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Tag: Francis Nwifuru

  • Ebonyi Gov rewards D’Tigress Ejiofor with N30m, duplex

    Ebonyi Gov rewards D’Tigress Ejiofor with N30m, duplex

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, on Friday, rewarded a member of the victorious Nigeria’s D’Tigress Basketball team from the state, Blessing Ejiofor, with state honour, N30 million and a duplex at the Civil and Public Servant Estate.

    Nwifuru announced the state recognition for Ejiofor during a modest reception organised in her honour at the EXCO Chambers, Government House, Abakiliki.

    Nwifuru, who expressed joy over the player’s achievements, said that N50 million would be released to the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Richard Idike, to build a standard basketball court.

    He said that the court would enable younger basketball players to train ahead of the next season.

    “She is a great ambassador. Congratulations, Miss Blessing,” Nwifuru said.

    The governor also rewarded her with the prestigious honour of having her included in the “Ebonyi Hall of Fame”.

    Ejiofor is a centre player for Nigeria’s D’Tigress with an impressive track record in international basketball.

    A key player in D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, she has helped to cement Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball.

    She honed her skill at Vanderbilt University, Chipola College, and West Virginia University, where she earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honours.

    She had stints with clubs in Spain and France and represented Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament in Paris.

  • BREAKING: Gov Nwifuru recalls suspended appointees

    BREAKING: Gov Nwifuru recalls suspended appointees

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Tuesday lifted the one-month suspension slammed on 81 appointees of his government for failing to attend a state function.

    Governor Nwifuru on July 28 announced the suspension of 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries and 34 other aides for absenteeism.

    The act drew diverse reactions across the country, with many faulting the decision of the Governor and describing it as “unnecessary”.

    Nwifuru, however, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor on Tuesday, directed the lifting of the suspension.

    “The affected Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Special Assistants (SAs) and permanent secretaries are to resume official duties immediately,” the statement reads.

  • Ebonyi gov suspends 25 commissioners, perm secs, aides over absence from function

    Ebonyi gov suspends 25 commissioners, perm secs, aides over absence from function

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has suspended 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, and 38 other aides for one month over absenteeism at a key government event.

    The is contained in a statement on Monday night by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Dr Monday Uzor.

    According to the statement, affected commissioners include the Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, and Commissioner for Finance, Prof Leonard Uguru.

    Others are the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr Mathew Nwobashi; Environment Commissioner, Mr Victor Chukwu; and Information Commissioner, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe.

    Suspended permanent secretaries include: Dr Lawrence Ezeogo, Dr Isioma Arunne-Inyang, Mrs Rose Ibe, Mrs Ogechi Nwobashi, Mrs Theresa Anwu and Dr Lynda Alo.

    Fourteen suspended Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) include: Mrs Bessy Chukwu, Mrs Rose Ofoke, Mr Kieran Ofoke and Chief Anthony Nwegede, among others.

    The 24 affected Special Assistants (SAs) include: Mr Emmanuel Mbam, Mr Tobias Ogbonna, Mr Easy Okike-Uzor, Mr Obinna Oko-Enyim and Mr Chima Okoro.

    Others are Mr Amaechi Nwali, Mr Henry Nwele, Mr Isaac Ogodo-Ali, and Mr Godwin Nwoba, among several more named in the statement.

    The CPS stated that the suspension takes effect immediately and applies to all listed officials without exception.

    NAN reports that the statement did not mention handover arrangements for the affected officials.

  • Nwifuru effects minor cabinet reshuffle

    Nwifuru effects minor cabinet reshuffle

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has effected a minor cabinet reshuffle, swapping four commissioners to different ministries.

    Mr Jude Okpor, former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation is currently the Commissioner for Rural Development.

    Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, former Commissioner for Rural Development is currently the Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

    Prof. Paul Nwobasi, former Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary) is currently the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution

    Dr Donatus Ilang, former Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution is currently the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary).

    Omebe, in his maiden state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting briefing to journalists on Tuesday in Abakaliki, said that the reshuffling was not punitive but an opportunity for the EXCO members to diversify their ministerial knowledge.

    “The governor expects his commissioners to have knowledge of events in respective ministries to effectively respond to calls of duty.

    “I am presently the commissioner for information and that will make me a better journalist and news manager” he said.

    He noted that as part of preliminary requirements for action on the 2026 budget, EXCO received and approved the 2026 – 2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

    “The MTEF is a strategic financial planning document encompassing the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for Ebonyi over the next three years.

    “The EXCO received and approved the Ebonyi Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP) 2024.

    “This plan indicates the progressive performance of the state in the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme,” he said.

    He noted that the plan was intended to meet the World Bank eligibility criteria for implementation of the SABER Programme in 2025.

