary schools—three per LGA—are nearing completion or already in use. They are spacious, well-ventilated, one-storey facilities, each boasting 22 classrooms, administrative offices, examination halls, and science laboratories. These schools represent the most substantial public investment in many communities in decades. In places like Ezza South and Ikwo, students walk into their new classrooms with awe; their eyes widen not just at whiteboards or ceiling fans but at the realisation that they are being prioritised. These buildings tell children that they matter, and this sense of importance is a powerful catalyst for their academic growth and personal development.

    Recognising that infrastructure alone doesn’t teach, Ebonyi State is committed to strengthening the human backbone of the education system. One of the most celebrated initiatives has been the recruitment of 1,000 new secondary school teachers, carefully selected to boost staffing in urban and remote communities. Beyond recruitment, the state is also focusing on teacher capacity development. The Universal Basic Education Board recently conducted a statewide Early Grade Reading training that brought together educators from all 13 local government areas. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with teachers returning to their schools better equipped and more confident, ready to bring life back into the classroom.

    Learning resources have also received a much-needed facelift. In a move that caught national attention, the state began distributing free notebooks, textbooks, and laptops to public school students. The sight of children navigating digital tools in remote towns like Afikpo or Ishielu speaks volumes about how quickly change can come when political will is matched with logistical planning. Parents, while grateful, have raised some thoughtful concerns: what happens when these devices malfunction? Will there be a budget for repairs? Will there be training for their use? These are the right questions, and they remind policymakers that good policy does not end at distribution; it thrives in continuity.

    The transformation doesn’t stop at the secondary level. In a rare and bold move, Ebonyi State invests heavily in tertiary education with two brand-new universities: the University of ICT in Oferekpe, Izzi, and the University of Aerospace Engineering in Ezza. These institutions are not random choices. They are calculated bets on where the world is going—toward coding, cybersecurity, satellite technology, aviation, and artificial intelligence. Ebonyi is not waiting to be invited into the future. It is building the infrastructure to allow it to arrive on its own terms. Existing universities are not left behind. At Ebonyi State University (EBSU), the government recently slashed tuition fees and increased staff salaries by 20 per cent. It was a rare moment of collective applause from both students and lecturers—evidence that leadership, when responsive, can unify.

    Perhaps the most inspirational part of the state’s education revival is its scholarship programme. Over 1,000 Ebonyians—300 of them studying abroad—have received funding to pursue postgraduate degrees. These are not just academic awards; they are social mobility tickets. Young men and women from farming households are now conducting research in Germany, Canada, Malaysia, and the UK. The goal is to support 8,000 scholars by 2031. Recipients like Emmanuel Nwachukwu, currently pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, have vowed to return and contribute their skills. They carry the hopes of families, communities, and a state that sees its diaspora not as lost but as leaders-in-training. The state courts them with promises of research grants and startup seed money, but nobody can fully legislate against brain drain. Ebonyi will have to build an economy worthy of their return.

    Public response has been largely enthusiastic. Teachers and their union leaders celebrate a thousand new colleagues but plead for lighter class loads and a seat at policy tables. PTAs crave repair funds and steady electricity, so digital tools do not become decorative. Scholarship awardees are grateful, yet they ask for a formal alumni network to mentor the subsequent cohorts. Parents appreciate the material support but plead for systems to ensure continuity. Students feel seen and inspired. Of course, there are challenges. Some school buildings are yet to be completed. In remote areas, internet access remains patchy, limiting the usefulness of digital learning tools. Sustaining the scholarship programme and teacher salaries will require a diversified revenue base, especially as the state contends with the economic volatility of oil dependence.

    Even praise comes with cautionary tales. Accelerated construction occasionally trades patience for speed; a cracked lintel here and a leaking roof there remind everyone that buildings require long marriages with maintenance crews. Laptops without broadband become sleek notebooks; science labs without reagents remain beautiful shells. Funding, still essentially hostage to volatile oil receipts, must eventually find new anchors—rice processing, salt mining, tech startups—if the scholarship cheques will clear yearly until 2031.

