The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Enugu Diocese (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, for his administration’s peace and grassroots development initiatives, which gave the rural dwellers free hands to develop their communities.
Archbishop Chukwuma, who spoke during a Thanksgiving Service for Gov. Ugwuanyi’s resounding victory at the polls, held at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu, stated that the “One Community One Project” programme of the present administration in Enugu State was a good legacy the governor will leave behind at the completion of his second tenure in 2023.
The Archbishop expressed gladness that, “every community can testify that the money (N5m) was given to them” to execute priority projects of their choice.
He also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the prevailing peace in Enugu State and the good governance his administration has entrenched, stressing that the Thanksgiving Service was also to appreciate God for the peaceful general election in the state.
Disclosing the service was in collaboration with one of the support groups for the governor, “The New Era Democrats” led by Prince Okwudili Ekoh, the Archbishop pointed out that “we work together to make things happen at the grassroots”.
Commenting further on Gov. Ugwuanyi’s salient achievements, Archbishop Chukwuma thanked him for reconstructing the historic and undulating Milliken Hill road, Ngwo, Enugu and modernizing it with street lights as well as the Opi-Nsukka dual carriageway, among others, describing them as “legacy projects”.
He equally described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a great achiever, good man, humble and caring leader, who is closer to the poor than the rich and cares for them, recalling how he showed compassion and care to a woman selling sachet water at the Enugu International Trader Fair, who was intercepted by his security personel for blocking his way with her products.
“Gov. Ugwuanyi did not only ask his security men to leave the woman, he also gave her money to expand her petty business”, the Archbishop said, revealing that “he (Ugwuanyi) celebrated his 55th Birthday with the elderly and orphanages” and told those who brought gifts to him, “take everything you want to give me to the poor”.
His words: “Your Excellency, because you have sowed the seed of unity in Enugu State, you don’t discriminate, I went to the Roman Catholic University, Godfrey Okoye University, to celebrate your birthday, to break the barrier”.
Praying for the governor, the Archbishop Chukwuma said: “God will give you the grace to continue your good works without any obstruction. We congratulate you and your deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and all members-elect for the State and National Assembly seats.
