Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru praised the people of Ishiagu community in Ivo Local Government Area for sustaining peace and unity during the Ishiagu Day and Hall of Fame celebration held on Saturday. The event, organised by the community, highlighted the residents’ ability to keep the area calm despite long‑standing interests in its mineral resources.
Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Patricia Obila, the governor thanked the community for honouring him and for endorsing his administration for a second term in the 2027 governorship election. He pledged that, should he win, a second term would bring greater democratic dividends and increased infrastructural investment to Ishiagu.
During the ceremony, Nwifuru, former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Pius Anyim, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, Chief Gideon Osi and other prominent indigenes and stakeholders were presented with awards for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria. Anyim lauded the governor’s work in restoring peace in Ishiagu and in executing projects that improve residents’ welfare.
Chief Stanley Anyim, Chairman of Ivo Local Government, said the return of peace had made the celebration possible. “I have seen that peace has come to stay in Ivo Local Government, and that is why they were able to organise this type of programme,” he said. He urged residents to maintain the peace and cooperation that enabled the event.
Chief Gideon Osi described his recognition as a testament to his years of service to humanity. He cited medical outreaches, scholarships, skills training and assistance to residents as key interventions. “The Hall of Fame should go beyond celebrating individuals and serve as an inspiration for residents to contribute to the development of their community,” he said. Osi also called for caution in disputes involving land and mineral resources, stressing that Ishiagu’s mineral wealth could provide long‑term benefits if properly harnessed.
Community stakeholder Oka Franklin called the event historic, noting that it celebrated the existence, unity, culture and traditions of the Ishiagu people. He expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other communities in Ebonyi State and the South‑East to embrace peaceful coexistence.
- Bar. Uchenna Orji, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, praised the honourees for their contributions to peace and development in the state and urged them to sustain their efforts.
- The celebration was organised to recognise excellence in leadership, service and hard work.
- Both the Ishiagu community and Ebonyi State were commended for the unity and peace prevailing in the region.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
