By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has highlighted the completion of more than 1,000 kilometres of roads, establishment of new universities and commencement of work on the Abakaliki Cement Company as major milestones recorded by his administration.
Nwifuru disclosed this on Thursday while addressing citizens at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State.
The governor said the twin anniversaries provided an opportunity for reflection on the journey of Nigeria and Ebonyi State, as well as a renewed commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and productive society.
He said his administration had placed education, human capital development, infrastructure and economic opportunities at the centre of its development agenda since assuming office in 2023.
“Within these three years, we have pursued interventions covering infrastructure, scholarships, human capital development, health, agriculture and security and the expansion of opportunities for our young people,” Nwifuru said.
On infrastructure, the governor said the administration had completed more than 1,000km of roads across the 13 Local Government Areas, in addition to roads constructed in communities across the state.
He said the road projects were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate movement of agricultural produce, strengthen commercial activities and integrate previously isolated communities into the state’s economic network.
Nwifuru also disclosed that work was progressing on the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel project, which he said his administration intended to complete within record time.
The governor said the government was equally strengthening its technical capacity by procuring road construction equipment and creating opportunities for Ebonyi engineers, contractors, artisans, technicians and equipment operators to participate in the state’s infrastructure development.
On education, Nwifuru said the government had constructed 39 model classroom blocks across the 13 LGAs, while also providing teaching and learning materials, furniture, textbooks and other instructional facilities.
He disclosed that his administration had established the University of ICT and the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, with major construction projects ongoing at both institutions.
According to him, 12 two-storey faculty buildings were under construction across the two new universities, while a Senate Building, hostel blocks and staff quarters had also been completed or were at advanced stages at the ICT University.
He further listed ongoing construction of a new Law Faculty Complex at the CAS Campus and an Education Faculty Complex at the Ishieke Campus of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
The governor said the state government had increased the monthly subvention to Ebonyi State University from N150 million to N280 million.
Nwifuru also announced the commencement of work on the Abakaliki Cement Company, describing industrialisation as a deliberate strategy of his administration to create jobs, expand the state’s productive base and provide sustainable opportunities for young people.
“I am happy to announce to you that work has commenced at our new Abakaliki Cement Company and it is our intention to ensure its speedy completion,” he said.
On healthcare, the governor said his administration had invested in primary and secondary healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, ambulances, personnel, medicines and health insurance.
He said the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency recorded 394,387 encounter visits and 478,607 services utilised between 2023 and 2026, covering services including antenatal care, malaria treatment, deliveries, hypertension screening and surgical procedures.
Nwifuru also said the government had sustained the payment of the state’s N95,000 minimum wage and cleared pension and gratuity arrears owed retirees from the creation of the state in 1996 to date.
He described workers’ welfare as an important component of effective public administration, stressing that government must remain conscious of its obligations to both serving workers and retirees.
The governor said his administration would continue to promote accountability, institutional integrity, access to justice and respect for citizens’ rights.
“The office of Governor is not an inheritance. It is a constitutional responsibility and a solemn trust,” he said, adding that government must act within the law and respect the rights of citizens
Nwifuru expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the judiciary, religious leaders, traditional institutions, women, youths and other stakeholders for their support.
He also acknowledged the contributions of past governors and leaders of the state, including former Senate President Sam Egwu, Chief Martin Elechi and Senator David Umahi.
The governor congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and Ebonyians on 30 years of statehood, urging citizens to remain committed to peace, unity and the collective development of the state and country.
Recent reporting independently put the state’s completed road network at more than 627km as of September 2026, based on a briefing by the then Works Commissioner; the higher 1,000km figure above is therefore presented specifically as Governor Nwifuru’s claim in his anniversary address, rather than independently verified in this report.
