Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi said on Tuesday that his administration is currently working on over 700 kilometres of roads across communities in the 13 local government areas (LGAs).

Mr Nwifuru said this in Abakaliki, the state capital, while marking the country’s 64th independence anniversary and Ebonyi at 28.

He applauded the founding fathers’ contributions to the state’s development and affirmed his commitment to delivering on the “People’s Charter of Needs” of his administration.

The governor expressed joy at the level of advancement that Ebonyi had achieved since its creation and called on all the stakeholders to support his policies for a better state.

He said, “Within the last one year and a few months, we are proud to say that we are effectively present on over 700 kilometres of roads in the state. Some have been completed, while others are under construction.”

Mr Nwifuru listed some roads, including the Ishielu Water Works Road, Nnorom Street, Udude-Ukwuakpu Street, and connecting Emefor and Alo streets.

Others are the pavement section of internal roads within the Ebonyi State University, Mile 50 New Layout-Abakaliki dual carriageway, and 1.3 km Ebonyi-Agro Dealers Market, Onuebonyi.

The rest include Ogbaga Avenue, Onamba Street, Police Junction Road, Ugwuachara, Emefor Extension, Olisemeke-Barr Igweama – Amason Road, Main Water Works, leading to Low-lift Pump, Umunze Street, and Mbukobe Igwe Liga Road, among others.

On human capital development, Mr Nwifuru said he would continue to promote vocational and technical education for skills enhancement, paying attention to the wellbeing of the people (stomach infrastructure).

“We have worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for our youth and women through skills acquisition programmes, financial grants, and entrepreneurial support.

“The empowerment of 500 people of Ebonyi with N2 million each is yielding significant results.

“We have also empowered 1,500 Ebonyi youths drawn from across the 13 LGAs with N1 million,” the governor further said.

In a goodwill message, former Governor Sam Egwu lauded the achievements of Nwifuru’s government and urged him to keep the flag flying.

“We are enjoying peace today in the state because we have Nwifuru as our governor,” Mr Egwu said.

(NAN)