Rt. Hon. Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State Governor |
Public Servants were being owed a backlog of salaries and some governors also had to grapple with the issue of settling loans accumulated by past administrations. The ecstasy that permeated every nook and cranny of the country after the elections soon gave way to serious discussions about creating viable economic pathways through which the machinery of the states could be run efficiently and effectively.
Though the
bailout from the federal government went a long way to alleviate the sufferings
of public servants in many states, the harsh economic realities imposed on the
country by fluctuations in crude oil prices was hardly a topic to gloss over,
as continued reduction in the revenue accruing to the federation account
created more retrogression and difficulties to economic growth.
Peculiar Challenges
Like other states, Enugu State also has its peculiar challenges. The new administration under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inherited a debt of N32.27 billion in owed salaries, pensions and gratuities to public servants. Beyond owed salaries, some roads in the outskirts and within the metropolis needed to be fixed, health, education, child trafficking and illegal adoptions were among vital issues that needed to be addressed.
Peculiar Challenges
Like other states, Enugu State also has its peculiar challenges. The new administration under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inherited a debt of N32.27 billion in owed salaries, pensions and gratuities to public servants. Beyond owed salaries, some roads in the outskirts and within the metropolis needed to be fixed, health, education, child trafficking and illegal adoptions were among vital issues that needed to be addressed.
So right
from the start, Ugwuanyi knew he was saddled with the onerous responsibility of
managing the state at a time characterised by dire economic conditions and
uncertainty. His ability to come off victorious depended heavily on his
leadership acumen.
Road Policy
In his inaugural speech at the Michael Okpara Square on May 29, Ugwuanyi was not cagey about the strategic development plan his administration had mapped out for the state. Of particular importance were the construction, renovation and maintenance of roads across the state. It did not come as a surprise to many who had longed for significant policy statements on roads.
Road Policy
In his inaugural speech at the Michael Okpara Square on May 29, Ugwuanyi was not cagey about the strategic development plan his administration had mapped out for the state. Of particular importance were the construction, renovation and maintenance of roads across the state. It did not come as a surprise to many who had longed for significant policy statements on roads.
The governor
began to work on roads as early as his first week in office. While assessing
the state of government facilities, he declared that due to their
socio-economic value, the Abakpa Nike and Nike Lake roads, Opi-Nsukka
dual-carriage way, Amankwo-Ameke-Amah Brewery Junction, 9th-Mile By-pass, Ohom
Orba junction-Imilike Ani-Ezimo Agu- Imilike- Ogbodu Aba- Obollo Etiti-
Amalla-Obollo–Afor-Udenu Ring roads would be reconstructed.
Other roads
that he also considered for either renovation or construction included the
Enugu road in Nsukka, Nsukka Junction-Umuezebi-Post Office
Roundabout-Odenigbo Roundabout-Ogurugu Road–Ikenga Hotels Junction, and
Obechara Road Junction-Umuakashi-Mechanic Village-Ikenga Hotels Junction.
After a
meeting by the State Executive Council in October, approved contracts for the
construction of the roads were awarded. The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udehele, told newsmen after
the meeting that funds had also been approved for the maintenance of roads in
Enugu metropolis so as to ameliorate difficulties and pains caused by traffic
congestions and accidents partly actuated by potholes. Also, to improve
vehicular movement, the Ogui-New Haven, Achara Layout, Garki, Abakiliki Road
and Abakpa Junction roads are being renovated.
Even the
entrance to one of state’s main markets, Ogbete Main Market road project, has
been completed just as the rehabilitation of Airport Roundabout/Orie Emene/St.
Patrick’s College/Eke-Obinagu road projects is on-going. The
administration has also embarked on the construction of drains, culverts,
earthworks, asphaltic wearing course at Ugwogo Nike Ikem road.
The
governor’s decision to tackle road-related challenges is not out of sync with
basic economic considerations. Besides, experts have often pointed out that
cities need good roads to snake their ways through the crooked path of
uncertainty and difficulties to economic prosperity. For one, bad roads affect
transportation of goods and services and hamper movement. Leaving roads in poor
conditions and impassable states create further complications which are not
without economic consequences.
Commendation
Apparently excited by the commencement of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road projects, the people of the state have literally rolled out the drums to celebrate what they describe as the return of the good days. They commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his quick response to the problem of roads in Enugu metropolis, saying it is an indication of his sensitivity to the plight of the people.
Commendation
Apparently excited by the commencement of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road projects, the people of the state have literally rolled out the drums to celebrate what they describe as the return of the good days. They commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his quick response to the problem of roads in Enugu metropolis, saying it is an indication of his sensitivity to the plight of the people.
