National Issue Newspaper

18/12/2022

03/12/2019

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Following the expiration of the grace period given to all Park managers to renew their operational licenses, the office of the SA to the Governor on Parks Development hereby notifies them that enforcement of the directive shall commence against defaulters on 9th December, 2019.

To this end, the SA on Parks Development has graciously granted additional four days to enable those who wish to comply to do so expeditiously before the long arms of the law catch up with them. The office expect all Park operators to show evidence of the payment of the renewal fee of #100,000 per year into Ebonyi State IGR account and all relevant documents pertaining to their parks to the team of inspectors that will commence enforcement on Monday, 9th December, 2019.

Together we can achieve sanity, safety and seamless operations in our parks. I wish you all happy Christmas celebrations in advance as you comply to this directives.

Signed:
Chief Igwe Emmanuel
SA to the Governor on Parks Development

21/11/2019

Planned defection rumor of two PDP Governors false, says Party

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-East zone yesterday denied in strong terms media reports alleging that two PDP Governors from the region have concluded plans to ditch the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The zonal Chairman of the Party, Chief Austin Umahi, in a press statement signed by him, described the report as a mere tissue of lies coming from a non existent group and therefore, urged the general public to discountenance it.

Chief Umahi said if not for the purposes of guiding the unsuspecting public, he wouldn't have ordinarily dissipated any energy reacting to a ranting of one Okechukwu Isiguzoro and his cohorts having been properly briefed of their stock in trade since after they were shamed out of the authentic Youth Wing of Ohanaeze World wide for their nefarious activities years ago.

He therefore, warned Okechukwu Isiguzoro and his cohorts to desist from spooing false rumor, castigating and/or blackmailing higly respected Igbo leaders including the State Governors of the zone using the name of Ohanaeze.

According to him, there is no oita of truth whosoever in the reports circulating in the media that two PDP Governors from the zone had concluded plans to dump the party for APC; as it is wholly a figment of the imagination of Isiguzoro Okechukwu and his cohorts.

He said, the four PDP Governors in the zone are fully committed to the party and was laughable for mischief makers to link any of them with defection, simply to score cheap political point.

The Chairman maintained that the PDP Governors in liaison with the leadership of the party in the zone would continue to work in ensuring that the zone was totally in control of PDP by taking over Anambra state next year.

He recalled that in the build up to 2019 general elections, there were similar speculations and rumors about PDP Governors in the zone, but all of it turned out to be conjectures from mischief makers for reasons best known to them, as the party remained stronger and perfomed excellently well in the elections, evidenced by the victory of the party in the Imo state governorship election.

He said the people of the Southeast zone are at home with the PDP, being a party that has shown enough commitment to their welfare by unrelentlessly and consistently offering dividends of democracy to them, and as such, no elected official under the party's platform would think of committing political su***de in the name of defection to an unknown party in the zone.

He noted that the party under his Leadership has performed exceedingly well, having enlarged the party's coast by adding Imo among the states being controlled by the party in the zone, adding that the party was already working towards taking over Anambra state come next year's governorship election.

He further commended the PDP Governors especially those of the South-East extraction for living up to their campaign promises, citing the award of best Governor of the year 2019 to David Umahi by a reputable Media institution, Business Day newspaper, a day ago, as one of the eloquent testimonies that the PDP Governors are performing excellently well.

Umahi said the PDP under his leadership in the zone remains focused and cannot rest in its determination to building a more stronger and united PDP, adding that neither the party nor the Governors elected under it could be distracted by the antics of political jobbers.

Chief Umahi however, urged the public to disregard the defection rumor, especially as it is coming from an unsteady character, who has no integrity to protect. END//

21/10/2019

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Following the expiration of the notice arising from the resolution of Forum of Park Managers reached on 17th October, 2019 and made available to the office of the Special Assistant to Executive Governor of Ebonyi State on Parks Development, the Special Assistant to Governor on Parks Department wish to inform the general public that the enforcement of the order prohibiting obstruction and operation of illegal parks in Ebonyi State shall commence enforcement of the resolution from 22nd October, 2019.

Offending vehicles shall be impounded and shall be released upon presentation of evidence of payment of a fine of N200,000.00k only into Ebonyi State Government IGR account.

To this end, the general public is hereby advised to cooperate with the enforcement task force team from the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Department of Park .

