Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has met with the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, during a courtesy visit at the governor’s office.
The governor shared the meeting on his X page, noting that both leaders discussed ways to grow innovation, science, and technology in Ebonyi State.
The talks also focused on building partnerships that can support economic growth, create jobs for young people, and improve digital systems in the state.
Nwifuru said his administration is committed to using technology to improve governance, expand opportunities, and attract investment into Ebonyi State.
He also thanked the minister for the visit and expressed hope for stronger cooperation between the federal ministry and the state government for the benefit of citizens.
Ebonyi’s Long Search for Improved HDI
The Nwifuru Administration is building on the foundation of the previous administration, which focused on infrastructure. The current Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, embarked on a large-scale infrastructure campaign in the state, building connecting roads and bridges.
Umahi also engineered the building of the first Airport in Ebonyi state, connecting the state to other parts of the country by air. Despite the laudable efforts by the Umahi administration, Ndi Ebonyi still battles poverty, unemployment, and one of the lowest Human Development Index (HDI) in the region.
The Nwifuru administration is tackling this by focusing on human-centric policies and projects to improve the quality of life of the average Ebonyi man. The barrister-turned-Governor sponsored a group of Ebonyi indigenes to study abroad. These selected scholars have advanced to Scotland to pursue their PhD programs.
Nwifuru has now turned his sights to Technology and ICT, another sector with the power to make a world of difference. Nwifuru’s pivot to technology aligns with Imo State’s strategy to empower 20,000 youths through digital skills.
Ebonyi state, predominantly known for Agriculture and cheap labour, could add ICT and digital innovation to its revenue drivers, creating an additional income stream for its local economy.