A senior
medical officer at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Dr. Chukwujama Ejifor, who was visibly
elated by the news of the award of road contracts, praised the governor for his
timely intervention, saying the governor’s action has further endeared him to
the people.
In Dr. Ejifor’s
own words: “The governor’s move is laudable because the
roads touch on the hearts of our day-to-day life. Look at the Abakpa junction
traffic gridlock when you are coming into town from Abakpa, Trans-Ekulu, Onitsha
axis. Although the road is a Federal Government road, it is only a people’s
governor like Ugwuanyi that will quickly rescue people from the time and
economy sapping gridlock dotting that axis of the metropolis.
“This
development serves as a pointer to his ability to adopt a maintenance culture
for public facilities and utilities. The roads in the metropolis were a serious
sore point following the substandard materials used for the construction by the
immediate past administration. This administration is responsive to the
people’s plight. It is the small things that make a big difference in
governance. The confidence reposed in the governor has not been misdirected
because we voted him overwhelmingly knowing his pedigree of performance. We
expected nothing less.”
Economic Infrastructure
Other important areas for the economy, such as electricity, security and health are not left out. For instance, with regards to electricity, the governor has commissioned the 15km Inter-Town-Connection (ITC) 2.5MVA Injection Sub-Station at Ezi-Nze in Udi Local Government Area that will provide electricity to communities across Udi, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo-Etiti local government areas.
Economic Infrastructure
Other important areas for the economy, such as electricity, security and health are not left out. For instance, with regards to electricity, the governor has commissioned the 15km Inter-Town-Connection (ITC) 2.5MVA Injection Sub-Station at Ezi-Nze in Udi Local Government Area that will provide electricity to communities across Udi, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo-Etiti local government areas.
With that
project, the government is committed to supplying power from the Adada Dam
project and opening up business activities in these communities. Upon
completion, the dam will power the greater Nsukka water scheme that has
remained uncompleted for decades. Apart from that, electricity, water and other
ancillary services are provided at the new State Secretariat Complex built by
the past administration of Sullivan Chime.
Pertaining
to the economy, Chief Ugwuanyi has constituted an Economic Advisory Committee
to advice government on the best economic policies that will engender
sustainable growth and development for the state and help it to navigate the
adverse effects of the country’s economy. He also set up a committee on Nsukka
Urban Renewal as part of his vision for the development of new cities in the
state.
Security has
also received a huge boost. The governor bought vehicles for security agencies
in the state to facilitate their operational efficiency. Under Ugwuanyi’s
watch, the state has commenced the process for house numbering, identification
and complete street signage under Public Private Partnership. This is to
facilitate proper identification of streets and houses for security and easy
identification of places in Enugu Capital territory.
As for the
health sector, the governor has laid the foundation for a 100-bed Ultra-Modern
Specialist Hospital at Amalla-Orba in Udenu Local Government Area. He equally
donated N5 million to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,
Ituku/Ozalla, in support of open heart surgery for children and paid the
hospital bills for 21 indigent patients who were held back after treatment due
to their inability to pay their bills at the Enugu State University of Science
and Technology Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.
Agriculture
and education have also received considerable attention. Ugwunayi has approved
the release of funds for the active participation of the state in the
implementation of the N2 billion staple crops processing zone (SCPZ)
agricultural programme of the African Development Bank /Federal Government of
Nigeria. The fund will be used for the rehabilitation and expansion of the
Adani irrigation scheme, provision of infrastructure, feeder roads and schools
among others.
He also
procured 20 tractors for mechanised agriculture and obtained 10 Braille
machines, jaw readers, desktop computers and other accessories for visually
impaired students of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu. Still
on education, he constituted an eight-man Administrative Committee on the
Completion of Enugu State Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) projects in the
primary schools. This will ensure that modern learning facilities and a
conducive environment are created to enhance learning. In addition, there is
the renovation and equipping of the sickbay and two classroom blocks at Queen’s
School, Enugu.
Housing is
another area that the Ugwuanyi administration has paid a great deal of
attention. He facilitated the payment of 30 per cent equity contribution for
Enugu State civil servants between grade level 01 and 10 for the purchase of
100 units of one-bedroom flats at Elim Estate, Ibagwa Nike, Enugu.
Ugwuanyi
ensured the quick resolution of the six-month judiciary workers’strike in the
state. He constituted an 11-man Committee on Local Government Staff Audit and
Biometrics Data Capturing Exercise to audit staff and other related matters in
the local government councils; embarked on the on-going renovation of the
Magistrate Court, Enugu, and the resolution of the impasse between Rangers
Football Club players and the management of the club over the arrears of
salaries of the players and other incentives.
Many in the
state believe the Ugwuanyi government has achieved a great deal within a short
period. And the governor says he is poised to do more. (thisday)
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