By Rhoda Godwin
Abakaliki — Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has declared 2026 a year of “hope and responsibility” for the state, unveiling an ambitious ₦884.8 billion budget, announcing the launch of Ebonyi Air with three aircraft, and disclosing plans to establish a modern cement factory as part of a broader drive to reposition the state’s economy.
In his New Year address delivered on January 1, 2026, the governor thanked the people of Ebonyi for their resilience through the challenges of 2025, describing their patience and unity as the state’s greatest strength. He attributed his administration’s policy direction to the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, which he said continues to guide decisions in education, health, infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment.
Reflecting on achievements in 2025, Nwifuru said his government demerged the education sector to improve efficiency, expanded scholarship opportunities locally and abroad, commenced model schools, and restored stability in tertiary institutions. He added that beyond academic qualifications, the state invested in skills development through vocational training, grants, and the establishment of the ICT University and the University of Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering.
On healthcare, the governor said the administration revitalised primary healthcare centres across all wards, improved doctors’ welfare, recruited health workers, upgraded hospitals, and expanded the state health insurance scheme to include free maternal and child care.
He also highlighted infrastructure development, noting that roads were constructed and rehabilitated across all local government areas, rural connectivity improved, bridges delivered, and Abakaliki metropolis renewed. According to him, these efforts were complemented by economic empowerment initiatives, including the Hawkers’ Fund, youth empowerment programmes, integrated farming models, and the revival of hatchery and feed mill projects.
Nwifuru said Ebonyi remained among the safest states in the South-East due to collaboration between security agencies and community structures, stressing that peace and security were essential for economic growth.
Turning to the 2026 budget, the governor explained that a significant portion was allocated to capital projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, and water supply, with strong provisions for education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and social welfare. He assured residents that the budget would be implemented with prudence, transparency, and accountability, in collaboration with the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
In a major economic announcement, Nwifuru disclosed that Ebonyi State has procured three aircraft under Ebonyi Air, scheduled to arrive in January 2026. He said the initiative was aimed at boosting investment, tourism, and connectivity, rather than prestige.
The governor also announced plans to establish a modern cement factory to harness the state’s abundant limestone deposits, saying the project would create jobs, support construction, increase internally generated revenue, and move Ebonyi from a consumption-driven to a production-based economy.
On governance, Nwifuru pledged that local government elections to be conducted in 2026 would be free and fair, insisting there would be no imposition of candidates. He directed appointed officials seeking elective office to resign, describing the rule as necessary to ensure fairness and prevent abuse of power.
In a move aimed at reconciliation, the governor granted pardons to eight individuals under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, including five posthumous pardons. He said the decision was guided by law, conscience, and the need for peace, stressing that mercy complements justice and allows society to heal.
The governor called on Ebonyians at home and in the diaspora to remain united, obey the law, protect public property, and contribute to development. He urged youths to reject violence and crime, workers to uphold professionalism, and traditional and religious leaders to continue promoting peace.
“As your Governor, I renew my commitment to govern with fairness, humility, and respect for the law,” Nwifuru said, praying for peace, progress, and hope for all families in Ebonyi State in 2026.