  • Ebonyi celebrates landing of 1st commercial flight

    Ebonyi celebrates landing of 1st commercial flight

    The Ebonyi government has welcomed its first commercial flight at Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo Airport, located in Onueke, Ezza-South Local Government Area of the state.

    The aircraft arrived from Abuja on Friday at 11:15 a.m. with passengers aboard. The flight was operated by United Nigeria Airlines, bearing the registration number 5N-8WV.

    One of the passengers, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, former Deputy Governor, described the flight as a major milestone for the state.

    “This is the first flight, and I’m fortunate to be among those who landed here,” he said.

    He praised the runway, saying it is among the best in Nigeria, and the landing was as smooth as anywhere globally.

    Another passenger, Emmanuel Nwafor, said the event fulfilled a long-standing dream for the people of Ebonyi.

    “History has been made today. I’m honoured to witness what God has done for our dear state,” Nwafor added.

    He described the flight experience as flawless, with no turbulence, and a perfect take-off and landing.

    Chief Elias Mbam, former chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Commission, also flew in on the inaugural flight.

    He expressed joy over the launch of commercial operations and commended the state government for the achievement.

    Mbam urged for improved frequency of flights and enhancement of facilities at the airport.

    The State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, praised Gov. Francis Nwifuru for making the operations possible.

  • I am stubborn, Umahi knows, he cannot control me – Gov Nwifuru

    I am stubborn, Umahi knows, he cannot control me – Gov Nwifuru

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that his predecessor, Sen. David Umahi does not control his policies and actions as being insinuated in several quarters of the state.

    Nwifuru made the declaration on Wednesday in Abakaliki during the anniversary lecture to mark his second anniversary in office, noting that he was responsible for all actions.

    Recall that Nwifuru was the Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023 when Umahi also held sway as the state governor.

    Umahi has declared in several fora that he fought forces to make his “son” Nwifuru succeed him while the latter always call the Minister of Works, his “father and boss”.

    “I am logically stubborn and Umahi knows this well. Umahi is a man whose ways are clear and has never insisted that I do things this way or that.The minister knows that if he does that, I will resist it,” Nwifuru said.

    The governor said he has worked with Umahi for over 16 years and gained tremendously from his wealth of knowledge.

    “Any shortcoming on my part rests entirely on me and not on anyone else. I could have been a better leader if Umahi actually controls me,” he said.

    He pledged to defend the integrity of the state in the country and urged all stakeholders present to tow the same line.

    “I truly commend Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi.North) for standing his ground when a former female minister called him a hooligan at a Senate hearing.

    “The woman did that because Nwebonyi is from Ebonyi and could not have done so if he was from Kano, Anambra or any other state.

    “Nwebonyi’s defence was not only for himself but the entire state as people should not look down on us anymore,” he said.

    He thanked the guest lecturer and stakeholders who spoke on the occasion for their incisive admonitions, pledging to address all issues raised.

    “The theme of the lecture “Beyond celebration, navigating public expectation and developmental demands in the next two years” is a new task given to my administration,” he said.

    Former Senate President, Pius Anyim commended the governor for his strides within two years and urged him not be distracted in implementing his people’s charter of needs mantra.

    Anyim, the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).said that reclaiming the Abakaliki city master plan was a bold move by the governor that should be supported by all.

    The first Executive Governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu commended Nwifuru for his endearing interventions in education which was the hallmark of his own tenure as governor.

    Prof. Eugene Nweke, the Guest Lecturer, urged the governor to sustain and improve on indices which would enhance the people’s well-being and generally develop the 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 will witness unprecedented development in 2025 – Gov Nwifuru

    Ebonyi will witness unprecedented development in 2025 – Gov Nwifuru

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said 2025 will be marked by unprecedented development, growth and massive transformation of all parts of the State.

    Nwifuru made the declaration in a New Year message to his people on Tuesday in Abakaliki and issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.

    The governor said he would prioritise policies and programmes that would promote inclusive development and foster economic opportunities for the benefit of the people.

    “I have declared this new year as one that will be marked by unprecedented development, growth and massive transformation of all parts of the state.

    “As we step into the New Year, I extend my warmest greetings to every citizen and resident of our great state.

    “This is a time of reflection and renewal, an opportunity to chart a new course for personal growth and collective progress in line with the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda.

    “In 2024, we, through your support, prayers and encouragements, annexed new grounds and deliberately took a quantum leap in all spheres of governance,” he said.

    The governor noted  that his administration had placed over 25, 000 of the citizens on sound economic pedestal for accelerated growth and prosperity.

    “Though the year 2024 brought challenges,  it also showcased the resilience, unity, and innovation of our people.

    “We have made significant strides in improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security last year.

    “This year marks a new dawn for the state’s political history and landscape and will bring to full actualisation, the letters and spirit of my manifesto,” the Governor pledged.