…As community honours governor, Anyim, Umahi, Osi, others
By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has commended the people of Ishiagu community in Ivo Local Government Area for sustaining peace and unity despite longstanding interests in the area’s mineral resources.
Nwifuru also commended former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, for his efforts towards promoting unity in the community.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, spoke during the Ishiagu Day and Hall of Fame celebration organised by the community.
He expressed appreciation to the people for honouring him and endorsing his administration for a second term in the 2027 governorship election.
Nwifuru assured the community that his second term, if secured, would bring greater democratic dividends and increased infrastructural investment to Ishiagu.
The community honoured Nwifuru, Anyim, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, Chief Gideon Osi and other prominent indigenes and stakeholders with awards for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Anyim commended Nwifuru for his efforts towards restoring peace in Ishiagu and executing projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
He described the award as a testament to the community’s appreciation of the governor’s commitment, urging residents to sustain the peace and cooperation that had enabled them to come together for the celebration.
The Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Anyim, also hailed the return of peace to the community, saying it made the event possible.
“I have seen that peace has come to stay in Ivo Local Government, and that is why they were able to organise this type of programme.
“If it was before, this could not happen, but today, Ishiagu people have been relieved of everyday trouble.
“I will make sure I uphold this peace and the programme. I want the people to maintain peace,” he said.
One of the award recipients, Chief Gideon Osi, described his recognition as a testimony to his years of service to humanity.
Osi cited medical outreaches, scholarships, skills training and assistance to residents among his interventions in the community.
He said the Hall of Fame should go beyond celebrating individuals and serve as an inspiration for residents to contribute to the development of their community.
Osi urged successful members of the community to use their resources to support others rather than intimidate them.
He also called for caution in disputes involving land and mineral resources, stressing that Ishiagu’s mineral wealth could provide long-term benefits to the people if properly harnessed.
A community stakeholder, Oka Franklin, described the event as historic, saying it celebrated the existence, unity, culture and traditions of the Ishiagu people.
Franklin expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other communities in Ebonyi State and the South-East to embrace peaceful coexistence.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the event, Bar. Uchenna Orji, said the celebration was organised to recognise excellence in leadership, service and hard work.
Orji, a former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi State, commended the honourees for their contributions to peace and development in the state and urged them to sustain their efforts.
He expressed satisfaction with the unity and peace prevailing in Ishiagu and Ebonyi State generally.
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