By Gabriel Udeh
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the state’s electricity challenges by providing funds for the construction of a 330kV transmission line from Ugwuaji in Enugu State to Ebonyi.
Nwifuru made the appeal while expressing appreciation to the President for what he described as the Federal Government’s infrastructural attention to Ebonyi State under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the innauguration of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) campaign rally in the state on Monday, the governor said the absence of a 330kV transmission line had continued to affect the state’s industrialisation drive, noting that Ebonyi was the only state in Nigeria without the high-capacity transmission infrastructure.
He urged Tinubu to either provide funds for the project or take over its installation to address the state’s energy challenges and support economic growth.
“Our administration’s support for the Tinubu government was based on tangible interventions in the state, particularly in road infrastructure, education and agriculture.
“The Federal Government has renewed attention to critical road projects, including the approximately 788-kilometre Afikpo–Onueke–Ukwuachi–Abuja Expressway corridor, which features a flyover spanning more than 35 sections at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area,” he said.
He described the project as an important economic corridor capable of connecting communities, facilitating trade and unlocking the agricultural and commercial potential of the South-East.
The governor also highlighted the Obubra–Ofa Road project, being executed under the Renewed Hope flagship programme, as another federal intervention in the state.
He commended Tinubu for appointing former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, as Minister of Works, saying the appointment had strengthened collaboration between the state and the Federal Government on infrastructure development.
Nwifuru said his administration had completed more than 1,000 kilometres of roads across the state’s 13 local government areas, in addition to constructing two kilometres of roads in each community.
He added that the government’s urban renewal programme had improved road infrastructure in the state capital, while flyover and tunnel projects were progressing towards completion.
On healthcare, the governor said his administration had embarked on a comprehensive revitalisation programme covering primary and secondary healthcare facilities, medical personnel, equipment, medicines, health insurance and emergency response services.
He said the state had invested in modern medical equipment, diagnostic facilities, ambulances and service vehicles, while expanding the recruitment of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals.
Nwifuru also disclosed that his administration had intensified efforts to industrialise the state through the rehabilitation of existing industries and the establishment of new ones.
He announced that construction had commenced on the new Abakaliki Garment Company, while the state’s pipe production company was undergoing modernisation.
He further said the industrial city project at Izzi-Angbo was nearing completion, adding that the initiatives were designed to create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economy.
In the education sector, the governor said his administration had completed 43 school buildings, comprising 22-classroom blocks equipped with offices, libraries, laboratories and modern learning facilities.
He also disclosed that the state’s scholarship programme had supported 314 students in the first batch of foreign scholarship beneficiaries, who had completed their master’s degree programmes and were pursuing doctoral studies at universities abroad.
According to him, several beneficiaries graduated with distinctions in their master’s programmes.
The governor further highlighted the establishment of two specialised institutions: the University of ICT at Oferekpe and the University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Ezillo.
He said infrastructure development at both institutions was at advanced stages, with about 22 to 23 buildings provided at each university, many of which had been completed and commissioned.
Nwifuru explained that the institutions were established to equip students with specialised skills and prepare them for opportunities in the competitive global economy.
The governor maintained that his administration had made substantial progress in implementing its 20-point manifesto, known as the People’s Charter of Leadership, which was unveiled ahead of the 2023 governorship election.
He reiterated his appreciation to Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support, while urging the President to give priority to the proposed transmission line project to improve electricity supply and accelerate industrial development in Ebonyi State.
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