    Still, the trajectory is unmistakable. In Ebonyi today, education is not treated as an annual budget line. It is understood as a vehicle of identity, a tool of empowerment, and a strategy for economic independence. The state is moving with urgency and with care. It is listening, adjusting, and learning as it goes.

    In the end, what is happening in Ebonyi is not just reform. It is a reimagining of what it means to be educated in Nigeria. In a country often weighed down by uneven policy implementation, Ebonyi stands out as a case study in integrated, inclusive, and future-oriented development. The salt of the nation is being preserved not just through heritage—but through the classrooms, lecture halls, labs, and libraries of a people determined to teach themselves into tomorrow.

    In Ebonyi, opportunity tastes of salt, sharp and preserving. To seize it, Ebonyi must keep construction crews and curriculum designers moving in the same rhythm, must match every laptop with a repair plan, every scholarship with a homecoming runway, and every salary raise with a road map for the next. The challenge is daunting, but the reward is a generation that can code in Oferekpe, assemble drones in Ezza, or teach reading in Ishielu without leaving. If salt is to season, it must dissolve; if education is to transform, it must reach every crevice of society. In Ebonyi, that dissolution has begun, grain by grain, lesson by lesson, laptop by laptop—and the classrooms, it seems, are just starting to taste like the future.

     

    Dr Jeff Ukachukwu is a public affairs analyst. He can be reach at jeffuka@gmail.com. 

  • Ebonyi APC commends Umahi for avoiding rift with Gov. Nwifuru

    Ebonyi APC commends Umahi for avoiding rift with Gov. Nwifuru

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has commended the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for resisting pressures to engage in a rift with Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi.

    Insinuations were rife in the state that the acclaimed “father and son” were at loggerheads over the control of the state’s party structure.

    The Chairman of APC in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, however told NAN on Friday, that it was in the state’s interest that there was no Umahi-Nwifuru rift.

    “Umahi as a leader has made his marks in Ebonyi and Nigeria, realising in the process that there is time for everything. There is a time to reign, step aside and stand as a father.

    “A good dancer dances with wisdom, leaves the stage when the ovation is loudest and refuses to yield to pressure to remain on stage,” he said.

    Okoro-Emegha said that Umahi’s debunk of the insinuations of conflict portrayed him as a patriot who did not want Ebonyi to undergo the political upheavals witnessed in some states.

    “He admitted to have been put under from within to tell the governor certain things but he never did so.

    “His declaration of leaving the governor to decide the party’s affairs is a welcome development as the governor is the party’s leader in the state.

    “The governor knows what is good for the party and when he succeeds, the party succeeds,” he said.

    He urged party faithful to always ignore the antics of naysayers and be committed to its ideals for continuous success.

    It would be recalled that Umahi while declaring open, the commencement of work on the Ebonyi section of 118.km trans-Saharan super highway said he never signed a one-term agreement with Nwifuru.

    “I fought battles to make Nwifuru governor without conditions and I will support him for eight years.

    “I was in control of the state party structure for eight years as the governor and will therefore, not interfere with Nwifuru’s leadership.

    “People think I will return to struggle for power after leaving office but I am not available for such distractions,” the minister had said.

  • Tinubu inaugurates 118.8km Ebonyi section of Trans-Saharan Super highway

    Tinubu inaugurates 118.8km Ebonyi section of Trans-Saharan Super highway

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at Amuro-Mgbom in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi inaugurated the 118.85 kilometres of the Ebonyi section of the Trans-Saharan Super highway.

    The President, who was represented by Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi said that the project would usher in massive socio-economic development in the stat.

    He stressed the commitment of the Federal Government to infrastructure developments of the South-East.

    Tinubu said that the era of isolation, marginalisation and infrastructure neglect was giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion and nationwide accessibility.

    He said that the critical section of the 118.85 kilometers highway was a project that promised to change the face of infrastructure across the South-East, North-Central and South-South regions of Nigeria.

    He said that the project would be a quality road that would last for many years on completion.

