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Henry Umahi
In the beginning, Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, was a glorified village. The state, in general, was obscure and rural. It had little to offer in terms of state-of-the-art facilities.
But things have changed. Coming into Abakaliki now, you behold a beautiful city with enchanting road network, alluring lawns and trees.
Indigenes of Ebony State who had not been home for a while got a pleasant surprise during the last Christmas and New Year festivities. They were amazed at the developmental strides of government across the state.
The state has been transformed, particularly Abakaliki, which is fast turning to a smart city. If you visit the capital at night, the spectacle of the overhead bridge and streetlights is simply enchanting.
Driving round Abakaliki is now a pleasure. Motorists and other road users are having fun while business-minded people are taking full advantage of the facilities by opening entertainment centres and eateries in the city.
Mr. Uche Dike, a returnee from Europe, noted: “I can say that this was the best Christmas holiday we have had in the state. I brought my family home and we had a treat. My wife, a Trinidadian, can’t stop talking about the changes in the state. We were really excited about what we saw.”
Some of the flagship projects eliciting excitement are the three flyovers in Abakaliki and the glass tunnel nearing completion. The glass tunnel is one-of-a-kind in this clime.
Ms. Evelyn Amiara, who runs a non-governmental organisation, said Governor David Umahi’s robust approach and unique governance style are his selling points.
She said: “The governor hit the ground running immediately after his inauguration. He has performed brilliantly in infrastructural development, agriculture and other areas.
“Before now, Ebonyi was the backwater of the South East, but not anymore. Interestingly, Ebonyi is one of the poorest states in the country in terms of revenue allocation from the Federal Government, yet the governor is doing wonders. I think he is just a good manager of men and resources. The state government has also reconstructed federal roads. Hopefully, the Federal Government will refund the money used to reconstruct the roads.”
Mazi Halifax Nwaze, a technocrat, said: “Ebonyi State under Umahi as governor has witnessed unprecedented progress in the history of the state. His administration so far has washed off the age-long stigma of backwardness associated with the state.
“Ebonyi people are now very proud of who they are. This has been achieved by the physical development in the nooks and crannies of the state as evidenced by massive infrastructural projects, with emphasis on township and rural roads, drainage projects and many more. There is urban renewal even as the rural areas are being opened up.”
Nwaze said the excitement was beyond the flyovers: “Umahi also embarked on social protection initiatives such as empowerment programmes for women, youths and traders. Umahi’s road network initiative has never been experienced since the inception of the state. And his all-concrete road technology is setting road construction pace in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, he introduced a variety of agricultural initiatives and the result is that the state has become the food basket of Eastern Nigeria. Ebonyi rice is hot cake in the country today. In fact, if you don’t have Ebonyi rice in your kitchen, you are missing a lot.
“He has won many awards for revolutionising agriculture in the state, among other things. And, if he continues at this pace, Ebonyi State will soon wear the admirable robe of a one-stop shop for all food varieties.”
Francis Ekwe Ogbonnaya, the chairman of Uburu People’s Assembly, Lagos, said the state has become exciting, since Umahi came on board.
“He has delivered democracy dividend to the people in terms of availability of quality health facilities, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, availability of security as well as the uncommon transformation of the landscape through the provision of social infrastructure.
“Let’s assume that the last time you visited Abakaliki was a few years ago. If you take a trip to the place now, you won’t recognise it anymore. This is because the governor has transformed the place in virtually every aspect.
“Abakaliki has become an enchanting town, with a beautiful road network. Under Umahi, it has become one of the fastest developing cities in the country. And that is how it is all over the state. He has totally changed the face of Ebonyi State and the people are excited. Last Christmas was fun galore because the things we used to enjoy in other places were available in Abakaliki and elsewhere. But the flyovers were the icing on the cake of development. We are proud of Ebonyi now.”
Cynthia, a student of Ebonyi State University, said she and her colleagues were excited about the construction of a pedestrian bridge in front of the permanent site of the school.
Another indigene, Mr. Ephraim Imoke, said: “I’ve taken time to look into Umahi’s activities and projects at close quarters and realised that some people simply misunderstand him. Those on the other side lack the accurate picture of the situation,” he said.
