Of Ebonyi state and NBS 2020 statistics: let’s say we are poor but…

The latest rating of poorest states by headcount in Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics wherein Ebonyi State is rated the 4th poorest state is, to say the least jaundiced, wacky, and laughable.

Though as the nation’s body saddled with statistical data for national planning and development, they reserve statutorily, the right to set statistical agenda for the country but that is with a caveat. The idea of playing or subjecting such weighty assignments to political lens or scrutiny is to say the least, unfortunate.

Ebonyi State is one of the few states in Nigeria that has functional facilities that engender socio-economic and human capital development in Nigeria.

It is important to note first the date of creation and population of Ebonyi state before considering how far and fast the state has moved both in infrastructure, education, and human capital development. The state is about to turn 24 years old.

Governor Umahi’s few years of leadership have placed the youngest state in the southeast at the peak where many are still wondering how it was made possible. A visit will convince the reader.

There is no gainsaying that sound facilities are critical drivers of economic development and growth – good road networks, security, infrastructural rebirths, medical sector development, etc. All these became alive in the reign of Governor Umahi.

One will ask, do you develop a state or improve its economy without basic infrastructure? It’s impossible and Governor Umahi is not unaware of this fact which is the reason behind his continuous commitment to wetting the ground and planting the seeds at the same time. How the healthy seeds planted by the Governor have grown are supposed to be aggregated when rating the state. If that is not the case, then, wait for the seeds which its yield will come in multiples.

See also  "Border closure is Buhari's best decision"~ Chief Sunny Onuesoke, PDP Chieftain.

Of all the states in the country, Ebonyi State is among the few states matchless in terms of economic and human capital development.

The Governor, His Excellency, Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, immediately he was inaugurated a few years ago, began a series of well-articulated and coordinated programs and policies chiefly driven to place the state in the same pedestal with developed states.

Firstly, the agricultural value chain was introduced – an exercise that saw many men, women, and youths returning to man’s first occupation, agriculture for food security. The program, one man, one hectare of land was a success that placed Ebonyi state on the mark of one of the highest producers of Rice and Cassava.

This was done in collaboration with agro-industries and research institutes – Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, and hosts of others. The Civil and Public Servants were not left behind.

In another related development, Governor David Umahi sent innumerable sons and daughters of Ebonyi State on scholarships with the view of ensuring lasting investments in education. These guys have graduated and have been contributing greatly to the socio-economic growth of the state.

Seeing how critical the Small and Medium Enterprises are in the economic development of any state, Governor Umahi initiated empowerments of the artisanal segments of the state – dolling out over 4billion naira to the Market Women, the Okada Riders, Welders, Hairdressers, and various trade organizations in the state, purchased up to 1000 units of tricycles for youths empowerment, and other various start-up kits.

See also  Umahi inaugurates panel to probe Pastor's torture

A list of various interventionist programs of the state government abounds, thus beating one’s imagination of how the state is so rated.

For instance, the 1 billion earmarked for Ebonyi Stimulus Package program lifted many out of the wood.

The State Government’s various linkages and advancements programs have proved rewarding as various Asian giants have already established various auto factories – producing electric-powered Tricycle.

The state deliberately carried a downward review of our educational institution tuition, about the least tuition in the federation – and this has expanded access to education.

Ebonyi has successfully produced electric powered Tricycles.

Talking about Infrastructural development: it is only in Ebonyi State that workers are paid promptly while the state government still embarks on the construction of many important infrastructures.

Ebonyi is currently rating among the very few states with a clean, secured, and conducive environment.

To prepare the state for an economic boom, Governor David Umahi has placed Ebonyi state among the few states with the best road network across the country.

The Umuoghara waste to the wealth recycling plant is constructed and almost ready to employ over 3000 workers in both direct and indirect jobs while it will equally convert the state waste produce to wealth by recycling them.

Governor Umahi is at the finishing level of the construction of the largest shopping mall in entire West Africa. A mall that promise to give over 3000 Ebonyians jobs.
The Nkalagu Cement and 3 other cement factories across the state are in progress and this will certainly change the narratives when completed.

See also  Wada Idris Took Over as Director General Campaign For Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello Second Term Bid

The ongoing construction of a center of an excellent teaching hospital is equally in progress, a hospital that will be the first in Africa to be producing dialysis disposables, a dialysis center, and kidney transplant center. Nigeria is yet to have a hospital with such a plan.

The St. Margaret Umahi International Market, beauty to behold, a market hub in entire Southeast Nigeria with unique features has also been put to use as the traders in the Abakpa Market and other investors have taken over the market.

However, let’s say that by headcount, Ebonyi is poor but certainly; we are about to shock the world, the seeds of development being planted by Governor David Umahi in Ebonyi State are about to yield fruits in multiples. Wait for it.

Francis Nwaze
Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor
(Media and Publicity)
22nd May 2020

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*