    “I’m very much confident with the calibre of people that are handling this project as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I’m also very committed to the completion of this project because with the kind of mobilisation I see here today we may not have any hitches,” the President said.

    Nwifuru also addressed the crowd in his capacity, saying that the inauguration of the project was a defining moment in the history of the state.

    “Today is not just about the inauguration of a road construction project , it is a day that history will remember as a defining moment in our collective journey toward progress, connectivity and national integration.

    “We are gathered here on the soils of Ebonyi to witness the take-off of this initiative which is not merely a civil engineering task.

    ”This corridor begins here in our dear state from the serene banks of Ndibe Beach in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    “It traverses Ukwuachi-Mbeke Ishieke, Ebonyi Local Government Area and proceeds into Benue State.

    The project is part of a larger, ambitious highway system that links the Enugu-Abakaliki/Ogoja Highway through Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, to the very heart of Nigeria’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    “The project’s extension into Cross River State, through Odukpani to Calabar solidifies its
    importance not just regionally but nationally,” Nwifuru said.

    The governor commended the Minister of Works, Dr David Umahi, for his visionary leadership and unyielding patriotism.

    “We are immensely proud of you, our dear Sen. Umahi, your visionary leadership, unyielding patriotism and commitment to excellence are what brought us here today.

    “For us as a state, this project is especially significant; we are a landlocked state with vast potential in agriculture, solid minerals and trade.

    “For years, our progress has been slowed down by poor connectivity with other states but today, we break that barrier with this flagship road construction.

    ”We are writing a new chapter, one of progress, prosperity and integration.

    “This project is a game-changer; for our farmers it means faster access to regional and national markets, for our traders, it means reduced cost of transportation.”

    Nwifuru noted that the road would further guarantee students in institutions of higher learning more secure and accessible roads to institutions across state borders.

    He said that the superstructure would guarantee youths of the state employment and boost the local economy.

    “The multiplier effect of this road is immeasurable. It is an artery that will pump vitality into the socio-economic organs of not just Ebonyi, but Benue, Kogi, Nassarawa, Cross River and the FCT.

    “I wish to use this medium to extend Ebonyi’s full support to the Federal Ministry of Works, the contractors, consultants and the entire project management team.

    “We will not allow this golden opportunity to be undermined; we will secure it, protect it and own it,” Nwifuru added.

  • Police foil kidnapping attempt in Ebonyi

    Police foil kidnapping attempt in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has foiled a kidnapping attempt at Mile 50 Layout, Abakaliki, the State capital.

    Spokesperson of the command, SP Joshua Ukandu, told reporters on Monday that officers also recovered the vehicle of the victim, Nneka Onyibe.

    According to Ukandu, on March 30 at about  8:30 pm, the command received a report of a kidnapping incident near Mile 50 Layout in Abakaliki.

    “Operatives were immediately dispatched to track the kidnappers.

    “They pursued an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number SKA 828 AA, which was used by the suspects, to Tina Nweze Street in the area.

    “Under pressure from the operatives, the kidnappers abandoned the victim, the Toyota Corolla, and a Toyota Sienna belonging to the victim.

    “The police successfully recovered both vehicles, which are now at the command headquarters for identification by their rightful owners,” Ukandu said.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

    “The Commissioner also urged residents of Ebonyi to contact the command’s control room at 07064515001 in case of any distress situation,” Ukandu advised.

  • Ebonyi man arrested with 2 human skulls

    Ebonyi man arrested with 2 human skulls

    The Police Command in Ebonyi has arrested a suspect, Chigozie Ovuta, in possession of two human skulls and three locally made guns.

    SP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the command, communicated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abakaliki.

    Ukandu said that Ovuta was arrested in Okoffia community, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

    The spokesman said the command also recovered three stolen tricycles in another operation.

    “During further interrogation, Ovuta confessed that the human skulls were given to him for the preparation of a spiritual concoction.

    “The command is actively pursuing the individual mentioned in connection with this case.

