Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has commended the state’s leaders for supporting his administration in delivering its social contract with the people.

Mr Nwifuru gave the commendation during a thanksgiving service marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and Ebonyi’s 30th anniversary.

The governor said he leveraged the peaceful disposition of Ebonyi people to accelerate development across the state.

He stated, “We are very united, calm and hardworking people.”

Mr Nwifuru reiterated his commitment to infrastructure development and consolidating on the foundations laid by previous administrations.

He paid special tribute to former leaders, particularly the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, Capt. Walter Feghabor and Simeon Oduoye.

 “We thank late Sani Abacha who found us worthy to be a state, and Feghabor from Bayelsa and Simeon Oduoye,” he said.

According to him, the leaders gave Ebonyi people early political exposure and appointed them to serve in their governments.

Mr Nwifuru also commended former governor Sam Egwu for his interventions and investments in education and literacy.

He also praised Martin Elechi and David Umahi for their infrastructural interventions across the state’s 13 local government areas.

He said the three former civilian governors laid a solid foundation for democratic consolidation and governance in Ebonyi State.

 The governor further announced that work had begun on the proposed Abakaliki cement factory. 

(NAN)