Gov Nwifuru’s Peace-Building Efforts, Agricultural Reforms Strengthening Ebonyi — Nwedu
Hon. Nwedu Abraham Nwedu, a member of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service (EBSIRS), has commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what he described as his administration’s commitment to peace, food security, and the welfare of citizens across Ebonyi State.
Nwedu, in a statement made available to journalists, said the relative peace and stability being experienced across the state should be viewed as the product of deliberate leadership, dialogue, and policies that prioritise the wellbeing of the people.
According to him, Governor Nwifuru has consistently demonstrated a preference for dialogue and reconciliation in addressing conflicts, while placing development and the welfare of Ebonyians at the centre of his administration.
He said peace remains a fundamental requirement for economic growth, noting that farmers need a secure environment to cultivate their land, traders need safe markets to conduct business, and children need stability to pursue their education.
Agriculture and Food Security
Nwedu also highlighted the administration's intervention in agriculture, particularly the revival of the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the state's agricultural value chain.
He said the revitalisation of the plant would improve access to fertilizer for farmers and reduce dependence on supplies from outside the state.
According to him, the plant's reported production capacity of about 700 to 800 bags of fertilizer per hour, with the potential to serve approximately 65,000 farmers, demonstrates the scale of the intervention.
Nwedu said the administration's stated distinction between fertilizer produced for government-supported agricultural programmes and products intended for the open market would also help promote accountability and transparency in distribution.
He noted that improved access to fertilizer, combined with mechanisation, farmer training, irrigation, improved seedlings, and agricultural processing, could increase crop yields and strengthen food security across Ebonyi.
The EBSIRS member said the impact of agricultural development goes beyond farming, explaining that increased production creates opportunities for processors, transporters, traders, market women, and other participants in the agricultural value chain.
Peace as Foundation for Development
Nwedu maintained that the administration's peace-building efforts have created a more conducive environment for economic activities and community development.
He said the opening of markets, improved movement of people and goods, children's access to schools, and farmers' ability to return to their fields are all linked to the existence of peace and security.
"Governor Nwifuru has chosen dialogue over crisis and development over division. His approach demonstrates that when leadership places the welfare of the people first, peace and development can reinforce each other," he said.
Nwedu described the People's Charter of Needs as the guiding philosophy behind what he called the administration's people-centred approach to governance.
He said the philosophy places the needs, aspirations, and welfare of citizens at the heart of government policies and programmes.
According to him, Governor Nwifuru's interventions in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, human capital development, and other sectors demonstrate an effort to translate the philosophy into practical programmes.
Nwedu expressed optimism that sustained investment in peace, agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital would further strengthen Ebonyi's economy and improve the quality of life of its citizens.
He urged Ebonyians to continue supporting peaceful coexistence and development initiatives capable of moving the state forward.
Nwedu prayed for God's continued wisdom, strength, sound health, and guidance for Governor Nwifuru as he continues to serve the people of Ebonyi State.
