Independence: Ebonyi State Governor Flags Off Distribution Of Palliatives

The Ebonyi State Governor in Southeast Nigeria, Francis Nwifuru has flagged off the distribution of the palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The exercise is part of the activities to mark the 63rd Nigeria Anniversary and Ebonyi at 27.

The flag-off is across the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

It was simultaneously done as all the 13 Local Government Chairmen were in the various Headquarters to distribute the palliatives to the rural dwellers as well.

The Governor said; “I am highly delighted and honoured to address you today, my people of Ebonyi State, on this epoch-making occasion of the celebration of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary and 27th Anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State.

“Today’s event is historic and symbolic because, it is the first Independence Day celebration, since our administration came on board, following your overwhelming support for our mantra – The People’s Charter of Needs. It also allows us to take stock of our modest progress so far, in meeting your needs, which informed your choice during the polls.”

Governor Nwifuru said; “Let me use this occasion to call to mind, the enormous sacrifices of our Nation’s foremost Nationalists and Ebonyi Founding Fathers in their struggle for the creation of the State. The likes of Late Ezeogo Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Chief Martin Nwanchor Elechi, Distinguished Senator Chris, Chukwuma Nwankwo, Sen. Dr. Offia Nwali, Ezeogo Dr.Agom Eze and others.”

He said; “It has been 153 days since we assumed office. Within this period, we assembled a blend of bureaucrats and professionals in various fields of human endeavour to assist us in meeting your needs. Together as a team, we swung into action by taking several practical steps to fulfill our promises to you, in line with our manifesto – The Peoples Charter of Needs. We are striving to exceed our expectations in serving you, because we believe in the words of the great American Author, O.G Mandino, to “always render more and better service than is expected of us, no matter what the task may be.”

Education

He said; “We remain committed to our resolve of revamping our education system, to a creative conducive environment for quality teaching and learning at all levels. Our target is to achieve entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, and education for economic self-reliance. To achieve these, we have been able to increase subvention to Ebonyi State University from 150 million to 200 million naira and pay two months’ arrears of the said sum. Also, we released the outstanding 300 million Naira owed to Ebonyi State University, by the previous administration; Understudying the excellent education system of the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Rwanda, for replication in Ebonyi State, Approval and release of funds for the site clearing of the University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, and approval for the upgrading of the Ebonyi State College of Education Ikwo to University of Education.”

Health 

The Govenor said; “In line with our resolve to deliver quality healthcare services to you, our people, our administration has recruited 195 Health Personnel to man the 13 General Hospitals in the State, approved the establishment of a Mega Drug Production Centre and a Mega Drug Distribution Centre.”

He said he has done a lot in many sectors of human endeavours to better the lives of

During the event, the former Governors, Chief Martin Elechi and Dr. Samuel Egwu made a plea that the Chigbo Okadigbo International Airport Onueke should be renamed after the Late Dr. Offia Nwali.

The Independence Celebration was caped by a Celebration of Mass, led by Bishop Emeritus of Abakaliki Catholic Diocese, His Lordship Micheal Okoro.

Mercy Chukwudiebere