Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has reassured his administration’s commitment to rural development in the state in order to alleviate the suffering of the rural populace.
Speaking at the weekend on separate occasions during the special receptions and thanksgiving services in honour of the his deputy, Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo and the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Elder GOC Ajah, where he was a special guest of honour, Governor Ugwuanyi noted that transformation of rural areas in the state remains his key word.
He spoke thus at Nkerefi, Nkanu East council area on Sunday venue of the government scribe’s reception: “no visible transformation can be achieved in the state when the interest of rural communities comprising 70% of the state residents are neglected hence the commitment of this administration to give the rural populace a sense of belonging.”
The governor had addressed the people of Ezeagu local council area earlier on Saturday when they gathered along with their friends and well wishers for the reception organized for the deputy governor at Aguobu Owa, headquarters of the local government area.
Ugwaunyi noted that the construction of Nkerefi road and provision of potable water to the people as they requested would be captured in the 2016 budget, enjoining them to be patient.
Governor Ugwuanyi commended the Secretary to State Governor (SSG), Elder Ajah for his dedication and commitment to service, adding that his appointment was purely on merit going by his unparallel track records of service as a civil servant.
Earlier in their address read by the President of the town union, Chief Chris Ogbonna, the people of Nkerefi commended Governor Ugwuanyi for the appointment of their son to the exalted position of Secretary to the State Government. They lamented that the community has been neglected over the years by the past administration in the areas of access road, potable water and appointments, coupled with chronic poverty due to zero presence of government.
The chief celebrant, Elder Ajah thanked his people for the honour done him and the Governor Ugwuanyi for finding him worthy to serve. He assured that he would serve to the best of his knowledge as his appointment was divine.
The governor had earlier visited Ezeagu Local Government Area as a special guest of honour to the grand reception of his deputy. Hon. Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo by the people of Ezeagu local government area, where he disclosed that his administration’s success story is as a result of wise counseling, commitment and cooperation of his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the first woman deputy governor in Enugu State. He assured that with the continued cooperation of the deputy that the state would continue to enjoy dividends of democracy. The governor re-assured them of his administration’s commitment to serve the people better to justify the confidence reposed on him and his deputy.
Both receptions were preceded by church service presided over by a Catholic Priest, Rev. Monsignor Anthony Okwulehe, Dean of Aguobu Owa Deanery for the deputy governor’s reception, who reminded those in authority to know that all power comes from God, urging them to embark on programmes that touch the lives of the people.
Also, the Pentecostal Priest of Grace of God Mission, Rev Joseph Onuchukwu in his homily likened Elder Ajah to the biblical example of the righteous leader who will lead with the fear of God. He charged leaders to lead with the fear of God.