Meanwhile the illegal occupants of Ebonyi State Government Parks located at Ibibio and Nna streets are hereby given one month notice from 22nd October, 2019 to vacate the said parks or face eviction at their respective costs.

The occupants of Jim Okonkwo Park are hereby appreciated by the office of the Special Assistant on Parks Development for volunteering to quit and relinquish the park to Ebonyi State Government.

SIGNED:

Chief Emmanuel Igwe
(S-A to the Governor of Ebonyi State on Parks Development)

16/10/2019

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
This is to invite all Park managers and critical stakeholders to a crucial meeting with the Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State on Parks Development as scheduled below:
Date: Thursday 17th October, 2019.
Venue: Ebonyi Hotels before Union Bank Round About, Abakaliki
Time: 10 am prompt
Requirements: Come along with all documents pertaining to the registration of the parks and all receipts of payment made into the State IGR account for the past three years.
Note that attendance is mandatory for all Park operators and relevant stakeholders.
Non compliance to this directives will be viewed as maintaining illegal parks and shall attract the sealing of such parks
Please be guided

Signed: Mr Romanus Uzor
For the SA on parks development

13/10/2019

Southeast PDP NVC disowns social accounts

The National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party South East Zone,Chief Austin Umahi has raised alarm over the activities of criminal elements who use his name and pictures to create social media accounts to defraud unsuspecting members of the general public.

In a statement he personally signed, Chief Chief Umahi said "he does not operate any social media account or authorized anybody to do so on his behalf".

He further cautioned the members of the public to be wary of the tricks of impostors who pose as him on social media, adding that anybody doing any business with them are doing so at his/her own peril.

The party stalwart, however, warned the unscrupulous elements indulging in this crime to bear in mind that the cybercrime Act of 2015 is still in force.

He also directed the security agencies to immediately fish out and prosecute the pepertrators of this crime.

04/10/2019

NIGERIA, SOUTH AFRICA TO ISSUE 10-YEAR VISA TO BUSINESSMEN, ACADEMICS

Following successful conclusion of the 9th Bi-National Commission of South Africa and Nigeria meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, which was elevated to the level of heads of state, both countries have agreed on issuing 10-year visas to businessmen, academics and frequent travelers.

The agreement was reached in a meeting co-chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, which was the first time both presidents will preside since the Bi-National Commission was elevated.

The decision was taken to encourage more people-to-people contacts among citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations.

At the meeting held at the Union Buildings, Presidential Palace of South Africa, the two presidents agreed on early warning signals to nip violence in the bud before it escalates, while taking into consideration the need to share more intelligence and promote stronger partnership in security.
Both countries also agreed to re-establish the consular forum, which is a structured arrangement where both governments meet regularly, at least twice in a year, to discuss welfare of citizens.

Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, signed the minutes of the 9th session of Bi-National Commission.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 4, 2019

