In the wisdom of Walt Disney: “you can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
When Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi took over the reins of government as the fourth executive governor of Enugu state, no one saw the level of defects that the road network of the state nurtured until he unleashed his master plan for infrastructures and social amenities renewal. He gives midas touch to all road projects his administration embarked upon. In the wake of the economic recession which the country relapsed into, twice in three years, worsened by colossal fall in oil price, and the virulence of Covid-19, many governors found enough excuses to justify low-performance.
But that was when Gov. Ugwuanyi gave his all to reward Ndi Enugu for their trust in his leadership capacity. He was a consummate example of the spartan phrase that “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” Amidst harsh economic atmosphere that bedevilled the country, one was prompted to ask: “where and how does Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi get his own fund to executive all these massive infrastructural projects he delivers to the people.?”
And that was his distinguishing quality. To the governor, it is easier to work than find excuses. Enugu state urban/rural development master plan has been there since the creation of the state. His predecessors have made efforts to implement it. The geophysical designs of the plan was perfect. But it takes a man with resolute political will to bring it to fruition as Ugwuanyi is doing. As a disciple of the philosophy of the founder and owner of Disney world quoted above, he was determined to implement the design to the letter.
The flag-off of the full reconstruction of Agbani road Enugu, earlier this month was another eloquent testimony to this. This road is as old as the state, and central to the tributaries of Enugu urban road mesh. But is lacks the supposed design that will enable it serve its integral purpose. Gov. Ugwuanyi as he captured it in his 2022 budget directed the ministry of works and infrastructure to commence full reconstruction of the road.
A statement by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, advised all motorists and other road users to “exercise reasonable caution, and look out for diversionary and cautionary road signs already put in place at strategic locations along the road by the Ministry to ease movement of traffic”.
The Ministry solicited the cooperation and understanding of ‘Ndi Enugu’ and assured the public that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure reasonable, unhindered movement throughout the period of reconstruction works on the road.
“This,” according to the commissioner, “is in line with the Urban Renewal Drive and Upgrade of Critical Infrastructure Programme of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration.”
Call him an excellent worker, Chief servant of Enugu state, or innovator of high repute, His Excellency has imprinted his signature in the sands of time as the governor of the state, and Ndi Enugu appreciates.
Reported by
Hon. Mrs. Bibian Anekwe
The Senior Special Assistant on mobilization and Empowerment to Enugu State Governor
