Hon Stephen Ebere Nwogba.By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The Council Chairman in a chat with newsmen Tuesday at Nkaliki, the Abakaliki Local Government Headquarters, said, Governor Umahi has made Ebonyi people proud through his infrastructural developmental strides.
Nwogba also commended Governor Umahi for having strengthened the principle of power rotation which led to his emergence in 2015 and 2019 respectively; in considering equity, justice and fairness.
He expressed optimism that the incoming Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Nwifuru would outweigh Governor Umahi while sustaining those existing legacy projects in the State.
He urged the Governor-elect, Chief Francis Nwifuru to prioritize health, education, agriculture, rural roads and human capital development to enhance the lives of the Ebonyians.
While expressing the conviction that Nwifuru would deliver on his mandate in considering his moral and physical fitness blended with his broad knowledge in leadership, the Council Boss called on the Ebonyians to throw their weight behind the incoming Governor for excellent rendition.
He urged the government at all levels to train youths on entrepreneurial skills, provide the necessary grants for them to start on their own; and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He equally advised the youths to engage meaningfully in entrepreneurship and diversify in agriculture instead of waiting for white kola jobs to reduce the socio-economic harshness confronting the nation.
The Chairman who highlighted some projects already built by his administration in his council area in less than one year in office, reaffirmed his eagerness to continue to put smiles on the faces of the Abakaliki people.
"We have embarked on the construction of rural roads including Nwalagba- Nwori-Shedekori road, Hiltop- Ngboagbaja rice mill road, Ephugbo- Ameji road, Nwori Shed Elom, Atam- Epheyim road, Obegu-INEC Abakaliki Local Government Headquarters road, Nwafiauzor -Chairman's lodge road."
He disclosed that his administration has also attracted the construction of over thirteen culverts, and two bridges among others.
"We have paid the school fees of over fifty students both in the secondary and tertiary school. We have equally empowered our youths, especially in the area of education, we have paid WEAC registration fees of over one hundred students and provision of writing materials to some schools in the Local Government council.
"We have paid the hospital bills of some patients both in AMURT and Government health facilities. Also, we have given operational vehicles and motorcycles to security agents to enable them to reach hither land and protect the lives and property of our people. We have also improved workers' salaries and other humanitarian services we have rendered to our people and beyond."
He thus, advocated for Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria regarding the urgent need for rural development.