    “In a separate operation, while tracking a stolen tricycle, operatives of the command uncovered a criminal syndicate specialising in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring states.

    “This operation led to the arrest of four males, Nweke Chukwudi,  Nwankwo Obinna, John Abba and Uche Abba.

    “Three stolen tricycles were recovered from the suspects, who admitted to receiving the vehicles from accomplices for colour modifications.”

    Ukandu said that the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.

    He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi.

    “We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around them to the command through the control room number 07064515001,’’ he said.

  • Ebonyi State: The power of progress – By Jeff Ukachukwu

    Ebonyi State: The power of progress – By Jeff Ukachukwu

    By Jeff Ukachukwu

    Ebonyi State is experiencing a wave of transformation under the leadership of Governor Francis Nwifuru. His administration is channelling efforts into key sectors such as infrastructure, education, and agriculture, ensuring that the state continues on its trajectory of progress and development.

    With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the people, the governor has embarked on ambitious projects aimed at not just addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity. His leadership is defined by a sense of urgency, ensuring that Ebonyi State does not lag in the march toward development.

    By implementing policies that drive infrastructural advancements, human capital development, and economic empowerment, the administration ensures that the people of Ebonyi State experience real and lasting change. Governor Nwifuru’s leadership is results-driven, emphasizing efficiency and impact rather than unnecessary rhetoric. His vision is clear: to build a self-sustaining economy where opportunities abound for all citizens and the state stands as a model of progressive governance in Nigeria.

    Infrastructure development has taken centre stage as the government strives to connect urban and rural areas, creating seamless access to markets, businesses, and essential services. With over 700 kilometres of roads under construction or completed, Ebonyi State is witnessing a significant improvement in transportation. Among the completed projects are the Ishielu Water Works Road, Nnorom Street, and the Udude – Ukwuakpu Street, while ongoing projects such as the 23km Ezillo – Ezzagu Road, 10.1km Ovudechi Iziogo Road, and the 7.23km Iziogo – Ndiokeeda Road continue to expand the state’s road network. The administration has also prioritized urban infrastructure by embarking on key road projects in major cities and towns, ensuring improved mobility and economic activity. Additionally, strategic bridges are being constructed to connect previously inaccessible areas, further boosting commerce and connectivity.

    Beyond roads, the administration is investing in modern urban planning, ensuring that new layouts and residential areas are developed with proper drainage, water supply, and electricity. Smart city initiatives are being considered to improve traffic flow and create sustainable urban living spaces. The government’s commitment to infrastructure is not just about physical structures but about enabling an environment where businesses can thrive, and residents can enjoy an improved quality of life. Public transportation systems are also being revamped, with the introduction of modern bus terminals, street lighting, and road safety measures to enhance the ease of travel. These developments significantly reduce travel time, improve safety, and increase overall productivity in the state.

    Education remains a powerful tool for development, and Governor Nwifuru’s administration is investing heavily in both basic and tertiary education. In the primary and secondary education sector, 39 model secondary schools are under construction, each designed with modern classrooms, laboratories, examination halls, and administrative offices. These schools are equipped to provide students with a well-rounded education, incorporating practical skills to complement theoretical learning. Additionally, six pilot primary schools are being built with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the learning experience for young pupils. The government is also addressing the shortage of teachers by recruiting 1,000 new educators, ensuring that students receive quality instruction. To further enhance learning, Ebonyi State has distributed free textbooks, notebooks, and laptops to public schools, integrating technology into education and preparing students for a competitive world.

    The government is taking bold steps at the tertiary level by establishing the University of ICT in Oferekpe, Izzi, and the University of Aerospace Engineering in Ezza. These institutions will position Ebonyi as a hub for specialized learning, equipping students with critical skills for the future. The institutions are expected to attract students from across the country, boosting Ebonyi’s reputation as an educational centre. Additionally, the state’s scholarship program provides opportunities for higher education, with 300 students sent abroad for postgraduate studies and 700 pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees locally. The ambitious goal is to graduate 8,000 beneficiaries by 2031, ensuring that Ebonyi produces highly skilled professionals in various fields. Furthermore, collaborations with international institutions and research centres are being explored to place Ebonyi’s higher education sector on the global map. This investment in education ensures that Ebonyi’s youth are not just job seekers but job creators, driving innovation and development within and beyond the state.

