Polycarp Sola – Abakaliki
The Mezie Edda grassroots movement for FON has endorsed Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for a second term based on their assessment of his performance thus far in his first tenure as the Governor of Ebonyi State.
The group equally passes a vote of confidence on the chairman of the Edda Local Government area of the state, Prince Chima Ekumankama, on the showcased determination of his administration to improve the lives of Edda people.
The MEZIA Edda Grassroots Movement is a socio-political organisation in Edda, which is committed to excellence, good governance, integrity, peace, and cohesion, as well as youth capacity building in the Edda clan.
In a communique issued at the end of their meeting, which was held in Edda, the group noted that Governor Nwifuru has delivered on his core mandate and thus needed more support to consolidate his achievements.
“This endorsement was in view of Governor Nwifuru’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the state. Recognising his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the state, we proudly endorsed him for a second term in office.
“The move was informed by his outstanding performance, leadership ingenuity, and track records in the last two years and has not disappointed the state. He has demonstrated capacity and commitment in the governance of the state and so deserves another tenure.” It states
Highlighting the relevance of this endorsement, the organising secretary of the group, Hon. Okoro Orji Patrick, said Governor Nwifuru has made significant strides in all sectors in alignment with his “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda.
He commended the governor for the construction of several kilometres of roads across the urban and rural areas, as well as his touch in human and capital development, saying it would boost the economy of the state.
“In terms of agriculture, education, security, industrial revolution, health, and other areas, he has performed well to better and improve the quality of lives of Ebonyians.
“His commitment to modernisation of urban and rural areas is evident through landmark projects and strategic initiatives that have reshaped the state. For instance, the ongoing construction of the world-class VANCO Junction underground flyover.
“In the area of human capital development, 1000 young men and women have benefitted from the foreign and local scholarship, with many almost at the completion of their academic programs in various Ivy League universities in the UK.
“Additionally, last month, the governor disbursed 300 million Naira to the 100 beneficiaries of the second batch of his agricultural training and empowerment program to promote food security and a healthy economy in Ebonyi State.
“Each of the beneficiaries of the Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Empowerment Programme, FONEP, in the agricultural field received 3 million Naira following the successful completion of their two-month training at Agbani farm in Enugu State by Master Skill Development and Services Limited.
“Recalled that last year, the 100 beneficiaries of the first batch of the program were, after their graduation, empowered with 3 million Naira each to start their farming businesses in the state.
Intervention in the Health Sector:
“Apart from the purchase of new ambulances and service vehicles to enhance healthcare accessibility across the 13 general hospitals and clinics, he has recruited a number of trained medical professionals in hospitals and clinics, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
“These vehicles have significantly improved emergency response times, ensuring patients receive timely medical attention. He has also embarked on the construction of 2 km of roads and a traditional ruler’s palace in all communities in the state”. It added.
Okoro, who seized the opportunity to appreciate the Edda council chairman, Prince Chima Ekumankama, passed a vote of confidence in him for showing commitment towards transforming Edda LGA and improving the lives of its people.
“Apart from the restoration of peace and unity in Edda, the council has engaged in providing free medical care for his people, scholarships, and establishing Edda mass transit for ease of transportation, among others.
“The sustainable peace, unity, and security enjoyed by the people of Edda now were the resultant effects of several initiatives evolved by his administration. The administration of Hon. Chima on assumption of office took the restoration of peace and security as a priority, knowing that the council was before then eluded of peace”. It added.
In his remarks, the director of media of the group, Hon. David Ukah, said the endorsement of the governor for a second tenure is well-deserved and timely, considering his numerous achievements in line with his campaign promises, and commended the group for the initiative.
Other members of the group include Comrade Udu Aja Agwu, Deputy Coordinator, and Comrade Sunday Okpani, Secretary.