04/10/2019

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT
TO THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC
OF NIGERIA AND THE INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE ELEVATED
BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND
NIGERIA
03 OCTOBER 2019
1. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His
Excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa; His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, paid a State Visit to South
Africa from 02 - 04 October 2019, and attended the inaugural session of
the elevated Bi-National Commission (BNC), as part of continuing bilateral
engagements aimed at strengthening and deepening cooperation
between South Africa and Nigeria.
2. President Buhari was accompanied by a high level delegation
comprising State Governors, Ministers, and Senior Government Officials.
3. The two Heads of State reviewed a wide range of bilateral,
continental and global issues of common interest. They acknowledged the
historical and strategic relations that exist between the two countries, and
the need to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation.
4. The two Presidents noted with satisfaction the continued exchange
of high level visits and meetings between the two countries. In this regard,
they recalled the successful working visit of President Ramaphosa to
Nigeria in July 2018, during which the two Heads of State reaffirmed their
collective desire and commitment to enhance political, economic and
social relations between the two countries.
5. The two Presidents appreciated the vast nature of the two countries’
bilateral cooperation which covers, amongst others; Trade andInvestment, Energy, Mining, Defence and Security issues, Justice, Police,
Immigration, Tourism, Environment, Education, transport as well as
Science and Technology. In this regard, the two Presidents took note of
the thirty two (32) signed Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding
(MoUs), and committed themselves to ensuring that those which are in
force are fully implemented while those which are not yet in force are to
be revived for implementation.
6. Both Presidents noted with great satisfaction the economic
cooperation between the two Republics and welcomed the steps to
increase trade volumes as well as private sector investments. They
welcomed the important role of the Business Forum, which took place on
the margins of the State Visit. The two leaders further welcomed the
decision to establish a Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade
and Investment. The inaugural meeting of the Council would be held not
later than April 2020, in Abuja. The Council is expected to serve as a
critical vehicle in facilitating and promoting private sector participation in
the economies of both countries.
7. Both leaders took note of the significant footprint of South African
businesses operating in Nigeria in sectors such as telecommunications,
mining, aviation, banking and finance, retail, property, entertainment and
fast foods industries. They also noted and welcomed the business
activities of Nigeria’s small, micro and medium enterprises, as well as the
investment of Dangote Sephaku Cement in South Africa.
8. President Ramaphosa used the opportunity of the meeting to brief
President Buhari on the recent incidents of violence in South Africa
affecting foreign nationals. He also alluded to the fact that these
unfortunate incidents are not consistent with the values and principles
underpinning South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
9. President Ramaphosa also dispelled the notion that incidents of
violence affecting foreign nationals were targeted at Nigerian nationals,
as other foreign nationals and indeed South Africans were affected as
well. The President assured his counterpart that the South African
Government was fully in control of the situation and several interventions
including engagements with diplomatic community and émigré
communities, security operations, policy and legislation reviews were underway
10. Both Presidents strongly condemned the attacks against foreign
nationals including Nigerians in South Africa and the reprisal actions
against South Africans and their interests in Nigeria. They expressed
strong commitment to take all necessary measures to stop a recurrence
of these attacks which they said undermine the vision of a strong and
prosperous Africa that the two countries have for the continent.
11. President Ramaphosa further contended that South Africa is an
integral part of the African continent and, in this context advocates for a
peaceful, vibrant and sustainable Africa, and that as Africans, we all have
a shared commitment to foster peace and greater continental unity. He
further stated that we should never forget that our fellow Africans have
contributed to developing our economy, and that of the region and
similarly South Africans are helping to develop economies across the
continent.
12. Both Presidents condemned these violent incidents and the
destruction of property and reiterated their call for heightened law
enforcement. They stressed the importance of high level engagements on
this unfortunate phenomenon as demonstrated by the reciprocal dispatch
of Special Envoys by both countries. In this regard, the two Presidents
endorsed the establishment of an Early Warning Mechanism and directed
the two Foreign Ministers to give practical expression to the Early Warning
Mechanism to be used as a preventative and monitoring platform.
13. The two Presidents further endorsed the reestablishment of the
Republic of South Africa and the Federal Republic of Nigeria consular
Forum to meet twice a year.
14. At the Continental level, the two Presidents exchanged views on the
current political, economic and security situation in their respective
regions. They also expressed their grave concern on the ongoing
instability in some of the countries on the Continent and strongly
condemned the continued terrorist and extremist activities.
15. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together in
pursuit of sustainable peace and economic development on the continent
in the context of AU Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade
Area Agreement (AfCFTA).
16. On the international front, President Ramaphosa seized the
opportunity of the meeting to congratulate Nigeria as the current Chair of
the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In the
same vein, President Buhari also congratulated South Africa as the
President of United Nations Security Council for the month of October
2019 and as the upcoming chair of the African Union for the year 2020.
They reiterated their call for the reform of the United Nations Security
Council.
17. President Buhari expressed profound gratitude for the warm
reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. He also took
the opportunity to invite President Ramaphosa to pay a reciprocal visit to
the Federal Republic of Nigeria on a date to be jointly agreed and
communicated through diplomatic channels.
18. In conclusion, the two Presidents reaffirmed the strategic relations
that exist between the two sister Republics and committed themselves to
working together to further enhance close political, economic and social
cooperation in the interest of their people and the continent.

DONE IN PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA
03 OCTOBER 2019

03/10/2019

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/10/battling-against-immoralities/

Women in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District of Ebonyi State have resolved to put an end to all manner of immoralities that pose threats to their homes.

