The Forum of Pioneer Councilors in Ebonyi State has applauded the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru for the people-oriented leadership within the past few months of his administration.
The Forum’s Chairman, Maxwell Nwali who passed a vote of confidence on the Governor said that this was to encourage him to continue in his good work as people of the State are solidly behind him.
Nwali said the administration has launched an e-government initiative that has made it easier for citizens to access government services online.
“This has improved transparency and accountability and made it easier for citizens to engage with their government.
“On human capital developments and job creations, this administration has been committed to creating jobs and supporting small businesses.
“Two million naira each (N2m) for one thousand five hundred young (1500) Ebonyians involved in street hawking and other menial jobs both at home and across the major cities were given to start up businesses after graduation from the skill acquisition training at Ebonyi Vocational College.”
Infrastructure
The Chairman added that the administration has invested in key infrastructure projects such as rural roads and bridges, which will improve connectivity and access to essential services for the people.
“On road construction, the governor is working his talk as he has approved and awarded the construction of the following roads across the state. They are: Obubara Junction to Oferekpe, Ikwo , Obvudechi-Iziogo Road , Offerekpe-Agbaja Internal Road , Ishieke Odomoke Ekebeligwe-Isophu-Nworie , Ezillo-Ezzagu Road, Ebonyi Agro Dealers Market Road Onuebonyi, Ogboenyi Road off Ndibe Beach, Afikpo, Itara-Dr. Akanu Ibiam-Oyoyo-Erei road, Unwana, Rehabilitation of Alo Street to Unity Square with some spot maintenance along Nwele Street.
“Also, Agbaja Ndiebor access road, Abakaliki LGA, Ogbaga-Nwofe Road, Mile 50 New Layout, Legacy FM road, Presbyterian Church Road, Iyioji Akaeze, Ivo , Amankwo-Amaelu road, Afikpo LGA , and 16.2km road in each of the 140 communities in the state.”
Education
The Forum said the administration has prioritized education and implemented policies as a solid foundation that will improve access to quality education for all citizens.
“The Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, has also received the attention of the governor as the sum of N700 million was released to the university for immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears. He also increased the state government subvention to the university to the tune of N200 million monthly.
“This was even as he ordered that all the university staff who were due for promotion but had stagnated for no reason should be promoted without further delay.
“The government has initiated a scholarship program. Every year, 500 graduates will be sponsored to get their Masters degrees. 100 outside the country and 400 within Nigeria.
“The governor has taken the bull by the horn by ensuring that the water schemes are revitalized to supply water to the citizens of the state.”
Healthcare
The Chairman said the administration has made significant investments in healthcare, which will improve access to quality healthcare services for the people. T
According to him, the Governor has employed 195 health personnel, comprising 39 medical doctors, 39 nurses, 39 laboratory scientists, 39 pharmacists, and 39 health attendants.
“He has also approved the establishment of the Public Eye Health Committee to maintain the sound eye health of Ebonyians. The government has revitalized the general hospitals and equipped them.
“The governor has just procured SUV Cars for all the medical doctors working in the general hospitals across the state to ensure they are at work seamlessly and respond to duty calls. Also, ambulances have been procured by the Ebonyi State Government for the general hospitals.”
Workers’ Welfare
The Director of Media and Publicity of the Forum, Mr David Uka said the present administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru is committed to workers’ welfare, and retirees’ pensions and gratuities have set a benchmark for other states to follow”
“First, he ordered the immediate recruitment of 1454 civil servants to rejig the state’s workforce and fill in the existing vacancies
“Also, in fulfillment of his promise to civil servants as well as to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidies, the governor has added N10,000 to the salaries of workers under the state’s employ. He also approved the payment of arrears of gratuity to retired civil servants from 1996 to 2021, amounting to N4.3bn
“During the last Christmas and New Year celebrations, the governor gave N100,000 Christmas packages to all civil servants in the state”. Uka added.
Consequently, Ebonyi State government, under the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has equally commenced the resettling of the displaced persons in the Amaeze-Ezillo and Izzo Autonomous communities, as well as in Izzi and Abakaliki, by building 280 bungalows for them.
However, the Chairman of the forum as well as other members numbering about 170 called on the Government to come to the aide of the Former Councilors as many are in deplorable conditions and can no longer take care of themselves.
He urged the Governor to approve the payment of their Severance allowance which has been long overdue.
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