By Tony Ezike
Director General, South-East Governors Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife CON has described the 100 days administration of South-East governors Dr Peter Mbah, Mr Francis Nwifuru and Barr Alex Otti as a journey of innovative solutions that is setting the framework for sustainable development and regional integration.
Ekwunife disclosed this in her congratulatory messages to the three governors on Wednesday, following their significant achievements within 100 days in their various offices, which she attributed to strong strength of will, firmness of purpose and unwavering pursuit for excellence.
Senator Ekwunife noted that the governors nascent stewardship is beginning to yield immediate results, while showcasing signs of future development potentials and determination to lead the good people of Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia states on the path of positive growth.
The Forum DG highlighted critical areas of intervention which the governors identified and addressed within the period, starting from the exemplary achievements of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah, whom she described his governing philosophy, and “Tomorrow is Here” mantra as stunning and very remarkable.
According to the Senator, Governor Mbah’s administration has made significant strides in many areas, including: his deep involvement in the Light-Up Nigeria Project which signals a new dawn for power and industrialisation of the country at large, starting from the South East region.
She also listed some other notable achievements of Governor Mbah which include, provision of adequate potable water for Enugu metropolis, unveiling of the Enugu State water sector law, new Enugu City, revitalizing of moribund state assets, introducing of smart green schools and well-conceived healthcare centers, as well as developing of a robust network of road infrastructure.
Similarly, Senator Ekwunife lauded the exceptional achievements of His Excellency Mr Francis Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, whose love for human capital development clearly reflected on his empowerment scheme, through which 500 indigenes of the state identified as hawkers in various locations would be trained in various skill areas and supported with the sum of ₦2 million naira each to improve their businesses.
She expressed delight with the governor’s administrative blueprint anchored on his manifesto christened, “Ebonyi People’s Chater of Needs” through which 2km roads will be constructed in each community in the state, among other massive road projects covering over 280 kilometers.
Governor Nwifuru has been widely praised for issuing an executive directive for the construction of 280 bungalows for displaced persons. The Governor in less than a month in office ordered for the immediate employment of 195 health personnel, comprising 39 medical doctors, 39 Nurses, 39 Laboratory scientists, 39 Pharmacists and 39 health Attendants. In fact his 100 days achievements cuts across many sectors and has made commendable impacts.
Senator Ekwunife equally outlined some of the significant achievements of Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, noting that his successful establishment of 181-megawatt geometric power plant in Aba area of the state and his decision to approve payment of Abia MDAs’ accumulated electricity bills are quite commendable, as most government offices have been off the national grid over the years, a situation which has hindered overall workers output across the MDAs.
Furthermore, in a bid to industrialize Abia state, governor Otti in partnership with private investors has embarked on the establishment of Abia Innovation Industrial Park (AIIP) at Owaza. The AIIP would host a modular refinery, manufacturing plant, incubation centre and other industrial concerns and would be one of the biggest industrial parks in West Africa.
Interestingly, successful launch of the Abia Economic Development Plan by Dr Alex Otti is a strong testament of his unfaltering energy, determination and desire for excellence, and this explains why he was able to reduce corruption, scale up tax collection procedures, and increase state revenue by 15% within 100.days of his administration.
In road infrastructure, Governor Otti engaged reputable companies like Julius Berger and other first-class contracting firms for the rehabilitation of 79 roads with direct labour, fixing and commissioning of 10 roads, with more than 23 roads undergoing reconstructions.
Senator Ekwunife expressed deep satisfaction with the tremendous progress and development happening in the region, adding that she is proud of the amazing efforts being made by the Governors of South-East region under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, as well as His Anambra State counterpart His Excellency Prof Chukwuma Soludo, in changing the socioeconomic landscape of their various states and the South-East region by extension.