02/10/2019

*The General Public*

*Attention*

**Financial Institutions in Ebonyi State*
*Academic Institutions in Ebonyi State*
*Development Partners*
*MDAs Chief Executives*
*LGA Council Chairmen*
*DC Coordinators*
*Non-governmental Organizations and*
*All well meaning Ebonyians*

Dear Sir/Madam,

*INVITATION TO FELICITATE WITH THE GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. DR. DAVID NWEZE UMAHI, FNSE, FNATE, AS HE DELIVERS THE 59TH FOUNDERS’ DAY LECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA AND TO GRACE THE OCCASION WITH YOUR ESTEEMED PRESENCE.*

The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, has been chosen by the authorities of the Nation’s first indigenous and Independence University, the great University of Nigeria, as the distinguished Guest Speaker at its 59th Founder’s Day celebration on the topic *“PREPARING EBONYI STATE FOR TOMORROW’S ZERO OIL ECONOMY”,* slated to hold on Tuesday, 8th October, 2019 @ the Princess Alexandria Auditorium and Unity Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus by 11am.

This great honour from the University is only reserved for Citizens of the World whose accomplishments mirror the visions of the founding fathers of the University, the most prominent of whom was the Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President.

This makes the Founder’s Day Ceremony of this great citadel of learning the most prestigious of its annual lectures, more so the lecture is on the rare and tropical National and International discourse.

As a partner and friend of His Excellency’s administration, who is a witness to his stellar strides in governance, you are invited to felicitate with him on this memorable occasion and to honour the State and grace the occasion with your esteemed presence.

You are to contact the Ebonyi State Ministry of Information and State Orientation for further enquiries.

Please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards and best wishes.

Yours in the service of our state,

*Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji*
(Honourable Commissioner)

30/09/2019

FROM EDITORS DESK

Projects Documentation simply refers to documents created during and for the projects itself, which include overall project vision, the project plans, the schedule, and the risk analysis.

Suffice it to say that the importance of documentation of projects executed by any administration in power cannot be over emphasized. Not only that it helps Government have proper records of its projects, the governed/citizens are also not left out, as it doesn't give them the chance for speculations and or doubt.

Apparrently, it is for these reasons among others that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State,Engr. Chief David Umahi, in his wisdom created Projects Documentation Office, and graciously appointed my humble self his Special Assistant (SA) to man the Office.

Obviously, it is challenging to religiously undertake this task under Governor Umahi's administration. Not because Projects Documentation Office under my watch is not ready for the job, but it is unarguably difficult to document projects of a man who initiates new projects almost on daily basis; and when you beam your search light on any of them, each seems to be his best. He has done this consistently for the past four years and some months in office, and has completed uncountable projects to his credit. Today, it has become extremely difficult to enumerate his projects without losing count of them.

Notwithstanding, we are prepared for the task entrusted in our hands. God'swilling, we cannot afford to allow a candle lighted on our hands to go off. We cannot equally afford to be walking when our Governor is running. We cannot afford to be sleeping when Akubaraoha is awake. We cannot afford to underperform when Mr. Projects is adjudged locally and internationally to have over performed. Because, His Excellency's vision is our vision; his dreams our dreams, his mission our mission, in this journey to the development of Ebonyi State under his administration.

It is in line with the foregoing that EBONYI PROJECTS MAGAZINE is founded by the State Projects Documentation Office, with the singular aim of periodically publishing ongoing and completed projects under Governor David Umahi's administration.

The current edition of the Magazine only features ongoing new projects, some of which have reached advanced stages of completion. We wish you happy reading.

Akubaraoha is Working and Ebonyi is on the Rise!

29/09/2019

Group nominates gov Umahi for governance excellence award

Governor David Umahi has been nominated for Excellence award by Alumni of the prestigious St. Augustine's Seminary Ezzangbo (SASCO), for his Excellence in governance of Ebonyi State.

The award would be conferred on the Governor during the 3-day 2019 national convention of 1994 set of the school, holding at Hotel Geneza, Abakaliki between 18th to 20th October, 2019.

This was contained in the letter sent to the Governor by SASCO 94 set, which was exclusively obtained by the National Issue Newspaper.

The Alumni Association explained in the letter to Governor Umahi that he was nominated following an unbiased assessment of his leadership strides since he assumed office, which they unanimously adjudged to be superb and deserved accolades.

Part of the letter read: "It is with deep sense of honour and humility that we write to notify your Excellency of your nomination for an award in the upcoming SASCO '94 Set' Annual Convention scheduled to hold at Hotel Geneza, Onwe Road, between 18th to 20th October, 2019.