    Recognising the link between education and employment, the government also integrates skill acquisition programmes into the curriculum. Vocational training centres are being established to provide young people with hands-on experience in fields such as technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. These efforts will improve employability and encourage self-reliance and innovation among the youth. Special emphasis is also placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, equipping students with the necessary skills to compete in the digital age.

    Agriculture continues to be the backbone of the state’s economy, with Governor Nwifuru driving initiatives to boost food production and economic empowerment. Farmers have received 31,000 bags of fertilizer, alongside 2,960 units of farming equipment such as pumping machines, grinding machines, and cassava processing machines. The revitalization of the Nkaliki Hatchery is a game-changer for poultry farming, with 15,000 layers and 20,400 broilers raised to supply the local market. This initiative is expected to create at least 2,000 jobs and strengthen the poultry industry in the state. The Ebonyi Fertilizer Chemical Company Ltd has been fully revitalized, ensuring a steady supply of fertilizers to support farmers. To further enhance agricultural productivity, the state has committed ₦200 million in counterpart funding to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for ongoing and future projects.

    In addition to boosting food production, the government is exploring agro-industrialisation to enhance value addition and increase exports. Processing plants for rice, cassava, and palm oil are being upgraded to ensure that Ebonyi’s agricultural products meet national and international market standards. Investment incentives are also being offered to attract private sector participation in agribusiness, fostering an ecosystem where agriculture is not just seen as subsistence but as a profitable venture. Introducing modern irrigation techniques and mechanized farming practices further increases crop yields and ensures year-round food production.

    Water resources play a crucial role in improving public health and supporting economic activities, and the state government has undertaken extensive water projects to ensure clean water access for residents. The Oferekpe Water Scheme has been reactivated to provide water to multiple local government areas, while the Abakaliki Water Scheme, Iboko Water Reservoir, and Ishiagu Water Scheme are undergoing restoration. The revitalization of the Ezillo Water Treatment Plant further guarantees a steady supply of clean water, addressing long-standing water scarcity issues and improving residents’ quality of life.

    Healthcare is another priority as the administration strengthens health institutions across the state. 13 general hospitals have been equipped with new MRI machines and essential medical equipment to enhance medical services. The government has also recruited 195 medical personnel, increasing their allowances to ensure better retention and motivation. To facilitate healthcare delivery, 42 SUVs have been distributed to medical doctors, along with 20 ambulances and motorcycles for health officers serving rural areas. Additionally, ₦100 million has been allocated for immunization programs to prevent disease outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. Public health awareness campaigns are also being intensified, focusing on cancer, sickle cell disease, and other critical health concerns.

    Governor Nwifuru’s administration demonstrates a deep understanding of what it takes to drive progress. By focusing on infrastructure, education, agriculture, water resources, and healthcare, the state is laying a strong foundation for sustainable development. The roads being built today will connect farmers to markets, the investments in education will produce a skilled workforce, and the support for agriculture will ensure food security and economic empowerment. Ebonyi State is on a transformative journey, and its people are witnessing the tangible impact of purposeful governance. The future holds even more promise as strategic plans unfold, creating a resilient and thriving economy that benefits every citizen. With a clear vision and a commitment to progress, the state is poised to become a development, innovation, and prosperity model in Nigeria. The impact of these transformative policies will not only shape the present but will create lasting progress that will be felt by generations to come, securing Ebonyi’s place as a leading state in Nigeria’s economic and social advancement.

     

    Dr Jeff Ukachukwu is a public Affairs Analyst and communication expert

  • Police to sanction officer brandishing rifle in tricycle

    Police to sanction officer brandishing rifle in tricycle

    The Police Command in Ebonyi has initiated disciplinary action against its personnel caught in a viral video brandishing rifle while operating commercial tricycle business in the state.

