Nwifuru Blames Oguzor and Mbam for Government’s Downfall

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Tuesday said that most of the youths in his government are not doing well, lamenting that despite working hard every day to enhance the well-being of the youths and to prepare them to take over from him in governance, most of them are bringing his government down.

Nwifuru stated this during the occasion of the flagging off of the construction of the industrial city, noting that the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Lebechi Mbam, lied to him that the road which leads to the state’s industrial city had been completed five months ago.

Nwifuru, who expressed dismay over the spate of sabotage by some persons handling government projects, noted that the action of his Commissioner for Works negates the trust reposed in the youths by elders and the people of the state.

He noted that the commissioner told him that he completed this road over five months ago, and if not because of this programme, nobody would have been working there.

Nwifuru further blasted the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oguzor Offia-Nwali, for giving him an outrageous bill for the construction of a new cement factory, noting that many told him not to appoint him commissioner, but he did it because of his father. But now he is a complete failure.

The governor said that it is because of this programme that those people working there come out to work today, stressing that every day, we continue to talk of our youths, but the little opportunity given to them, they will not utilise it well.

He said: “Even our youths are not prepared to be men, because many of them, if you give them jobs, they will not also do it. They are not also prepared. They want easy money.

“Because they want easy money, they are not prepared for governance. To achieve money or wealth is very easy, but to maintain it, so that the wealth will be part of them, is very difficult.”

He noted that the Industrial City was not merely a construction project but a comprehensive and deliberate strategy to reposition the state as a foremost destination for industrialisation and economic expansion.

“It is designed to host a wide range of industries, including manufacturing hubs, technology parks, logistics centres, and export facilities.

“Through this project, we aim to harness and add value to our abundant natural resources — solid minerals, agricultural produce, and human capital; attract both local and international investors by providing a business-friendly environment with modern infrastructure; and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, empowering our youth and women.

“Additionally, if completed, it will be tax-free and it will promote technological advancement and innovation; stimulate trade and economic integration within and beyond the borders of Ebonyi State.

“We are deliberately situating this project in Izhiangbo because of its strategic location along major transportation corridors and its proximity to raw materials, skilled manpower, and markets.

“The Industrial City will feature a well-planned road network with constant and sustainable power supply through independent power solutions; standardised water treatment and reticulation systems; advanced waste management and environmental protection measures.

“The Industrial City features broadband internet connectivity and security architecture that guarantees the safety of investors, workers, and residents.

“Our government, in collaboration with strategic partners, is committing substantial resources to ensure the successful delivery of these critical infrastructures.

“The economic impact of this project cannot be overstated. The Ebonyi State Industrial City will become a catalyst for transformative change across the state.”

Mrs. Patricia Obila, the State Deputy Governor, who is the Chairman of the Project, assured that the aims of establishing the industrial city would be met.

Credit : The Guardian