"Your Excellency's nomination followed an unbiased assessment of your leadership strides in the governance of Ebonyi State since you assumed office, which SASCO '94 Set' unanimously adjudged to be superb and deserving of accolades.

"Kindly note that SASCO '94 Set' comprises of alumni of St. Augustine's Seminary Ezzangbo who graduated in the year 1994.

"The award would be presented to you on the 19th October 2019, which is the second day of the 3-day convention".

29/09/2019

26/09/2019

I'm too too comfortable to allow contractors tarnish my image because of peanuts -UKIE EZEALI.
Chief Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali is the Commissioner for Projects Monitoring and Evaluation in Ebonyi State.In this interview with the editorial crew of Ebonyi Projects Magazine that will be unveiled on the 2019 Independence day. .Chief Ukie spoke about the functions and challenges of his new office.The former Projects Manager of NLNG vowed that he will not rubbish his hard earned reputation by compromising on the quality and timely delivery of projects in the state.
Excerpts

1. WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION?

The functions of ministry of project monitoring and evaluation cannot be over-emphasized, however, the key functions are as follows;

a. To monitor Quality, Cost, & Time of every projects going on in the State. As you can see I started with Quality in what to monitor, that implies that QUALITY of Projects delivery is paramount above all things in my ministry. We don’t joke or compromise quality no matter who is involved, all staff in my ministry has been cultured to strictly adhere to quality standards in every project they are monitoring. For us in Project Monitoring & Evaluation Ministry, QUALITY is supreme, followed by Cost, one would wonder why I did not mention Cost first, this is because our prime objective is always VALUE FOR MONEY, hence a quality well done job will definitely earn its value. We monitor Cost strictly using the principles of Value of Work Done, and we make sure that on no account shall anybody get paid for what he did not work for, and above all, we pay reasonably using the best costing approach. On time, every project have a time line for delivery, hence we also monitor the time to ensure that who so ever that is handling the projects abides by the time schedule mapped for the project, like the say, Time is Money, hence we save money when we keep track and maintain project timing.

b. Evaluate project ex*****on and make necessary recommendations for payment, reduction or increase of scope, variation/changes.

c. Selection of Contractors, through technical and commercial prequalification.

d. Build cost centre using market surveys and other price indices.

e. Interface in all matter relating to project management and provide quick solutions.



2. THE CHALLENGES OF YOUR NEW OFFICE?

Challenges are the spice of life, life without challenges does make sense, so I consider whatever challenges I have in my new offices as part of life, the only thing was meeting an office that was being ran like a close box and without structure and clarity. But I trust that I will leave the office very much better than the way I met it.



3. WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF PROJECT MONITORING and EVALUATION IN EBONYI STATE TO TIMELY DELIVERY OF PROJECTS?

The relevance is obvious and cannot be quantified. Being that the Project Monitoring ministry acts as a supervisory agency of the Government, and considering that one of the key function of the ministry is to monitor time of the project, then, the project monitoring ministry do its best to monitor, chase up and enforce time. As you can see, all projects being executed by the State Government are timely delivered, it is now like a norm, all contractors and direct labour coordinators handling Ebonyi State projects are already aware that we don’t joke with time.



4. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT PROJECTS ARE EXECUTED BASED ON THE AGREED SPECIFICATION BY CONTRACTORS AND DIRECT LABOUR AGENCIES?

It is just very simple, we will ensure that projects are executed with all agreed standard and specifications, our ministry has even recruited additional resources and posted to stay permanently in all the state project location, as such there will be no allowance for cutting of corners, we do not look at face when it comes to destroying any work that was done poorly, hence even contractors has been cultured to follow the specifications and do the right thing at always. We make available all quality manuals and guidelines and update our personnel with latest technological practices that will enable them to supervise all works effectively.



5. NORMALLY CONTRACTORS ENTICES HEADS OF MONITORING AND REGULATING AGENCIES WITH BRIBES TO ENABLE THEM COMPROMISE THE QUALITY OF JOB. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCES?

It is normal as commonly seen in Nigeria but I can categorically tell you that it is CRIMINAL for any head of Monitoring or Regulatory agency to be enticed with bribe and get compromised with his core duties. It is also a betrayal of TRUST and UNETHICAL for any head of such position to collect bribe and allow the wrong thing to be done. Nigeria is not good is because the People are not good, so to get Nigeria good, we must uphold TRUST at every level of position we find ourselves. You can imagine someone taking a bribe while supervising a project and at the end of the day, in his life time the project fail, maybe to the extent that it causes death of users of the project, I wonder how the person that monitored those project will feel… the truth that anybody working under the project monitoring unit must be a man/woman with good conscience.

