Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is arguably one of the best leaders to have emerged in Nigeria in recent times. Ugwuanyi, even while he was a member of the House of Representatives, representing Udenu/ Igbo-Eze North Federal Constituency, had exhibited acts of good representation of the people of the constituency in terms of his many life-impacting constituency projects, numerous direct assistance to challenged and indigent constituents and his many acts of kindness and interventions to ameliorate the plights of people around his area of influence. He did all these with a good heart and in cheerful disposition. From the egg, the cock has always been detected. Ugwuanyi from his antecedents has proven to have a destiny in leadership. It is something he does with ease. He thrives on leadership as fish would in water and denizen on trees.
Becoming the governor of Enugu State has afforded Ugwuanyi the opportunity to impact positively on people at a larger scope and scale. His passionate commitment to the development of hitherto neglected areas, especially in rural areas, has found copious expressions in diverse ways.
It is said in physics that action and reaction are equal and opposite. It is natural for people to react to governance by way of feedback. When a government is not doing well, people respond to it with air of resistance and disapproval. We have had such cases in Nigeria, especially during the military era. There is a limit to which the people can endure bad governance. They naturally speak out and demur at such government and its maladministration. That too is the way they positively respond to the stimulus of good governance. They praise the government as a feedback expression and appreciation of good governance.
The Ugwuanyi administration commands the goodwill of the people of Enugu State and this goodwill has extended outside the shores of the state. On 25th September, 2021 in far away Turkey, Governor Ugwuanyi was given an award by the Nigerian community in Turkey as the most peaceful governor of the year. The award was received by Hon. Mrs. Bibian Anekwe, SSA to the governor on mobilisation. This speaks volumes about the international acclaim and recognition Governor Ugwuanyi’s policy thrust on peace and security has received.
Few days ago, precisely on 18th December, 2021, the Ukpo Community in Anambra State conferred on Governor Ugwuanyi the title of “Ifezulumba, meaning that which touches every place. His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Robert C. Eze( Okofia VI), the Igwe of Ukpo and clan head of Dunukofia Ancient Kingdom in Anambra State conferred the title on Ugwuanyi during the 30th Ukpo Ofala celebration. The honour was done Ugwuanyi in recognition of his “contributions towards the development of Ukpo and mankind.” This is a confirmation of the reality of Ugwuanyi’s sobriquet, Gburugburu. His kindness has no limit. Ugwuanyi is like the soldier ants that know no boundaries. God anointed him with the art of good leadership and he goes about doing good. This is just one of the testimonies coming from outside Enugu State.
More testimonies abound from outside the state. The other day, Louis Amoke, SSA to the governor on media and publicity reported how the people of Middle Belt led by a high-powered delegation ‘idolized ‘ Ugwuanyi. They comprised traditional rulers and dignitaries from states in North Central Nigeria. “They stormed Enugu en masse to “shower heart-felt praises to Gov. Ugwuanyi as a humble and peaceful governor in Nigeria ‘whose good work helped in the peaceful emergence of Ayorcha Ayu of Benue State as the national chairman of the PDP’ ,” Amoke reported.
Few days ago, a delegation of advocates of power-shift in Nigeria under the auspices of Power Shift Movement ( PSM) conferred on Governor Ugwuanyi the National Ambassador Honour as the ‘Most Youth-friendly Governor in Nigeria in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the empowerment of the youths in Enugu State. According to the national coordinator of the group,Nonso Nnamani, Governor Ugwuanyi has “set the legacy of bringing young and credible youths to centre politics to showcase their capabilities and potentials. We celebrate His Excellency and say this is an honour well deserved and we look forward to more years of distinguished leadership and excellence.” Nnamani has told the Enugu people the truth they already know. Here, Governor Ugwuanyi is known as the ‘Youth O’clock Governor’ (See my essay on that on my Facebook wall).
