Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and fairness in the distribution of basic amenities geared towards the development of the state.
The governor gave the assurance through the Chairman of the Nsukka Urban Renewal Committee, Arc. Chris Offor during a public consultation in Nsukka organized by the committee to seek the views of the people of Nsukka on how best to develop the area for the socio-economic benefits of the state.
Arc Offor stated that the committee was constituted in line with the vision and principal policy thrust of the governor to “open up rural areas, create more urban areas in Enugu State, boost economic activities and reduce unemployment”.
He noted that Nsukka is “the second largest urban area in Enugu State and a University town founded over 50 years ago” and deserves a facelift to be able to compete with its contemporaries in attracting technology and knowledge based businesses for the socio-economic growth of the state.
The committee’s chairman further stated that the governor’s passion for the development of the entire state in line with his campaign promises and broad-based vision is remarkable and desires the support of the people of the area.
He added that the committee is one of the numerous programmes by the governor geared towards development, adding that he (Ugwuanyi) has also embarked on programmes aimed at developing other satellite towns across the state such as Abakpa Nike, 9th mile corner, Emene, Independence Layout Phase II, among others.
Arc Offor who stated that committee which was constituted to among other terms of reference, “identify factors responsible for the slow pace of development of Nsukka Urban” has made progress, maintained that the public hearing was imperative in view of the need to consult widely with the people of the area in order to have a holistic idea of the challenges in the area and make appropriate recommendations to the government.
Those who spoke at the event harped on the need to find a lasting solution to the challenges of flooding, clogged drainage system, poor state of internal road network, erection of illegal structures on waterways, scarcity of water, inadequate healthcare facilities, among others.
The participants through the moderator of the consultative forum, Chief Nnia Nwodo commended the committee for its progress report and pledged the support and cooperation of the people of the area towards its success.