Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru says his administration is committed to the implementation of the new minimum wage of 70,000 Naira. He also restated his commitment to adhere strictly to the Supreme Court ruling on Financial autonomy for Local Government Councils.
He was speaking at the Grand finale of the 2024 edition of Izzi Nnodo New Yam Festival (Ojiji) at Amagu the ancestral home of Izzi Nnodo. The Governor said he has directed the Head of Service to come up with what it will take to implement the New minimum wage.
The Governor commended the people of Izzi clan for holding tenaciously to their culture. He observed the rich cultures of Izzi have distinguished them from others and called for its sustenance.
“Today is the great OJIJI Day, a new yam festival celebration that offers deep insight into the context of the distinguished identity, rich heritage and cultural nuances of my Izzi people”. He emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “This special occasion is a testament to our rich cultural heritage and our people’s unwavering commitment to our agelong traditions”.
He used the occasion to task contractors to ensure timely completion of projects, warning that there will be no sacred cow when contractors renege on project agreements
“I have directed the Commissioner for Housing to go after those that have not completed their projects in Izzo and Amaeze Autonomous Communities.
“It is annoying that as Government we will award contracts, only for contractors to be found wanting. We will not tolerate this. We have given a grace of 60 days to complete all awarded projects. We have road projects spread across the 13 Council Areas”.
I directed SSAs and SAs to go around and monitor ongoing projects in their respective zones. sadly, we are getting reports of some contractors not reporting to sites. This is totally unacceptable. Upon the expiration of this grace, we will go after them”.
The Governor frowned at the indiscriminate sale of lands in the Ancestral Communities of Amagu and Ebiya by some youths, describing it as sacrilege and challenged Elders and Traditional Rulers to checkmate it.
Earlier, Engr Elias Mbam, Chairman of the event commended Governor Nwifuru for embarking on projects that have positive impacts on the people.
“If you look at this government, you all agree with me this Government is doing well in line with its manifestos.
“I want all contractors, all appointees of the Governor of Izzi extraction should shun nepotism. They should stop seeing the Governor as your brother. Such mindsets are harmful, please desist.
“We will resist every attempt to sabotage this government. We must support this government because it is our Government”.
The event was attended by prominent sons and daughters of Izzi.
© Dr. Monday Uzor