As for me, the experience has been so fantastic, I can comfortably tell anyone that I have never been compromised by a contractor, not that I have not be enticed, but I have always refuse, resist and at the same time enforce the contractor to do the right time. That I am sure that has been the secret of my rapid career growth. For more on my experiences, I worked for 12 years as a Project Manager with Italian Company for SPDC and NLNG projects, records has it that SPDC and NLNG are the world best company existing in Nigeria. For you to survive there as a Project Manager, and under a Italian Company, you must have disciplined yourself and avoided every short cut in course of your work.

Part of my experience is that I at all time shows contentment, I am always feeling that I am too comfortable to even be enticed with any peanut from Contractor that will either reduce my hard earned reputation or tarnish my image completely, hence I avoid contractors bribe completely. I thank GOD that I am very blessed and I believe I will be more blessed as I keep doing the right thing.



6. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A KILOMETER OF ROAD IN EBONYI STATE?

The average cost of a kilometre concrete paved road is within 155million to 165million, including the two side drains. But note that this range can never be achievable in another state, our Leader the Executive Governor has been very prudent in spending our state funds and still achieve better qualities within reasonable time period. When I look at what we practice here in project ex*****on, I always wish other states should adopt our style, using very limited resources to do mighty things.



7. GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF THE ENTIRE PROJECTS GOING IN EBONYI STATE

In summary, the overview of the entire projects going on in Ebonyi State is very impressive, our state has turned to Construction site, and there is no corner or locality that does not have active projects going on. Above all, all the projects are viable projects, life changing project and futurist projects that will take us to decades ahead. In fact with the projects, Ebonyi State is turning to Investment Destination and soon our economy here in Ebonyi will blossom.

8. IN YOUR OWN ESTIMATION, DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE REQUISITE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TO HEAD A SENSITIVE MINISTRY OF PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION?

I can comfortably say anytime any day that I have requisite experience and training to head the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, on the obvious, am a right peg in a right hole when it comes to project monitoring and evaluations. I studied Quantity Surveying and did Masters and other certification courses in Project Management. I have worked all through in the project management cycle and have been a project manager for over 10years managing mega sensitive projects for SPDC and NLNG. I am very confident that I will bring the wealth of my experience to Ebonyi State Project and at the same time contribute immensely to the successful delivery of all state Projects.

I will not forget to state here that I am also learning greatly a lot under the tutoring of His Excellency, Engr. David. N. Umahi, whose wealth of knowledge is much to explain. I always feel glad to tap from his strong Engineering Skills and I count every joint site inspection with HEX as a heavy credit unit course,



9. PEOPLE ARE OF THE OPINION THAT MANY PROJECT ARE GOING AT THE SAME TIME, AND THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT MAY NOT HAVE MONEY TO COMPLETE THE PROJECTS, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS?

It is not true, our Governor I know cannot start what he will not finish, look at all that has been achieved so far during his first tenure, am sure that we will all finish the projects we started, the GOD of wonders that has been doing it for our Governor will keep doing it… that is why I call the WONDER WORKING GOVERNOR.



10. RECENTLY, THE GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE TALKED ABOUT HIS GOVERNMENT BEING ON AUTO PILOT, A SYSTEM THAT DRIVES ITSELF. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT PROJECT MONITORING IS SUSTAINED WHETHER YOU ARE PHYSICALLY VISITING PROJECT SITES OR NOT.

Like you said, our state is the only state in Nigeria that is on auto pilot, this is the only state where I see all resources working whether the Governor is around or not, the culture is already in us and we are passing it down to the least worker in my ministry.

I came from the private sector where what counts is man-hour, so I have already adopted it here, I have warned all my workers both contract staff and civil servants to be on their feet to work out the salaries the collect and even put more effort to ensure that the state project progresses fine. I am a no nonsense person when it comes to disciplining erring workers, I go all the way out to make an erring staff get the strike of my punishment , just to ensure that others don’t learn to err. I have already issued out two warning letter and one querry, and I have informed my ministry workers that I will not have mercy on anyone that goes against the rules.