Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has announced a minor cabinet reshuffle aimed at reinvigorating the performance of his administration and aligning government activities with the objectives of his People’s Charter of Needs manifesto.
The Governor made the announcement on Monday while presiding over the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting at the Government House, Abakaliki.
He urged EXCO members to reflect on their service to the people of Ebonyi and recommit themselves to the administration’s developmental vision.
Key Changes in Cabinet
Among the notable changes are: Jude Chikadibia Okpor, formerly Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Rural Development; Okenwa Omebeh, previously Commissioner for Rural Development, now heads the Ministry of Information and State Orientation; Prof. Paul Awo Nwobasi, who served as Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary), has been assigned to the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution; Donatus Ilang, former Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, is now the Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary).
Governor Nwifuru charged the newly reassigned commissioners, along with other council members, to redouble their efforts and execute their duties with renewed dedication and efficiency.
Fiscal Planning and Budget
In a statement following the meeting, the new Information Commissioner, Okenwa Omebeh, announced the council’s approval of key financial planning documents, including the: Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU); Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP); and Budget Policy Statement (BPS).
These documents form the strategic framework for the preparation of the 2026 state budget.
Energy Development Projects
Mr. Omebeh also disclosed that the council approved the installation of Independent Captive Power Generation Plants to improve energy infrastructure and boost industrial growth.
The first phase of the project will involve a 3-megawatt power plant at the ICT University in Oferekpe, Agbaja. The plant is intended to deliver uninterrupted power to key institutions and industries in the state.
Additionally, the council approved Ebonyi State’s participation in the Federal Government’s E-HEART initiative, aimed at expanding energy access across five key sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Transportation.
Omebeh noted that the state would provide counterpart funding for the implementation of the initiative.
Business Reforms
The council also approved the 2024 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP).
According to the Information Commissioner, the plan will position Ebonyi State to meet the eligibility criteria for the World Bank-supported State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme in 2025.
