GOVERNOR UMAHI AT 56 A RARE GIFT TO EBONYI STATE

By Engr. Osita Kalu Ugoji                                                                                         

Umahi, the Governor of Ebonyi State clocked 56, particularly with his commanding heights of achievements in government which make his reputation go before him.

His story is that of a man of uncommon life history and his testament on how he overcome all odds to become what he is today is inspiring.

Purposeful governance introduced by Governor Umahi has undoubtedly wiped away tears and shame from the eyes and faces of Ebonyians. It is still like a dream to many that today, the story is different.

It is evident that the Ebonyi State Government under Umahi is driven by a singular commitment to enhancing the welfare and well being of the people through Infrastructural development and innovation in the provision of amenities and human capacity development.

The dizzying state of execution of high profile projects and the speed in which new ones are being concieved and rolled out, i would appear as if the whole national treasury is emptied in the State, which before his assumption of office, was obscure and replete with dearth of road networks, electricity, water and other basic amenities.

But today, the story is different. Ebonyi is one huge construction site with different projects going on simultaneously. From roads, concentric flyovers, construction of bridges to the building edifices, and the various capacity building programmes sponsored by the State and the special innovative programmes designed for the education, health, agriculture, job creation and youth empowerment amongst others.

Infact, Ebonyi is about the only State in Nigeria that spends 80% of its budgetary allocation on capital projects while only a paltry 20% is allocated to recurrent expenditure.

The impact of the David Umahi's administration is not limited to building roads, construction of three concentric flyovers in the capital, Abakaliki to ease traffic or building other high calibre Infrastructures. It is also felt in the provision of social safety nets for the citizens.

Education has been the priority of the administration and this reflects in the massive investment in the sector. Infact, there is a general agreement that the administration's effort to boost education is unparalleled.

In the health sector, the State Government is children, pregnant women, down trodden and aged friendly. These categories of people enjoy constant payment of hospital bills and free Medicare. This is in addition to the ultra modern Virology Centre built and equipped at FETHA II, Abakaliki and constant funding and maintenance of all the General and Missionary Hospitals in the State. Cottage Hospitals and Health Centres across the 13 Local Government Areas are constantly provided with revolving drugs. Of course, the Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation of Her Excellency, the Wife of the Governor have not left any stone unturned in this regard. Therefore, from Agriculture to Internal Security, from Power to Youth Empowerment and indeed all other sectors, the story is the same.

The bold efforts of Chief David Umahi Nweze in building a model State have not gone unnoticed. Appreciative Nigerians have decorated this man of history with garlands. Across the broad spectrum of the Nigerian Society and else where ; from the the academia to civil society, traditional institutions, student bodies, the media, women groups and professional bodies, it has been avalanche of decorations. But the most significant is the recent 2016 Zik Prize Award for Good Governance in recognition of uncommon transformation of Ebonyi State within two years in Office.

The positive appreciation of Chief David Umahi Nweze should be understood. He was clearly angry with the state in which he met Ebonyi and was out to make the much desired changes. He was hungry for success and angry at the state of things and so, took the plunge.

No doubt, there are crop of critics consisting mainly and understandably of political opponents and the State's uninformed Diasporas. They have been kicking at virtually every move the man has made to change the State. Yet, he is undaunted and like the biblical David, the shepherd boy, his little hurl of his sling has killed Goliath, the dreaded giant and freed the people from constant raids.

The pointer is that by 2023 when the Governor's second tenure and constitutional limit of his government would come to an end, posterity will locate this suave, focused, determined and visionary leader who has emerged the new face of governance in Nigeria.

As a good advertisement for good governance in this country, Dave Umahi will surely have a pride of place in history.

Engr. Osita Kalu Ugoji: Convener Ebonyi Peoples Vanguard