By Victor Nwegede
The Federal Government and Ebonyi State have pledged to deepen collaboration on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, with a renewed focus on infrastructure, economic empowerment, and social investment in the South-East.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, gave the assurance in Abakaliki on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Francis Nwifuru, leading a high-powered delegation of federal information and security agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency, Voice of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission.
Malagi commended Nwifuru for championing public understanding of the President’s policy reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate.
He noted that while the policies were tough, they had already begun to yield results in fiscal savings, job creation, and improved funding for projects.
“Over 400,000 Nigerians from all parts of the country have benefitted from new education support schemes, with more than N86 billion spent on tuition and accommodation for students from poor homes.
"The Federal Government has also released over N200 billion to revive small and medium-scale enterprises,” Malagi stated.
He assured that the Tinubu administration would continue to prioritise the South-East, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and inclusive appointments that have placed more young people and South-Easterners in key government positions.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged Ebonyi’s readiness to work closely with the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of ongoing reforms.
“Our duty is to ensure that policies translate to tangible benefits for our people, especially the youth. We will continue to strengthen systems and build on the foundations already laid,” Nwifuru said.
The event, attended by top state officials, security chiefs, and community leaders, is expected to open new channels for collaboration on roads, healthcare, education, and enterprise development across Ebonyi State.
