By Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter 

On Tuesday August 11, 2020, the State Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter reconvened at our Secretariat after the COVID-19 lockdown and exhaustively reviewed the performance of the Enugu State Government under the leadership of H.E. Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi within the period of the national lockdown and unanimously applauded the Governor’s effective leadership style even in the face of such global health challenge.

The meeting noted with satisfaction the proactive interventions of the Governor, especially at the heat of the pandemic, which engendered trust and confidence in our people and demonstrated the capacity of the Government to function effectively under such perilous conditions.

At the behest of the pandemic, the Governor convened an emergency State Executive Council meeting and approved the release of N330million as emergency intervention fund, which was immediately deployed by the Enugu State Multi-Sectoral Rapid Response Team for the purchase of essential drugs and consumables to contain the pandemic.

In readiness for the outbreak of the pandemic, Governor Ugwuanyi ensured the functionality of three isolation and treatment centres for COVID-19 patients in the state. These isolation and treatment centres are the Enugu Medical Diagnostic Centre, the newly constructed ultra-modern State Hospital at Nsukka, and the Parklane Hospital, Enugu; as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of other general hospitals including the Colliery Hospital, Enugu

We are informed by the Enugu Fire Service that the government has undertaken the decontamination of public places such as court premises, public offices, the State House of Assembly, fuel stations, market places and recreation centres.

The Government has embarked on constant public enlightenment campaigns to sensitize the citizens of the State on the necessity of wearing face masks, observing social and physical distancing, and the use of hand sanitizers. The Ugwuanyi administration also bought and distributed, free of charge, hundreds of thousands of face masks to the citizens of the state; and has equally approved an additional N100 million as backup intervention fund to combat health emergencies. The state government also procured some fully-equipped ambulances and incidence vehicles which has been handed over to the State’s Emergency Response Service.

Ohanaeze was further informed that at the peak of the pandemic, the Governor was moving around our boundaries with other States to personally monitor the implementation of the lockdown at odd hours with all the associated risks.

To demonstrate his love and commitment for the good of our people, the Governor has ensured that the wheels of governance have revolved smoothly and seamlessly; with all categories of workers receiving their monthly salaries without delay.

In addition, the Enugu State Government under Governor Ugwuanyi has not relented on the rural road infrastructure revolution in the state. Within the pandemic epoch, one of the most vital roads in the Enugu suburb, the Nike-Emene road was commissioned, among many others. Many other infrastructural developments in various parts of the State have continued to receive adequate attention.

On the education sector, several primary schools especially in rural communities have received facelifts. The Enugu School on Radio programme on Radio Nigeria and other media houses is heart-warming. The radio programme is to ensure that Enugu state secondary school students receive lectures on a daily basis with assignments. This has helped to keep the students busy with their studies. Within the period, the governor extended bursary awards to 246 Enugu state indigenes in the Nigerian Law schools.

Ohanaeze noted with immense delight that the Government has remained steadfast on the issues of peace and security of lives and property in the State. The most effective Enugu security synergy comprising the Nigeria Police, Department of State Service, Civil Defence, Forest Guards, Neighbourhood Watch and the local vigilante is the best in the country with profound benefits to our people.

Flowing from the foregoing, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State reiterates our vote of confidence on Governor Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi and officially convey our commendation on his several efforts to steer the ship of state in the right direction. We therefore call on all well-meaning citizens of the State to rally round the governor for greater performance. We also call on other Governors in the country, to emulate the Ugwuanyi model of strategic governance that has elevated Enugu to a tourist attraction.

Signed
Hon. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia
(Ozowalu-Onaa)
State President