Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle designed to improve governance efficiency and further align his administration with the goals outlined in the People’s Charter of Needs manifesto.

 

The reshuffle, announced during Monday’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting at the Government House in Abakaliki, reflects the governor’s push for renewed focus and accountability among top government officials. He urged EXCO members to reassess their performances and recommit to delivering results that directly impact the lives of Ebonyi residents.

 

Key Cabinet Changes

 

Jude Chikadibia Okpor, formerly Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Rural Development.

 

Aikeuwa Omebeh, the former Commissioner for Rural Development, now heads the Ministry of Information and State Orientation.

 

Prof. Paul Awo Nwobasi, previously in charge of Education (Primary and Secondary), is now Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution.

 

Donatus Ilang, who formerly held the Border Peace and Conflict Resolution portfolio, has been assigned to lead the Ministry of Education (Primary and Secondary).

 

 

Governor Nwifuru charged the reassigned commissioners to approach their new duties with fresh energy and a results-driven mindset.

 

Policy Approvals for Fiscal and Energy Reforms

 

In a statement by the new Information Commissioner, Aikeuwa Omebeh, the EXCO approved several foundational policy documents for the 2026 budget cycle. These include the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and the Budget Policy Statement (BPS).

 

The council also endorsed the installation of Independent Captive Power Generation Plants, with the first phase featuring a 3-megawatt plant to be established at the ICT University, Oferekpe, Agbaja. The plant aims to provide stable power to key institutions and industries across Ebonyi State.

 

Additionally, the state has committed to participating in the Federal Government’s E-HEART initiative, which seeks to improve electricity access in strategic sectors such as Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Transportation. Ebonyi will contribute counterpart funding to support the project’s implementation.

 

Reform Agenda and Investment Readiness

 

Furthering its economic reform agenda, the council approved Ebonyi State’s participation in the 2024 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP). This move positions the state to qualify for the World Bank-backed State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program in 2025, which aims to improve the ease of doing business at the subnational level.

 

Governor Nwifuru’s latest actions signal a renewed focus on performance, energy security, and economic competitiveness. As Ebonyi State repositions itself for strategic development and external investment opportunities, the reshuffled cabinet and new policy directives underscore the administration’s commitment to measurable growth and improved service delivery.