Ebonyi State Seeks British Government’s Support In Provision Of Amenities

The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has solicited the assistance of the British Government in the provision of some basic amenities that will improve the living standard of the people of the state.

Governor Nwifuru gave the indication while he received in audience, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

He listed some areas of priority to include Water, Health, Power, Education and Agriculture.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Monday Uzor, quotes Governor Nwifuru as saying that his administration has made progress in the Ebonyi Pipe Production Company, Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemicals Company, Industrial Clusters as well as the Ebonyi State Hatchery, Nkaliki.

Nwifuru said: “we cultivate rice in large quantities. We seek your collaboration to enhance production for exportation.”

He further said, “water and sanitation is another area we have made significant progress in our quest to increase provision and access to quality water supply in the rural and urban areas. We have revived Oferekpe water scheme, with the capacity to produce 100 million cubic litres of water on a daily basis.”

Governor Nwifuru commended the UK Foreign Office and other development partners, for their active support and commitment to Nigeria’s State development.

In his response, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, expressed satisfaction with the development going on in the state and pledged to assist, considering the long standing ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Governor Nwifuru had earlier announced a Christmas bonus of one hundred and fifty thousand naira (150,000), to all civil servants of the state government.

He said the gesture was in appreciation of the workers understanding and commitment to their duties, during the recent industrial action.

His words, “our workers have shown a lot of commitment and respect to us as a government during the strike action. They heeded our appeal because they understood the situation of things and we were most grateful and ready to always dialogue on how to improve their welfare.”

Governor Nwifuru further directed that every worker will ereceive the 2024 Christmas bonus, before close of work on Tuesday, next week.