Ebonyi community backs Nwifuru for 2027 governorship election, honours Umahi

The people of Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi state have thrown their weight behind Governor Francis Nwifuru for the 2027 governorship election, while honouring him and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, with iconic awards.

The endorsement and recognition were made at the weekend during the Ishiagu Day and Hall of Fame celebration, organised to celebrate community unity, culture, peace and individuals who have contributed to the development of the area, Ebonyi state and Nigeria.

Nwifuru, who was represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila, thanked the people for the honour and confidence reposed in his administration, assuring that a second term would bring more democratic dividends and infrastructural investments to Ishiagu and other parts of the state.

The governor’s recognition was also linked to his administration’s efforts toward restoring peace in Ishiagu, with community leaders describing the prevailing stability as a major factor behind the successful gathering of the people.

Speaking at the event, Anyim commended Nwifuru for restoring peace in the community and implementing projects designed to improve the welfare of residents, describing the award as a testament to the people’s appreciation of his commitment to Ishiagu.

He urged the people to sustain the peace and cooperation that had enabled residents to reunite, celebrate their heritage and collectively pursue the development of the community.

The Chairman of Ivo LGA, Chief Stanley Anyim, said the peaceful atmosphere in the area had made the celebration possible, recalling that such a gathering would have been difficult during the period of unrest.

“I have seen that peace has come in Ivo Local Government, that is why they were able to perform this type of programme. If it was before, this could not happen, but today Ishiagu people have been relieved from everyday trouble,” he said.

One of the award recipients, Chief Gideon Osi, said his recognition reflected years of service to humanity, citing medical outreaches, scholarships, skills training and other forms of assistance to residents.

Osi said the Hall of Fame should serve as more than a platform for celebrating achievers, urging successful members of the community to use their resources to empower others.

He also cautioned against disputes over land and mineral resources, saying Ishiagu’s mineral wealth could become a long-term economic asset if properly managed.

A stakeholder, Oka Franklin, described the event as historic, saying it celebrated the unity, culture and traditions of the Ishiagu people and could serve as a model for communities across Ebonyi and the South-East to promote peaceful coexistence.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Uchenna Orji, said the celebration was designed to recognise excellence in leadership, service and hard work.

Orji, a former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, commended Nwifuru, Umahi and other honourees for their contributions to peace and development, expressing satisfaction with the renewed unity in Ishiagu and Ebonyi state.