The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has announced that his administration is actively implementing a programme designed to bring back indigenes currently engaged in menial jobs outside the state.
The initiative aims to empower these citizens and promote their self-reliance.
Speaking during a church service held at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru emphasized the importance of appreciating and supporting the state’s people. He noted, “We will bring back our people who are doing menial jobs in other cities and empower them since they are not even being appreciated by the people they are working for. After all, they are being exploited without commensurate remuneration.”
As part of this empowerment strategy, the Governor revealed that the government is developing warehouses and skills acquisition centres in the state’s industrial city. These projects are intended to provide meaningful engagement and opportunities for Ebonyi youths.
Regarding the performance of his administration, Governor Nwifuru shared that he has conducted critical appraisals of some of his appointees and expressed dissatisfaction with those who have failed to deliver on their mandates. “We are worried that the vision statement as contained in our people’s charter of needs has not been satisfactorily realized, which accounted for the minor reshuffle we did,” he stated.
He reiterated the clarity of his mission and vision, stressing that these were the reasons the people voted for his administration. “However, we are still assessing them and we shall do the needful if the need arises,” he added. The Governor further declared his readiness to relieve non-performing officials of their duties should the grace period granted to them expire without adequate results.
On allegations of fund diversion involving the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Governor Nwifuru maintained a stance of due process. “I received news of a publication already before the Federal High Court Uyo about our Secretary to the State Government. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise. I am a lawyer and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment to avoid setting wrong precedents,” the Governor remarked.
In closing, Governor Nwifuru appealed to leaders of Ebonyi State to disregard social media criticisms, urging them to return home and invest in the state. He assured that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.
Through these efforts, the Ebonyi State government under Governor Nwifuru continues to focus on empowerment, accountability, and economic development.
