The Innermost Story: Voyage of Gov. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru you need to know, by Cyril Chibuzo Ogbonna Otu
Usually, the narratives are the same with many of the public office holders and/or politicians in Nigeria.
Year in and year out, while some leaders leave their offices as a result of having lost an election or at the end of their tenures, undoubtedly, new ones would surely emerge along with lots of promises to their people. But as the days or years go by, you would begin to see the status quo, almost everything remaining the same, and in the end, you would begin to understand that some (if not all) of the projects being flashed in the media spaces were more like a ‘Deja Vu’ case – the more you see the less you understand. You’d equally realise that those projects being commissioned, events and/or initiatives being inaugurated were mere ‘paparazzi’ either for them to get some accolades from their people or for whatever reasons that are best known to them.
Unequivocally, I must state the fact that when you meet some leaders or hear about them, you would be tempted to immediately give a verdict on the ending of their story or their tenure in office as you could easily do to most of the Nollywood movies or stories you and I see or read about. Why do I say so? Because, you may have heard about their track records, how they lived their lives, their family backgrounds, schools they attended, etc. and that would give you a clue on how their administration would transcend or end in the long run.
Meeting him for the first time – His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, you would rrealise he is a humble man, he has so much respect for everyone who comes in contact with him, not to mention his elders whom he would not hesitate to prostrate in honouring them.
Governor Francis Ogbonna is not just a man who fears God, he is a thorough Christian who exemplifies the same in his conduct and the way he relates with those around him. Imagine him stopping by the roadside to ask a young person he sees along the streets to ask why is the fellow not in school…and you should know how such a person’s life will never be the same from that day. Imagine someone who started building a Church when he was a nobody in Izzi, his home town and of course, is about to complete it now. But the emphasis here is his practical way of showcasing what being a Christian entails – having a genuine affection for others and treating them as Christ would.
His Excellency does not talk too much. He is not a ‘paparazzi’ kind of leader. He is a man who believes in action. Whatever he sets out to achieve, he achieves it almost immediately. Simply put, “Governor Francis Ogbonna is a silent achiever”. He is a simple man by nature, who has such a humble background but loves to accomplish great things, as you have seen by his journey so far.
Remember during his election campaign he emphasised so much that his government would focus on human empowerment? He has indeed begun to walk his talks in line with his promises. Imagine all he has done just within his 100 days in office!
In the most exemplary form, his Excellency, Rt. Honourable Francis Ognonna Nwifuru, has already commenced to revamp and revitalise the operations and activities of different industries like the Abakaliki Rice Mill; Ebonyi State Pipe Production Company; Ebonyi State Building Materials Industry in Ezzamgbo and has equally provided agricultural inputs to practicing armers in the State; he has provided a good business environment for businessmen and women in Ebonyi; begun to support and encourage talents in the Creative industry in order to declare his stance and readiness to transform our state.
Do you know His Excellency has already approved the construction of different roads to expand the quality of road infrastructure in rural areas? He has begun the implementation of a Waste-to-Wealth Initiative which would procure brand new Recycling Machines at the Pulverization Plant in Okposi, Umuoghara.
In a bid to ensure transparency in the state’s judiciary and to restore the hope of the ordinary Ebonyians in any type of litigation, the Governor has gone ahead to adopt a full-blown digitalisation process of the system, to mention just a few.
One of the most amazing of all his voyages so far is his selfless but laudable way of showcasing he truly has a heart for his people and is committed to their well-being as the Governor has already given directives for the commencement of the immediate payment of gratuities totalling the sum of N3,851,763,617.65 for about 1,715 retirees in the State, and of course, the payment schedule has been drafted and is in the public space.
Undeniably, the Governor, unlike his predecessors, is certainly going the path of his mandate to develop his people and to make Ebonyi globally competitive in all ramifications.
Recall the Marxist Theory which says, “If you develop a man, he will develop the world.” The Governor has shown that an ideal leader is one who influences, builds and impacts his people positively.
And, of all Governor Francis Ogbonna has achieved in his 100 days, extremely memorable is his approval “to empower 1,500 young Ebonyians who are hawking or doing other menial jobs in various cities across Nigeria with the sum of 2 million naira each,” while urging and pleading with them to come back home and be trained in technical and vocational skills.
The Governor has equally begun the process of recruitment in what I refer to as one of the most transparent ever, as he has kept the Ebonyi people up-to-date with every single piece of information they need to know, and has just yesterday (September 27, 2023) laid the foundation of 140 bungalows in Izzo and Amaze Communities of Ishielu Local Government Areas, following the crisis that displaced the people from their homes – his administration’s “modest attempt to resettle them and foster a genuine spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness among his brothers and sisters, who once loved themselves so much.” Consequently, a 50-percent of the total contract sum has equally been paid to the Ministry in charge and contractors have been mobilised.
In what other ways can someone prove to his people, the Nigerian people and the world at large that “he is different from the rest of them?”
In what other forms can you rate the Governor of Ebonyi State, his administration along with his amiable Deputy – Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila – A woman whose personality, humility, empathy and other notable leadership traits have endeared her to Ebonyi people in ways you would not have imagined; a trailblazer whose dedication to public service and improving the lives of her people is not questionable. A gracious woman who has such an unwavering advocacy for gender equality and women empowerment and has already begun to empower women economically, and to bring in more robust synergy between the Ebonyi civil servants with their administration?!
The best way to appreciate the duo is to write these simple but powerful words – WELL DONE, YOUR EXCELLENCIES!
To say the least, Ebonyi is blessed to have His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State and Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State as their leaders!
Huge congratulations to the Governor on his victory at the Tribunal!
Long live Your Excellencies!
God bless Ebonyi State and her People in your time!
Otu Cyril Chibuzo Ogbonna writes from Ebonyi State. He is a nation-builder, political analyst and businessman (in printing, transportation and logistics).
Email: otugo4@yahoo.com
Tel: 08060191914
This is great testament, I am witness to this, Governor Nwifuru just changed the old order.
This is great testament, I am witness to this, Governor Nwifuru just changed the old order, the way he’s tenaciously following Ebonyi people’s charter of needs as enshrined in his manifesto is commendable