Quite another is the award of the “Best Pilgrimage Governor in the South East” to Governor Ugwuanyi on 21st December, 2021 by the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC). According to Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, who presented the award to Ugwuanyi, the honour was in view of his “committing resources towards the growth and sustenance of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.” Pam,while presenting the award also said that the commission was impressed at Ugwuanyi’s commitment to God and the spiritual objectives of the religious exercise, stating that Ugwuanyi did all that despite the economic challenges besetting the nation. He disclosed the fact that Enugu came first among the states in the South East that sponsored pilgrims to the holy land in the last exercise. He also pointed out that it was a sign Ugwuanyi was leading the state well, both politically and spiritually.
On the same spiritual perspective, the spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, during their last crusade for the year spoke about Governor Ugwuanyi in glowing terms. He testified of Ugwuanyi as a “good man”. If Fr. Mbaka says you are a good man, then know it that you are a good man indeed. Fr. Mbaka testified also that Adoration Ministry had enjoyed peace, love, and good governance under Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration. The mammoth crowd at the adoration ground had received Governor Ugwuanyi with cheers, jubilation and joyous ululations. They had cheered Ugwuanyi for his humility, commitment to God and uncommon peace and good governance in the state, while Fr. Mbaka again commended Ugwuanyi for his “commitment to peace and good governance as well as his solidarity, brotherly love, friendship and paternal support to the Adoration Ministry.
Even within the state many testimonies as numerous as sand upon seashore abound. Take for instance the tribute paid Ugwuanyi few days ago by the leadership of Enugu Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture ( ECCMA). Sir Emeka Nwandu, the BOT chairman of ECCMA and the national vice president of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ( NACCIMA), Sir Robert Nwatu, past presidents of ECCIMA, Pastor Emeka Jideonwu and Rev. Ugochukwu Chime respectively, during the inauguration of ECCIMA, took turns to testify of Ugwuanyi’s goodness as regards the ease of doing business in Enugu State. They, as quoted by Louis Amoke, “thanked Ugwuanyi for the peace and security enjoyed in Enugu State and all the things his administration is doing by providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.”
That Governor Ugwuanyi has made businesses to thrive in Enugu State is yet another testimony on the lips of Mr. Clem Ifezue, the chief executive officer of Audi Company Limited. Ifezue gave this testimony of Ugwuanyi’s good governance on 16th December, 2021 when Governor Ugwuanyi unveiled the Audi Company Limited and Partners South East Business Hub. He said the choice of citing the company in Enugu was informed by the business survey and feasibility studies they carried out where Enugu came tops, in all the indices, among the other South Eastern states. He commended Ugwuanyi for his commitment and contributions in ensuring that businesses flourish in the coal city state.
Even the security apparatchik is not left out. They too are testifying. While the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State is thankful, the GOC commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General T. A. Lagbaja, testifies. On Thursday, 23rd December, the GOC thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his commitment to the affairs of the Division. According to him as quoted by Amoke,SSA media to the governor, Ugwuanyi’s commitment is “a manifestation of the cordial relationship between the state government and the military.” The General Officer Commanding the 82 Division made the remark during the finales of the inaugural GOC and Chairperson of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association ( NAOWA) 82 Division Football Competition for male and female football teams held at the Abakpa Cantonment football pitch.
Many more positive testimonies of the Ugwuanyi administration abound within and outside the state. The three arms of government in Enugu State are harmoniously intertwined, working perfectly together for the development of Enugu State. Recently, on 15th December, 2021, the Enugu State House of Assembly members led by the Speaker,Hon. Edward Ubosi, paid the governor a thank-you visit at the Government House Enugu after they had completed their Advanced Leadership Programme at Moller Institute, Churchill College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, which was sponsored by the state government. The programme was meant to enhance their leadership and legislative capacities. It is a sign of Ugwuanyi’s commitment to human capital development and individual capacity enhancement in line with international best practices.
The testimonies about Governor Ifeanyi acts of good governance wrought in Enugu State which touche here and there in the state are in everyone’s lips. This is evident of Ugwuanyi’s moniker- Gburugburu – which finds fulfilment in concrete terms. Out of two or three witnesses the truth is established, says the book of life. We have have more than enough witnesses and the testimonies of Ugwuanyi’s many acts of good governance are established.
Bibian Anekwe news added: “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
written by
By Reuben Onyishi
(Ugoachataberu)
Merry Christmas to you.