    SP Joshua Ukandu, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command disclosed this in Abakaliki on Monday, saying the officer identified as Insp. Obeji Ikechukwu is undergoing investigation.

    According to Ukandu, the action of the officer violates the ethics and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the police.

    “The Command is aware of a video circulating on social media involving a police officer driving a tricycle in an altercation with his passengers, during which he allegedly brandished his rifle.

    “We strongly condemned the officer’s actions as they violate the ethics and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “The officer involved has been identified, and investigation is underway. Disciplinary actions have already been initiated against him,’’ Ukandu said.

    The PPRO reiterated the assurances of the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Anthonia Uche-Anya to the residents, that the Command has zero tolerance for indiscipline and unprofessional conduct from its officers.

    According to him, erring officers will be held accountable for their actions.

  • EBSU gets new VC as Gov Nwifuru recalls suspended commissioners

    EBSU gets new VC as Gov Nwifuru recalls suspended commissioners

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi on Sunday in Abakaliki approved the appointment of Prof Michael Awoke as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU).

    The announcement of the new VC is contained in a press statement signed by Dr Monday Uzor, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki.

    The statement said that the approval of Awoke followed the recommendations of the Governing Council of the University.

    Awoke, before his appointment, was a Professor of Agricultural Economics and a former Vice Chancellor, Academics of the EBSU.

    Awoke is taking over from Prof. Chigozie Ogbu who was proceeding on retirement after completion of his tenure.

    Also appointed are Prof. Ike Ogba, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, and Prof. Michael Ajanwachukwu as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration.

    Other appointees are Mrs Ugochinyere Mba-Uka , Registrar; Mrs Roseline Nwuzor, Bursar and Mrs Victoria Nwalli, Librarian.

    “The Governor who announced the appointments shortly after a church service at the Government House Chapel , said the newly appointed principal officers will be sworn- in on Tuesday, Feb. 11,” the statement said.

    Nwifuru also recalled four commissioners and the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency who were suspended last November.

    “The governor recalled some suspended commissioners; Dr. Moses Ekuma, Health; Mr Chinedum Nkah, Water Resources, Mr Francis Orie, Housing and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Uchenna Igwe,” the statement added.

    On the recent killings at Amegu Nkalaha community, the governor disclosed that the preliminary investigation by security agencies showed the dastardly act was perpetrated by some criminal elements from the community and not herdsmen as alleged.

    He warned contractors handling government projects to ensure speedy execution or face the the wrath of the government.

  • Ebonyi govt denies owing teachers salaries

    Ebonyi govt denies owing teachers salaries

    The Ebonyi Government on Friday, refuted reports that teachers in some Local Government Areas of the state are being owed salaries by their respective councils.

    Recall that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Ebonyi chapter on Feb.6, declared an indefinite strike in seven LGAs of the state over “unpaid three months salary arrears”.

    The LGAs include: Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ivo, Ishielu and Ohaukwu.

    The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Jude Okpor, told newsmen during the weekly executive council meeting briefing, that the issue was being misconstrued.

    Okpor noted that the bone of contention was not nonpayment of salaries but deductions from the salaries remitted to the teachers’ parent bodies.

    “When you watch videos of stakeholders’ visit to schools in affected LGAs, you will see the teachers affirming that they are not owed salaries.

    “They admit to have been instructed to embark on the strike because of the outstanding issues,” he said.

    The commissioner remarked that the government only insisted to know what the deductions from the teachers’ salaries were meant for.

    ”These are public funds and if deducted from the funds of the council, should have been accounted for.

    “That is the disagreement and we cannot be blackmailed for insisting on deviation from the practice of the past,” he said.

    Prof. Paul Nwobashi, the state Commissioner for Education said during the briefing that steps were being taken to amicably resolve the issue.

    “We would be meeting with the state Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the council chairmen,  organised labour and  NUT over the issue.

    “The issue is when you say  that the deductions have been paid back to the owners, show evidence,” he said.