In the South-Eastern State of Ebonyi, nestled between lush green hills and rich farmlands, a new era was unfolding under the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. A son of the soil, Nwifuru had risen through the ranks of politics with a reputation for humility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the development of his people. Sworn in as governor in May 2023, his tenure quickly became synonymous with innovation and progress.
Born and raised in Izzi Local Government Area, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru understood the challenges faced by ordinary Ebonyians. He had grown up in a farming community, where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. As a young man, he pursued his education against all odds. Attended his primary and secondary education in Ebonyi State, and later gained admission to Ebonyi State University, EBSU, where he graduated with a law degree. His journey into politics began as a member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, where he served as Speaker for two consecutive terms, between 2015–2023. His leadership skills and dedication to public service made him a natural choice for governor.
From the moment he assumed office, Governor Nwifuru’s administration prioritized the transformation of Ebonyi into a beacon of excellence in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Under Nwifuru’s leadership, Ebonyi became a construction hub. Roads that once lay in disrepair were rebuilt, connecting remote villages to urban centers. The Ebonyi International Airport, which his predecessor had initiated, was completed and became a hub for commerce and tourism. The governor also launched an ambitious housing project to provide affordable homes for civil servants and low-income families.
Recognizing Ebonyi’s potential as the food basket of the South-East, Nwifuru launched an agricultural revolution. He provided farmers with modern tools, improved seedlings, and access to low-interest loans. Rice production, a staple of Ebonyi, saw a significant boost, and the state began exporting its produce to other parts of Nigeria and beyond.
Governor Nwifuru’s administration revamped the state’s healthcare system by building modern hospitals and equipping them with state-of-the-art facilities. Rural communities, often neglected in the past, received mobile health units to cater to their needs.
In education, he introduced free tuition for primary and secondary schools and provided scholarships for tertiary education. New schools were built, and existing ones were renovated to create a conducive learning environment.
On Friday, January 3, 2025, Gov. Nwifuru revealed that all his children are in school in Nigeria because he does not want to cultivate the lifestyle that he cannot maintain when he leaves office, stating that he sees no reason to send his children abroad for schooling when there are quality institutions within Nigeria.
The Gov. believes that with the right investments in education, Nigerian schools can rival their counterparts globally. His decision to keep his children in Nigerian schools underscores his commitment to improving the sector.
He has therefore advocated the improvement of Nigeria’s education system to reduce the habit of Nigerians sending their kids to foreign schools.
According to him, three of his children are in schools in Ebonyi, while two are in Enugu State. “I am the only governor in Nigeria presently, and all his children are schooling in the country and not even beyond South-East!
“Three in Ebonyi and two in Enugu. Their biggest school fees are N35,000 and when I told them in the Nigeria Governor’s forum, all were surprised and felt sober.
“Some commissioners in my government have schools they are paying over 2 million naira per term for their children but I cannot imagine myself paying such an amount that’s more than 5 million per term for my children.
“Where will I get the money to continue paying for their school fees after my temporary tenure as a Governor? I do not want to develop blood pressure during the time I should be resting, “he said.
Believing in the power of the youth, Nwifuru initiated programs to empower young people through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. Tech hubs were established in Abakaliki and other major towns, offering training in software development, digital marketing, and other tech-related fields. This initiative turned Ebonyi into a growing tech hotspot in the region.
Meanwhile, Gov. Nwifuru’s journey was not without challenges. Opposition from political rivals, economic constraints, and the lingering effects of past neglect tested his resolve. However, his transparent governance and inclusive leadership style won the trust of the people. He fostered unity among the diverse communities in Ebonyi and ensured that development projects reached every part of the state.
Former Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State played a significant role in the political rise of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, supporting his candidacy for governor in the 2023 elections. Several factors explain Umahi’s decision to back Nwifuru as his successor:
LOYALTY AND TRUST
Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru had been a loyal ally of David Umahi throughout his political career. As Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly during Umahi’s administration, Nwifuru demonstrated steadfast support for Umahi’s policies and programs. This loyalty and alignment in vision built a strong foundation of trust between the two leaders.
CONTINUITY OF PROJECTS AND VISION
Umahi had initiated numerous transformative projects during his tenure, including infrastructural developments, industrialization efforts, and improvements in agriculture and education. By supporting Nwifuru, Umahi ensured that his legacy projects and vision for Ebonyi’s development would be sustained. Nwifuru’s familiarity with these projects made him a natural choice to carry them forward.
REGIONAL AND ZONING CONSIDERATIONS
Zoning has been a significant factor in Ebonyi politics, where political positions are rotated among the three senatorial zones to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Nwifuru hails from the Izzi clan in Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, which was next in line to produce the governor, according to the state’s zoning arrangement. Umahi’s support for Nwifuru aligned with this arrangement, helping to maintain political stability and balance in the state.
GRASSROOTS CONNECTION
Nwifuru had a strong grassroots presence, especially among the Izzi people, one of the largest and most politically active groups in Ebonyi State. Umahi likely recognized Nwifuru’s ability to connect with ordinary citizens and mobilize support at the grassroots level, making him a formidable candidate in the elections.
COMPETENCE AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
As Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Nwifuru had proven his competence and leadership skills. He played a key role in legislative reforms and worked harmoniously with Umahi’s executive team to pass laws that facilitated the state’s development. This track record of effective governance made him a credible candidate.
POLITICAL STRATEGY
Umahi’s decision to support Nwifuru was also a strategic political move. By endorsing a loyal and capable successor, Umahi ensured that his influence in Ebonyi politics would remain strong, even after leaving office. A cooperative relationship with Nwifuru would enable Umahi to maintain a role in shaping the state’s future.
These decisions ultimately contributed to Nwifuru’s victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru envisions Ebonyi as a model state for development and progress in Nigeria. His leadership style is marked by humility, inclusivity, and a focus on grassroots development. Through his governance, he aims to leave a lasting legacy of transformation and empowerment for the people of Ebonyi State.
–Benprince Ezeh
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